Copycat McChicken
A lighter, crunchy take on the classic McChicken sandwich using ground chicken and crushed corn flakes for a quick, homemade alternative.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken (lean or 85–90% lean)
- 2-3 cups corn flakes (crushed)
- 1 tsp salt plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- olive oil (for brushing or spraying)
- 4 burger buns
- lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
- mayonnaise to taste
- pickles (slices)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp onion powder. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overwork the meat.
- Crush the corn flakes in a bag or with a rolling pin and spread them on a plate for dredging.
- Divide the chicken into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a compact patty slightly wider than your buns. Press firmly so they hold together.
- Coat each patty in the crushed corn flakes, pressing the crumbs onto both sides to adhere.
Cooking
- Preheat your air fryer or oven to 375°F (190°C). If using an oven, line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Lightly brush or spray both sides of the patties with olive oil to encourage browning.
- Cook the patties: air fryer for 12–15 minutes at 375°F, flipping halfway; or oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway. Cook until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Assembly
- Toast the burger buns if you like. Assemble each sandwich with a patty, lettuce, a generous swipe of mayonnaise, and pickles. Serve hot.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free corn flakes and buns. Ground turkey can be used as a substitute but may be drier; consider adding a tablespoon of yogurt or a beaten egg to improve binding.