McChicken: Price, Calories and Nutrition (2026)
The McChicken is the quiet workhorse of the McDonald’s menu. It never gets the Big Mac’s fame or the Quarter Pounder’s marketing budget, but it has been the budget chicken sandwich of choice for decades. Crispy chicken, shredded lettuce, mayo, toasted bun. Simple, cheap, and consistent. Here is the 2026 price, the calorie count, and the full nutrition picture.
Last updated: September 29, 2026
Table of contents
- What is in a McChicken
- McChicken nutrition facts
- Allergens
- How to customize your McChicken
- McChicken vs McCrispy: what is the difference
- Frequently asked questions
What is in a McChicken
A seasoned crispy chicken patty, shredded iceberg lettuce, and mayonnaise on a toasted regular bun. That is the whole sandwich, and that restraint is the point. The patty is a pressed chicken patty with a crispy breaded coating, not a whole-muscle fillet. The mayo and lettuce do most of the flavor work, which is why the sandwich tastes better than its ingredient list suggests.
McChicken nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount per McChicken |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Total fat | 21g |
| Saturated fat | 4g |
| Trans fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Sodium | 560mg |
| Total carbohydrates | 38g |
| Dietary fiber | 2g |
| Total sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 14g |
At 390 calories it is one of the lighter sandwiches on the menu, though 14 grams of protein means it will not keep you full as long as a beef burger. The sodium is moderate for fast food at 560 mg.
Allergens
The McChicken contains egg and wheat. The egg comes from the mayonnaise, and the wheat from the bun and the breaded coating. The bun may also contain sesame depending on the supplier. It does not contain milk, which surprises some people.
How to customize your McChicken
- No mayo or extra mayo: free, and skipping the mayo drops about 90 calories.
- Add cheese: a slice of American cheese for an upcharge.
- Add pickles or onions: free at most locations.
- Make it spicy: ask for spicy mayo or add jalapenos where available. Some locations carry a spicy version seasonally.
- Double it: two patties, for when one feels too light.
McChicken vs McCrispy: what is the difference
This confuses people, so here it is straight. The McChicken uses a pressed, seasoned chicken patty with a crispy coating. The McCrispy uses a whole-muscle southern-style fried chicken fillet, bigger and crunchier, with crinkle-cut pickles. The McCrispy costs more and has more calories. Think of the McChicken as the budget classic and the McCrispy as the premium upgrade.
Conclusion
The McChicken is the value champion of the McDonald’s chicken range: a seasoned crispy patty with lettuce and mayo for just 390 calories at a from-$3.89 price that is hard to beat anywhere. It will not impress fans of premium chicken sandwiches, but as a cheap, satisfying lunch it is difficult to fault. Pair it with the $5 Meal Deal and it becomes one of the best bargains in fast food.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a McChicken in 2026?
The McChicken starts from $3.89 in most US markets. Prices vary by franchise location.
How many calories are in a McChicken?
One McChicken has 390 calories.
Is the McChicken real chicken?
The patty is made from chicken, but it is a pressed and seasoned patty rather than a whole chicken breast fillet. The McCrispy is the whole-muscle option.
Is the McChicken part of the $5 Meal Deal?
Yes. The McChicken is one of the two sandwich choices in the $5 Meal Deal, alongside the McDouble. The deal adds 4-piece nuggets, small fries, and a small drink.
Does the McChicken contain dairy?
No milk is listed in the standard build. The main allergens are egg from the mayo and wheat from the bun and coating.
What is the healthiest way to order a McChicken?
Hold the mayo to cut about 90 calories and several grams of fat. It is already one of the lower-calorie sandwiches on the menu.
ManuBite Team. We track fast food prices and nutrition across the USA so you always know what your meal really costs, in dollars and in calories.
Craving more McDonald’s classics? Read our Big Mac guide and our medium Fries guide for prices, calories and nutrition facts.
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