Chicken Big Mac Taco

Craving the magic of a Chicken Big Mac and a comfort taco in the same bite This recipe brings you crispy homemade chicken tenders draped in melting American cheese finished with tangy Big Mac sauce crunchy dill pickles and iceberg lettuce all nestled in a toasted flour tortilla It is the ultimate fast food inspired taco perfect for a weeknight treat or a weekend get together

Every time I make this my family goes wild for the crispy chicken and creamy sauce combo The first attempt was a complete hit and it instantly made it onto our monthly dinner rotation

Ingredients

• Chicken tenderloins: choose fresh premium tenders for juiciness and to hold up to frying
• Flour tortillas: pick ones that are soft and thick for that bun like bite
• American cheese: classic flavor and melts beautifully for that signature taste
• Homemade Big Mac sauce: use good quality mayo and sweet relish for the best flavor
• Dill pickles: go for cold crunchy slices for max freshness
• Iceberg lettuce: shred it finely for the perfect crunch and freshness
• Oil for frying: flavor neutral oils like canola yield crispy results
• Wet batter for tenders: use buttermilk and egg for full flavor and golden crust
• Seasoned flour coating: add paprika pinch of garlic powder and salt for extra savor

Instructions

Make the Big Mac Sauce:

Combine mayonnaise yellow mustard sweet relish finely grated onion and a mix of garlic powder paprika and a light touch of white vinegar in a mixing bowl Stir until fully blended and smooth Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld

Bread the Chicken:

Whisk together buttermilk an egg and a sprinkle of salt in one bowl This will make your tenders juicy and flavorful In another dish mix all purpose flour with a little paprika garlic powder and plenty of seasoning so your coating really pops Dip each chicken tender first in the wet batter then shake off the excess and dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour pressing so every nook is coated Let them rest on a tray for a minute so the coating sticks

Fry the Chicken:

Pour about two inches of oil into a deep skillet or heavy pot and preheat to 350 degrees Test with a thermometer or a pinch of flour When hot gently slip in a few chicken tenders at a time so you do not crowd the pan Fry for about three minutes per side until crisp and golden and the inside reaches 165 degrees Transfer to a wire rack so they stay crunchy

Toast the Tortillas and Melt Cheese:

Pour a thin layer of olive oil in a skillet over low heat Lay down a tortilla and toast for two minutes until the bottom is just golden and the tortilla is still bendy Flip sprinkle or lay a slice of American cheese and let it soften for about another minute

Assemble the Tacos:

Spread a layer of Big Mac sauce right over the melted cheese Lay a fried chicken tender on top Scatter on thin slices of pickle and a handful of freshly shredded lettuce Drizzle with another little bit of sauce to finish Fold up and devour while warm

My absolute favorite part of this taco is homemade Big Mac sauce It is creamy tangy and better than anything you get from a packet My kids say it makes everything taste more fun There was even a time someone asked if we could have just the sauce and pickles on bread

Storage Tips

Once assembled eat right away for peak crunch If you have leftovers keep the fried chicken and toppings separate Store cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for three days or freeze for up to a month Reheat crisp in an oven or air fryer Tortillas and toppings stay best in the fridge and can be quickly refreshed

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap in rotisserie chicken or frozen breaded tenders on busy nights For a lower fat option oven bake or air fry your chicken Use cheddar or Monterey Jack in place of American if you want a sharper bite If you like spice toss a little cayenne in the flour

Serving Suggestions

These tacos pair perfectly with seasoned fries or roasted potato wedges Serve with extra pickles and leftover sauce for dipping Chopped fresh tomatoes add bright juicy color on top Or try adding a side of corn salad for a summer vibe

Cultural and Historical Context

The Big Mac was first created in the late 1960s and quickly became an icon Putting it in a taco shell with chicken is a modern spin inspired by the unstoppable snack wrap craze and foodie trends It is a way to enjoy nostalgic flavors in a fresh new format that is all about convenience and fun

Seasonal Adaptations

Use crisp baby lettuces or coleslaw in spring for seasonal freshness Try grilled chicken instead of fried in summer to keep things lighter Add sliced tomatoes or grilled zucchini late in the season for extra color

Success Stories

My sister in law made these for her game night group and said they were gone in minutes One friend tries them with spicy pickles every time I have served these everyone asks for the sauce recipe They are always a weekend winner at our house

Freezer Meal Conversion

Double the chicken tenders and freeze extras in a single layer so they do not stick Reheat straight from frozen in the oven or air fryer Assembled tacos are not freezer friendly but prepping chicken ahead makes last minute taco nights a breeze

This mashup is the fastest way to get both Big Mac and taco fix at home Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy every bite

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What chicken is best for this taco?

Breaded and fried chicken tenderloins deliver a crispy, juicy bite. Store-bought tenders also work well if you prefer convenience.

→ Can I make the sauce ahead?

Absolutely. The homemade Big Mac sauce can be mixed in advance and refrigerated for up to five days for easy prep.

→ How do I assemble the tacos?

Warm the tortilla, add a slice of cheese to melt, spread sauce, top with fried chicken, then finish with pickles and shredded lettuce.

→ Are there shortcuts for busy nights?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked or frozen breaded chicken tenders to save time. Just heat and assemble with fresh toppings.

→ What is the best tortilla to use?

Flour tortillas are preferred for their soft and pillowy texture, echoing traditional Big Mac buns.

→ What cheese is recommended?

Classic sliced American cheese is ideal, as it melts smoothly and provides rich, nostalgic flavor.