Copycat McChicken Recipe (Gluten Free)

The McChicken Sandwich has always been one of the most popular of the chicken sandwiches on the McDonald’s menu. If you’ve been craving a crispy chicken sandwich but you follow a gluten free diet, then this Copycat McChicken Sandwich Recipe is for you. It’s higher in protein, has a lower fat content & has less grams of carbs than its fast food cousin and so simple to make at home!

I’m always looking for ways to recreate old favorites that I no longer eat because I am gluten free and like to follow a healthier, higher protein diet. I personally aim for 160 grams of protein a day, so it’s really important to me to have high protein options that can also fit nicely into a healthy diet.

This McDonalds McChicken recipe has become a go to for my husband and I for lunch or dinner. If you’re looking for other easy high protein lunch ideas, you’ll love this Gluten Free Chicken Salad Recipe that also whips up super quickly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s high in protein. This copycat McChicken recipe has around 25.5 g protein in the patty alone compared to the fast food version that only has 14 g.
• It is lower in fat. Air frying the chicken patty helps to avoid the use of vegetable oils that can be high in fat and irritating to the gut.
• It is easy & delicious. Need I say more?!

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Copycat McChicken Recipe Ingredients & Tested Substitutions

• Ground Chicken Breast.
• Almond Flour. I used almond flour in my recipe to reduce the total carbs, which is perfect if you’re watching your carb intake. You can also use gluten free 1:1 flour in its place if you prefer.
• Gluten Free Panko Crumbs. The addition of the panko breadcrumbs adds a nice crunch. If you’re following a low carb or keto diet, you can skip these and simply double the amount of almond flour used or you can opt for these keto friendly “breadcrumbs”.
• Seasonings. You will need black pepper, salt, paprika, ground mustard, cayenne pepper and ground sage.
• Egg.
• Greek Yogurt & Mayo. The combination of greek yogurt and mayo makes for an exceptional McChicken sauce that is higher in protein and has fewer calories than using lots of mayonnaise on its own.
• Shredded Lettuce.
• Bun. You can use your favorite gluten free buns. I used these keto friendly buns because they’re gluten and grain free & also have 10g of dietary fiber, making them a great low carb option. You can also use a gluten free sesame seed bun which really make it feel like you’re eating a real McDonald’s McChicken sandwich!

Expert Tips

• Add a little hot sauce to the beaten eggs to make a spicy McChicken.
• If you prefer things sweet, you can add a little maple syrup to the beaten eggs.
• If you’re looking to lower your calorie intake because you are concerned with weight loss, opt for a lettuce wrap instead of a bun.

McChicken Recipe Steps

1. Season & shape the patty. Add ground chicken to a large bowl & season with salt and pepper to taste. Shape into 4 equal sized patties and set aside.

2. Mix the breading & prepare egg. In a separate bowl, combine almond flour, panko crumbs, salt & pepper and remaining seasonings, mixing gently to fully incorporate. In another bowl, beat 2 eggs with a fork.

3. Prepare the patties. Arrange bowls in an assembly line, starting with the egg and then the breading. Place the tray of chicken patties at the beginning and a clean plate at the end for placing the breaded chicken patties on.

4. Air fry. Place the McChicken patties in a pre-greased air fryer basket. Cook at 390F for 10 minutes, flipping once halfway between at the 5 minute mark.

5. Prepare the sauce. In a small mixing bowl, combine greek yogurt & mayo.

6. Dress the sandwich. Spread the mayo & greek yogurt mixture on both the top & bottom of the bun. Top the bottom bun with a chicken patty, then shredded lettuce and then place the remaining half of the bun on top.

McChicken Recipe FAQs

How much protein in a McChicken?

According to the nutritional information on the McDonald’s website, a McChicken sandwich has 14g of protein, while this homemade version has around 25g in just the chicken patty alone, making a great high protein meal option.

Is a McChicken gluten free?

If you’re getting a McChicken from McDonald’s, it’s technically their healthiest option in terms of their sandwiches, however it is not gluten free unless you make it yourself at home.

Is a McChicken low fat?

This copycat McChicken recipe only has 6 g fat in the chicken patty and around 3 g fat in the sauce, making it 9 grams of total fat compared to 21 grams of fat from the fast food version, according to McDonald’s nutrition facts.

Is a McChicken low carb?

According to the McDonald’s website nutrition labels, the McChicken has 39 g carbohydrates versus this homemade version that has only 12 g carbs, not including the bun. Choosing a bun made with gluten free whole grain is a great way to ensure you’re getting a more complex carbohydrate option if this is something of concern for you.

Can I pan fry the chicken patties?

You can pan fry the chicken patties if you’re not concerned with adding more fat. I recommend using a neutral cooking oil like avocado oil and not something like olive oil as it has a higher smoke point and is better for pan frying. To make the chicken patties in a pan, heat enough oil to cover the patty halfway, then pan fry on medium high heat on each side 2-3 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.

How to store McChicken patties

The pre-cooked chicken patties can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing as they tend to get a little too soggy upon thawing and don’t get quite as crispy in the air fryer as the do when fresh or refrigerated.

What to serve with a McChicken Sandwich

• Balance out the meal with this fresh Watermelon Panzanella Salad
• Level up the french fry game with these Crispy Smashed Potatoes
• Sip on a refreshing Campari Tonic
• Enjoy another copycat favorite, Cosmic Brownies, for dessert.

Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a 5 star rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!