Dinner

Healthy Oven-Baked McChicken Sandwich Recipe

ByHarper Ellington February 6, 2026February 6, 2026

Introduction

This Healthy McChicken recipe offers a delicious homemade alternative to fast food staples. Featuring tender ground chicken patties with a crunchy cornflake coating, it’s perfect for a satisfying meal without the extra guilt.

A close-up image of a crispy breaded chicken sandwich on a white plate with a side of golden, crinkle-cut french fries. The sandwich has four visible layers: a soft, golden-brown sesame seed bun on top, a layer of shredded green lettuce, a thick, crunchy breaded chicken patty with an orange-brown texture, and a bottom soft bun with a spread of mayonnaise on both the top and bottom buns. In the blurred background, there are two tall glasses filled with a dark soda and ice, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken breast
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
1 tsp onion powder (divided)
1 tsp garlic powder (divided)
Olive oil cooking spray or avocado cooking spray
1 cup cornflakes
1 tsp paprika
¼ cup light mayonnaise
3 lightly toasted brioche buns
Shredded lettuce

Instructions

Step 1: If baking, preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C) with fan forced air, or 450°F (225°C) for conventional ovens. Alternatively, prepare your air fryer.
Step 2: In a bowl, season the ground chicken with salt, pepper, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Mix until spices are evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Divide the mixture into 3 balls, about 1/3 lb (150 g) each. Wet your hands with water to make shaping easier and prevent sticking.
Step 4: In a high-speed blender or food processor, pulse the cornflakes with the remaining 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, and paprika until finely ground to create the coating.
Step 5: Spread the coating mixture onto a plate. Roll each chicken ball on the plate until lightly coated, then flatten it into a round patty, ensuring full coverage with the coating.
Step 6: Place the coated patties on a baking sheet lined with baking paper or a silicone mat. Lightly spray the tops with olive or avocado oil cooking spray.
Step 7: Cook the patties in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, or bake in the oven at 390°F (200°C) fan forced for 18–22 minutes. For conventional ovens, bake at 450°F (225°C). The patties are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating turns golden brown.
Step 8: While the patties cook, lightly toast the inside halves of the brioche buns in a pan with a little avocado or olive oil spray.
Step 9: To assemble, spread 1 tablespoon of light mayonnaise on the bottom half of each brioche bun.
Step 10: Place a cooked McChicken patty on the mayo-covered bun, then add a small handful of finely shredded lettuce.
Step 11: Spread another tablespoon of light mayonnaise on the top half of the bun and place it on top of the lettuce to finish your sandwich.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the chicken mixture.
Use gluten-free cornflakes if you want to make this recipe gluten-free.
Try swapping shredded iceberg lettuce with baby spinach or arugula for a different texture and taste.
To reduce fat, use a light cooking spray and skip the mayo or replace it with Greek yogurt mixed with a little mustard.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes to keep the coating crisp. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.