In a possible escalation of the “chicken wars” among quick-service restaurant chains, McDonalds Corp. is testing a variation of its iconic Big Mac sandwich made with chicken patties.
The Chicken Big Mac was first tested in the British Isles earlier this year and proved to be the most popular new product in that region ever, selling out in about 10 days. McDonald’s is now test-marketing the Chicken Big Mac at outlets in Miami. Instead of the beef patties, the sandwich features two tempura chicken patties.
Chicken has been an important growth area for QSRs recently, as consumers trend away from beef toward a protein that’s perceived as both healthier and cheaper. That situation has led to shortages for foodservice trade customers, although there are signs that the situation is alleviating.
"Chicken continues to be a significant opportunity for us," he said in an recent earnings call,” McDonald’s CEO said in an earnings call quoted by CNN.