Quick Fix Copycat McDonald’s Chicken Sandwich

I love cooking meals from scratch. But sometimes reality hits and I have to throw something together that doesn’t require a lot of preparation or ingredients. That’s where this quick fix copycat of McDonald’s chicken sandwich comes in. In less than 30 minutes I get to enjoy a rather tasty chicken sandwich. Heck it even has fresh toppings on it and a rather delicious(but incredibly simple) sauce. Hey, it’s not bad when you’re in a crunch, and I often find myself making little changes to mix things up a bit.

Quick Fix Copycat McDonald's Chicken Sandwich

Add a little kick to your quick fix copycat McDonald’s chicken sandwich by substituting Tyson’s spicy chicken patties, adding a slice of pepper jack cheese, and adding Sriracha instead of onion powder when making the sauce. You can make these somewhat chicken wing-like by adding Buffalo wing sauce to the buns.

We are not making 5 star sandwiches here, but that’s no reason for them not being tasty. Nothing fancy, just good.

I recently discovered Blue Plate mayonnaise, which I think is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Also try my copycat of McDonald’s addicting French fries.

Quick Fix Copycat McDonald's Chicken Sandwich
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5 from 1 vote

Quick Fix Copycat McDonald’s Chicken Sandwich

I love cooking meals from scratch. But sometimes reality hits and I have to throw something together that doesn’t require a lot of preparation. That’s where this quick fix copycat of McDonald’s chicken sandwich comes in. In less than 30 minutes I get to enjoy a rather tasty chicken sandwich.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken sandwiches
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 331kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the McChicken sauce

Instructions

  • Heat the chicken per package instructions.
  • Meanwhile, make the sauce by whisking together the ingredients.
  • Toast the buns if desired. Slather both bun halves with the sauce.
  • Add the heated chicken patties, lettuce and tomato (and onion if using) and serve.

Notes

Nutritional values do not include the chicken patties.

Nutrition

Calories: 331kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 405mg | Potassium: 270mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2616IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 98mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat McDonald’s Cheddar Melt

“Bring it back!” “Bring it back!” That’s what a lot of folks are saying when they think about McDonald’s Cheddar Melt, which first came out around 2000, but it wasn’t available for long. But, so far, no luck. That’s when you have to step up and make it at home. And hey, to be honest.. it’s even better than I rememeber!

The real winning flavor on these McDonald’s Cheddar Melts is the onion and teriyaki mixture. It compliments the meaty burger and creamy cheddar sauce perfectly. I grilled my burgers because, well, that’s what I do, but you can also cook the burgers in the same pan that you cook the onions.

McDonald's Cheddar Melt

The cheese and onions are also perfect on hot dogs, so don’t be afraid to double or even triple the recipe. And hey, a dash or two of hot sauce isn’t a bad idea either. But don’t go crazy with it. You definitely do not want to hide the wonderful flavor of the toppings on these McDonald’s Cheddar Melts. Heck, you could just eat the cheese and onion with a spoon!

After enjoying a McDonald’s Cheddar Melt try a homemade Arch Deluxe. It’s crazy good too! If you’re in a hurry you’ll still have time to make a quick fix copycat McDonald’s Chicken Sandwich.

McDonald's Cheddar Melt
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5 from 2 votes

McDonald’s Cheddar Melt

“Bring it back!” “Bring it back!” That’s what a lot of folks are saying when they think about McDonald’s Cheddar Melt, which first came out around 2000, but it wasn’t available for long. But, so far, no luck. That’s when you have to step up and make it at home
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword burgers, copycat
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 762kcal

Ingredients

For the cheese sauce

For the onions

For the burgers

For the teriyaki sauce

Instructions

For the cheese sauce

  • Melt the butter over medium heat in a saucepan.
  • Whisk in the flour until combined. Cook for 1-3 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Whisk in the milk and continue whisking for 3 minutes to thicken.
  • Stir in the cheese and season with salt and pepper.
  • Reduce heat to low until ready to use.

For the onions

  • Add oil to a medium skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the onion and saute until tender.
  • Stir in the teriyaki sauce.
  • Reduce heat to low until ready to use.

For the burger

  • Season burgers well with salt and pepper. Fire up your grill for direct and indirect cooking. Optionally, you can cook the burgers in the same skillet as you cook the onions.
  • Grill burgers to desired doneness.
  • Toast buns if desired.
  • Assemble burgers by placing patties on buns. Top with cheese sauce and onion mixture.

For the teriyaki sauce.(makes more than you’ll need for the burgers)

  • Place 3/4 cup water, ginger, garlic powder, brown sugar, and honey in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • In a small cup or bowl combine 1/4 cup of water and the cornstarch. Whisk the mixture into the saucepan.
  • Heat until sauce is the desired thickness, about 3 minutes. If too thick whisk in a bit more water.

Nutrition

Calories: 762kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 1678mg | Potassium: 623mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 695IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 417mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat McDonald’s Hamburger

Just because I don’t eat fast food doesn’t mean I can’t make it at home. The last time I had an original McDonald’s hamburger, I believe Star Wars was just out in the movie theaters. Yep it’s been a while. But you know, this copycat McDonald’s Hamburger really brought back memories. It tastes just like I remember the original burger to be. Now mine might be a tad larger, but then, so am I. The key to this burger is the seasoning. Make a batch and keep it on hand for any burger, not just this McDonald’s burger.

Copycat McDonald's Hamburger

To make the burger feel even more like the original McDonald’s burger I served it with a copycat of McDonald’s French fries. The fries definitely make you think you just pulled out of the drive-thru at your local McDonald’s, opened the bag, and grabbed and ate a handful of hot fries. Admit it, when they’re hot and crunchy, they’re good. Really good. And a great pairing with this copycat McDonald’s hamburger. Top them all with a copycat of Heinz’s ketchup and you’re set for some good eats!

Copycat McDonald's Hamburger
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5 from 1 vote

Copycat McDonald’s Hamburger

This copycat McDonald’s Hamburger really brought back memories. It takes just like I remember the original burger to be. Now mine might be a tad larger, but then, so am I. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword burgers, copycat
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 10 servings
Calories 259kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the burgers

For the seasoning (makes more than you’ll need)

Instructions

  • Divide the beef into 10 equally-sized balls. Form into thin patties 4″ in diameter and 1/4″ thick. Place onto wax paper and freeze for 1 hour.
  • Meanwhile, place the dried minced onions into a small resealable container. Add enough water to cover by 1″. Seal and refrigerate until time to make the hamburgers.
  • When ready to make the burgers, fire up a grill or heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Working in batches, season the patties liberally on both sides and cook until done.
  • Toast buns.
  • Assemble burgers by placing cooked patties on bun bottoms. Add a squirt each of ketchup and mustard, along with a slice of dill pickle and a teaspoon of the re-hydrated onions.
  • Add the top bun and serve.

For the seasoning

  • Combine all ingredients.

Notes

Just like the original, these hamburgers will be very thin which can be a bit challenging to make and cook. Don’t be afraid to double the size of the patties.

Nutrition

Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 4393mg | Potassium: 346mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 285IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 154mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat McDonald’s Quarter Pounders with Cheese

Obviously, I had to make a copycat McDonald’s Quarter Pounders with cheese. After making a version of the Arch Deluxe burger from McDonald’s, I could not stop jonesin’ for a good version of my all-time favorite fast-food burger from the chain restaurant. Simple but tasty. Sure, I might have cheated a bit and actually made a Third Pounder cheese burger, but hey, that just means I had more yumminess!

Copycat Quarter Pounders with Cheese

These copycat McDonald’s Quarter Pounders with Cheese came out fantastically. It wasn’t until after my teen years that I also became a fan of the Big Mac, which I’ve made at home several times. And now that I think about them, I’m going to have to make them again, and soon. Want an even bigger Big Mac? Try my Big Mac hoagies. Yep, that’s right, all the great flavors of a Big Mac on a big ole hoagie bun. Not into big Big Macs? My Big Mac sliders are perfect for a party.

I used my Weber burger press to get the patties all the same size.

I like to enjoy a big ole glass of ice-cold homemade Snapple tea with my quarter pounder with cheese.

Also try my copycat of Burger King’s Whopper!

Copycat Quarter Pounders with Cheese
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5 from 1 vote

Copycat Quarter Pounders with Cheese

After making a copycat of the Arch Deluxe burger from McDonald’s, I could not stop jonesin’ for a good version of my all-time favorite fast-food burger, the Quarter Pounder with cheese.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword burgers, cheese, copycat
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 1739kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the burgers

  • 2 ¼ pound burger formed into patties. To keep it authentic use pre-made patties from your grocery store
  • 2 burger buns sesame seed
  • 4 slices American cheese get the deli style, it’s a bit thicker and tastier
  • prepared yellow mustard
  • Ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons white onion finely chopped
  • 4 slices dill pickle chips

For the burger seasoning (makes enough for several burgers)

Instructions

  • Combine the seasoning ingredients.
  • Season both sides of the patties.
  • Cook your patties in a hot skillet or on a griddle.
  • Top each patty with a slice of cheese.
  • Toast the buns.
  • Add the patties to the bun bottoms.
  • Squirt 5 little dots of mustard around the patties.
  • Do the same with the ketchup.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of onion and 2 pickle slices to each patty.
  • Top each patty with another slice of cheese.
  • Add bun top and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 1739kcal | Carbohydrates: 289g | Protein: 64g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 20134mg | Potassium: 1077mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 975IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 1543mg | Iron: 21mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat McDonald’s Arch Deluxe Burgers

Probably no one besides me remembers McDonald’s Arch Deluxe burgers. They were a more grown up burger, launched in the 1990s. They were a flop, but honestly, I’m not sure why. I love making copycat McDonald’s Arch Deluxe burgers at home. They are your pretty-much-standard burgers, but with a sauce that is totally different than the special sauce you find on another favorite, Big Mac. It’s the sauce that makes them special for me. It’s not fancy or complicated, just good.

Copycat Arch Deluxe Burgers

The star of the show is definitely the sauce and the special seasoning that McDonald’s uses on all of their burgers, from the Arch Deluxe of old to the classic Quarter Pounder. I always thought that the Arch Deluxe should’ve been a hit (along with the McDLT). Well, I guess I can’t call them all correctly!

I like to use a burger press when I make burgers. It, in combination with some patty papers, enables me to crank out a whole bunch of equally-sized burger patties in no time at all with little cleanup.

After you devour your copycat Arch Deluxe Burgers you’ll want to make copycats of McDonald’s Cheddar Melt and a Quarter Pounder with Cheese. Trust me.

Copycat Arch Deluxe Burgers
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5 from 2 votes

Copycat Arch Deluxe Burgers

The Arch Deluxe was your pretty-much-standard burger, but with a sauce that is totally different than the special sauce you find on a Big Mac.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword burgers, copycat
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 1 serving
Calories 559kcal

Ingredients

For the burger

  • 1 hamburger bun sesame seed
  • ¼ pound beef patty
  • 1 slice American cheese
  • 1-2 slices tomato
  • 1-2 leaves lettuce chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon white onion chopped

For the burger seasoning (makes enough for several burgers)

For the special sauce

Instructions

For the burger

  • Toast the buns.
  • Season the patty with the burger seasoning from below. Cook as desired.
  • Top the hot beef patty with the cheese.
  • Slather the insides of the bun halves with the special sauce.
  • Add the beef patty to the bottom bun.
  • Add the tomato, lettuce, ketchup, onion and top bun and serve.

For the burger seasoning

  • Combine all ingredients.

For the special sauce

  • Combine all ingredients until smooth.

Nutrition

Calories: 559kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 28812mg | Potassium: 569mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 563IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 342mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat McDonald’s McRib Sandwich

Now, it has been a long time since I’ve had a McDonald’s McRib sandwich. Years. Decades, actually. But, boy did I eat a lot of them in my younger years. So I was happy to run across this copycat McDonald’s McRib sandwich that really brings back (food) memories.

These copycat McRib sandwiches come out very tender, and very tasty. The great taste is thanks to a fantastic sauce. The sauce is so good that I doubled the ingredients to make a bigger batch, enough to serve over boneless wings (awesome!) later. Even if you don’t make these sandwiches, make the sauce. It’s the boss.

Copycat McDonald's McRib Sandwich

The addition of chipotle peppers to the sauce is what gives it that fantastic smoky flavor, with just a little kick. Real McRib sandwiches are also topped with chopped onion, which I omitted because I felt that there was enough onion in the sauce. This copycat McDonald’s McRib sandwich was deeelish!

And yes, you need to make some McDonald’s fries to go with your McRib!

Don’t have time to make this recipe? Try my quick fix version instead!

Copycat McDonald's McRib Sandwich
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3 from 2 votes

Copycat McDonald’s McRib Sandwich

This copycat McDonald's McRib sandwich comes out very tender, and very tasty. The great taste is thanks to a fantastic sauce.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, ribs, sandwich
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 755kcal

Ingredients

For the sauce (which is great on anything!)

For the sandwich

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a medium saucepot over medium heat.
  • Add the onions and saute until soft, about 4 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and cook another minute.
  • Add remaining ingredients and stir.
  • Bring to a simmer and continue simmering until the sauce is thick, 15-20 minutes.
  • I prefer the sauce to be chunky, so I used the sauce as it was at this point. If you want a less chunky version, blend the sauce using an immersion blender or transfer (after cooling) to a blender to puree.

For the sandwiches

  • Preheat a large skillet or Griddler to medium-high heat.
  • Form the pork into thin rectangular patties that are the size of the buns. Season with salt.
  • Cook 3-5 minutes on one side then flip and cook until pork reaches 165 F.
  • Brush pork with sauce and flip. Brush other side with sauce. Cook another 2-3 minutes or until the sauce sets up.
  • Meanwhile, combine butter and garlic salt and brush onto insides of the rolls. Place rolls butter side up under broil for a minute or two to get a little brown.
  • Serve pork patties on rolls topped with dill pickle slices and onion, if using.

Nutrition

Calories: 755kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 1635mg | Potassium: 1014mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 446IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 136mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce

Yep, it tastes just like the stuff you get for your nuggets at the fast food chain. We made a batch of this copycat of McDonald’s sweet and sour sauce for dipping some homemade chicken nuggets. As a teen, and when I was in college, I ate my share of McDonald’s chicken nuggets. I always had them with the sweet and sour sauce, and I wasn’t shy about dipping either. Times have changed. Now I make my own nuggets and sauce.

Copycat McDonald's Sweet and Sour Sauce

This sauce freezes well, so make an extra batch and keep some on hand for those times when you want a quick chicken nugget snack with a great dipping sauce.

Copycat McDonald's Sweet and Sour Sauce
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5 from 1 vote

McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce

Yep, it tastes just like the stuff you get for your nuggets at the fast food chain.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword sauce, sour, sweet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 131kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients except the water into a food processor or blender and puree until smooth.
  • Transfer to a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Stir in the water.
  • Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer and continue simmering until thickened.
  • Serve warm for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 214mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 31IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.