Healthy McChicken Recipe- Over 30g Protein & McDonald’s Copycat

This Healthy McChicken Recipe is the ultimate Fakeaway – packed with fast food flavour, high in protein, and made with real, wholesome ingredients. The best part? there’s no deep-frying required – just juicy chicken and a crispy golden coating.

Because sometimes you’re craving Macca’s… but want it macro-friendly.

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Why You’ll love this McDonalds Copycat Healthy McChicken Recipe

Airfryer & oven-friendly

Uses real chicken breast

Super crispy, without deep frying

High protein, thanks to a clever crispy coating (more on that below)

Macro-friendly and low in calories

Tastes just like the real deal

Ingredients for Healthy McChicken Recipe

For the Chicken Patties (makes 4):

• 400g chicken breast
• 1/2 tbsp yellow mustard (or 1/2 tsp mustard powder)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic and onion powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika

For the Crispy Coating:

• 20g Soy OR Whey Protein Crisps- Can sub for flour or breadcrumbs
• 15g all purpose or cake flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic and onion powder
• 1/2 tsp mustard powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika

For the McChicken Sauce:

• 30g light mayo
• 70g plain yogurt
• 1/2 tsp yellow mustard
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• salt & pepper
• 1 tbsp white vinegar

Extras

• shredded iceberg lettuce
• low calorie brioche burger buns- I use the Bon Appetit brand from Aldi (they are 160 cals per bun)
• olive oil spray

Macros for Healthy McChicken Burgers

Per burger (4):

Calories: 340

Carbs: 29g

Protein: 33g

Fat: 11g

Cooking Tips for Healthy McChicken Burgers

Crush your protein crisps finely: You want a good crumb texture — too chunky and it won’t stick well; I pulse mine in a food processor

Don’t overcrowd the airfryer: Give each patty space to breathe. If they’re too close, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Cook in batches if needed.

Use cooking spray: A light mist of spray before and halfway through airfrying gives that “just fried” finish without any oil bath.

Flip halfway: Flip your McChicken patties halfway through to get an even cook and that even golden brown on all sides.

Steam bun: Wrap your burger bun in a damp paper towel (not soaking wet, just lightly damp), then microwave it on a plate for 10–15 seconds. This traps steam around the bun, making it warm, soft, and pillowy — just like the classic McChicken bun. Only do one bun at a time so it doesn’t get soggy.

How to Store & Freeze Leftovers

Fridge:

Store leftover chicken patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the airfryer for 3–5 minutes at 180°C to bring them back to life — they’ll get nice and crispy again. (Microwaving works, but you’ll lose the crunch.)

Store all components separately and when ready to eat, make the chicken burger fresh on the day.

Freezer (Chicken patties only):

Freeze after cooking:

1. Let them cool completely after airfrying.
2. Lay them out on a lined tray and pop in the freezer for about 1 hour to flash-freeze.
3. Once frozen, transfer to a ziplock bag or airtight container.

• They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
• To reheat from frozen: Airfry at 180°C for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. No need to thaw!

OR Freeze before cooking:

1. Prep and Bread the nuggets as usual
2. freeze raw on a tray before storing in a bag.
3. Cook straight from frozen — just add 3–4 minutes to the airfryer time.

FAQ

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour or corn or tapioca starch + protein crisps.

Can I bake them instead of airfrying?
Yep — bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 mins, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked.

Can I meal prep these?
100%. Reheat in the airfryer for 3–5 minutes for that just-cooked crispiness.

Pair with my homemade Sweet & Sour Sauce or healthy Chicken McNuggets +Fries

Healthy Sweet & Sour Sauce (Lower Calorie McDonalds Copycat)

McDonalds Copycat Chicken Nuggets & Fries (In the Airfryer + Macro-Friendly)