McChicken

A sandwiches item from the McDonald's menu. National average price $2.99, 400 calories.

The McChicken is one of the recognizable sandwiches options on the McDonald's menu, and it sits squarely in the chain's burgers identity. McDonald's is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois and has built a reputation around its big mac, quarter pounder, world famous fries, egg mcmuffin, of which the McChicken is part of the broader supporting cast. At a national average price of $2.99 this item is positioned in the value tier of the menu, which influences both portion size and how it is most often ordered — typically as an add-on or part of a multi-item order.

From a nutrition standpoint, a single McChicken contains approximately 400 calories, which represents roughly 20% of a 2,000 calorie reference daily intake. The macronutrient breakdown is approximately 19 grams of fat, 42 grams of carbohydrates, and 16 grams of protein. Sodium content is around 560 milligrams, or about 24% of the FDA's 2,300 milligram daily reference. Diners watching their sodium intake should pair this item with lower-sodium sides and beverages, while those tracking macros for performance or weight management can use these numbers as a planning baseline. Nutrition values reflect a standard preparation; modifications such as removing cheese, sauces, or buns will shift these numbers, often substantially.

The McChicken is built around crispy chicken patty, shredded lettuce, mayonnaise, regular bun. Declared allergens commonly include wheat, eggs, soy; guests with sensitivities should always cross-check the most recent in-store allergen guide, since formulations and supplier sources change periodically. Preparation at McDonald's follows the chain's standardized process, which is one of the reasons quick-service sandwiches items deliver consistent flavor and texture from one location to another. The cooking method, hold times, and assembly sequence are tuned to balance speed of service with quality, and the McChicken reflects that balance — it is engineered to be ready quickly without sacrificing the recognizable taste profile that McDonald's customers expect.

Most McDonald's restaurants serve the McChicken during their full operating hours, which are typically most locations open 5:00 am – 11:00 pm; many drive-thrus operate 24 hours. Availability can vary by location — some franchised stores limit certain items to specific dayparts, and breakfast-tagged items are usually only available until late morning. Drive-thru, mobile-order, and delivery channels generally carry the same lineup as in-store dining, though a small number of items are exclusive to certain channels. If you are ordering through a third-party delivery app, prices may be marked up modestly versus the in-store list price, so checking both options is worthwhile for frequent orderers. McDonald's operates approximately approximately 13,500 u.s. locations, so finding the McChicken is straightforward in most American metro areas.

If you are weighing the McChicken against alternatives, consider what role it plays in your meal. As a sandwiches item it pairs naturally with sides such as fries, hash browns, soup, or a salad depending on the daypart, and with beverages ranging from soft drinks to coffee. The price-per-calorie ratio works out to roughly $0.75 per 100 calories, a metric some value-seekers track when comparing fast-food picks. For a more complete meal McDonald's typically offers combo bundles that pair this kind of item with a side and a drink at a slight discount versus à la carte pricing. Whether you order it solo, build it into a combo, or bring it home for the family, the McChicken represents a familiar choice on the McDonald's menu and a quick way to put real food in front of you within minutes of ordering.

Ingredients

• crispy chicken patty
• shredded lettuce
• mayonnaise
• regular bun

Allergen information

This item is commonly declared to contain the following major allergens: wheat, eggs, soy. Cross-contamination is possible in any quick-service kitchen — confirm with the restaurant if you have a serious sensitivity or allergy.

Where to order

The McChicken is sold at McDonald's locations across the United States. Hours are typically most locations open 5:00 am – 11:00 pm; many drive-thrus operate 24 hours, and the chain operates approximately 13,500 u.s. locations. The official chain website is mcdonalds.com; you can also order through major delivery platforms, though delivery prices are commonly marked up 15–30% versus the in-store list price.

Other Sandwiches items at McDonald's

Compare with other chains

To see how this item stacks up against similar offerings from other brands, browse the full Sandwiches category page, which lists every comparable item across all major U.S. fast food chains in our directory.