If you’re a fan of McDonald’s Junior Chicken, you’re going to love this homemade version! Imagine that perfectly crispy chicken patty, juicy inside, and all dressed up with fresh toppings—right in your own kitchen. This copycat recipe brings the iconic McDonald’s Junior Chicken to life with all the flavors you crave, but with the added bonus of knowing exactly what’s in it.
This recipe is perfect for when you’re in the mood for something quick, comforting, and undeniably delicious. With just a few ingredients, you’ll recreate that McDonald’s magic in the comfort of your own home. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to indulge in a crispy, golden masterpiece!
Why You’ll Love McDonald’s Junior Chicken Copycat
Here’s why this recipe is a total game-changer:
Versatile:
Make it your own! You can swap out the toppings, adjust the seasoning, or make it as spicy as you like. It’s a custom creation that you can make exactly how you want.
Budget-Friendly:
Forget those drive-thru prices. With this copycat recipe, you get all the flavor of McDonald’s Junior Chicken for a fraction of the cost.
Quick and Easy:
This recipe is fast and fuss-free. You can have your crispy, tasty Junior Chicken ready in no time, making it perfect for a quick meal.
Customizable:
Want to add some extra spice? Or maybe a slice of cheese? Go ahead! This recipe is totally adaptable to your taste preferences.
Crowd-Pleasing:
Everyone loves a good burger, and this Junior Chicken copycat will satisfy everyone from kids to adults. Serve it at a BBQ or a family dinner, and watch everyone come back for seconds!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your homemade Junior Chicken:
Chicken Breast:
Tender and juicy boneless chicken breasts are the base of this dish. When breaded and fried, they turn into the perfect crispy patty!
All-Purpose Flour:
For coating the chicken before frying. It creates that essential crispiness.
Cornstarch:
A little cornstarch mixed with the flour gives the chicken an extra crispy texture, just like McDonald’s!
Egg:
An egg wash is what helps the flour mixture stick to the chicken, creating that beautiful golden crust.
Bread Crumbs:
Use seasoned bread crumbs for that perfectly crisp and flavorful coating.
Lettuce:
Fresh, crisp lettuce adds a satisfying crunch and lightness to the sandwich.
Mayonnaise:
Classic mayo is the creamy goodness that ties everything together. It balances out the crispy chicken perfectly.
Pickles:
McDonald’s Junior Chicken wouldn’t be the same without those tangy pickles. They add a pop of flavor in every bite.
Burger Buns:
Choose soft, pillowy buns for the perfect sandwich base.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Making McDonald’s Junior Chicken at home is simple and oh-so-satisfying! Here’s how to do it:
Prepare the Chicken:
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into smaller, sandwich-sized pieces. You can also pound them a bit to ensure an even cook. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the Breading:
In one bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg. In another bowl, place the bread crumbs. You’re now ready for the breading process!
Coat the Chicken:
Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, making sure it’s well-coated. Then, dip it into the egg wash and finally coat it in the bread crumbs. Press gently to make sure the breading sticks well.
Fry the Chicken:
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces and fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Make sure to cook them all the way through. When done, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Assemble the Sandwich:
Toast the burger buns lightly on the stovetop or in the oven. Spread mayonnaise on both the top and bottom buns. On the bottom bun, place a layer of fresh lettuce, then add your crispy chicken patty. Top with a couple of pickle slices, then place the top bun on. Serve immediately!
Serve and Enjoy:
Your homemade McDonald’s Junior Chicken Copycat is ready to enjoy! Serve it with a side of fries, or just enjoy it on its own—it’s sure to hit the spot.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350 (varies based on ingredients and portions)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve McDonald’s Junior Chicken Copycat
This delicious sandwich pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
- French Fries: You can’t go wrong with classic fries! Serve them hot and crispy on the side.
- Coleslaw: A creamy and tangy coleslaw would complement the crispy chicken perfectly.
- Sweet Potato Fries: For a twist on the usual side, try sweet potato fries for a slightly sweeter flavor contrast.
- Pickled Vegetables: For an extra kick, serve with a side of pickled onions or cucumbers.
Additional Tips
- Make it Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, try adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or paprika to the flour mixture.
- Chicken Tender Option: You can also use chicken tenders instead of breasts for a quicker, bite-sized version.
- Use Homemade Mayonnaise: For an extra special touch, try making your own mayo at home!
FAQ’s
1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes! To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F and place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before frying.
3. Can I use a different sauce instead of mayo?
Absolutely! You can swap mayo for mustard, ketchup, or even ranch dressing, depending on your taste.
4. How do I make the chicken even crispier?
For extra crunch, you can double coat the chicken by dipping it back in the egg wash and bread crumbs a second time.
5. Can I use frozen chicken patties?
Sure! If you’re in a pinch, frozen chicken patties can be used, but fresh, homemade patties will taste way better.
6. How can I prevent the breading from falling off?
Make sure to press the breading firmly into the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before frying to help it stick better.
7. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can add a slice of cheddar, Swiss, or provolone cheese if you like a cheesy Junior Chicken.
8. What other toppings can I use?
You can add tomatoes, onions, or even a slice of bacon for some extra flavor.
9. How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Serve the chicken immediately after frying to keep it crispy. If you need to store it, reheat it in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
10. How can I make these gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch for the breading to make this recipe gluten-free.
Conclusion
This McDonald’s Junior Chicken Copycat recipe is a winner in every way. With its crispy, juicy chicken patty, tangy mayo, and the perfect toppings, you’ve got a sandwich that’s as good as the original—if not better! Plus, making it at home means you can customize it just how you like. Try this recipe and enjoy the deliciousness of a fast-food favorite, right from your kitchen!
Print
McDonald’s Junior Chicken Copycat
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 10min
- Total Time: 25min
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
McDonald’s Junior Chicken Copycat is a homemade version of the beloved fast-food sandwich, featuring a crispy chicken patty topped with lettuce, mayonnaise, and a soft bun. This recipe recreates the deliciousness of the classic Junior Chicken sandwich from McDonald’s, but with the added benefit of being made from scratch.
Ingredients
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– 2 hamburger buns
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
Instructions
1. Start by preparing the chicken. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
2. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip the chicken breasts in the seasoned flour mixture, then in the beaten egg, and finally coat them with breadcrumbs.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F or 175°C), fry the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Toast the hamburger buns lightly in the skillet or oven.
6. Assemble the sandwiches: Spread mayonnaise on the bottom bun, add the crispy chicken breast, then top with shredded lettuce. Place the top bun on and serve immediately.
Notes
– You can use store-bought chicken tenders if you’re short on time.
– For extra flavor, try adding a slice of cheese on top of the chicken before serving.
– This recipe is customizable by adding other toppings like pickles or tomatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg