The Chicken Legend was once a beloved staple on the McDonald’s UK menu, known for its crispy-coated chicken breast fillet and choice of distinctive sauces. However, its sudden removal in October 2022 left fans disappointed and eager for its return.
With the McCrispy now taking its place, many are wondering whether the Chicken Legend will ever come back. In this article, we explore its popularity, removal, and whether it could reappear in 2025.
What Made the Chicken Legend a Fan Favourite in the UK?
The Chicken Legend was a long-standing menu item at McDonald’s UK, known for offering something slightly different from the typical fast-food chicken sandwich.
What set it apart was its generously sized, marinated chicken breast fillet, coated in a crispy breadcrumb exterior and served in a warm bakehouse roll.
Customers had the option to choose between three signature sauces: Cool Mayo, Spicy Tomato Salsa, and BBQ. Each sauce gave the sandwich a unique twist, appealing to a wide range of palates.
Unlike other chicken burgers at the time, the Chicken Legend’s larger patty and rustic bun gave it a “more premium” feel, often considered a more satisfying lunch or dinner option. Over the years, it built a loyal following, with many regular McDonald’s customers regarding it as a menu staple.
When Was the Chicken Legend Removed and Why?
In October 2022, McDonald’s UK officially discontinued the Chicken Legend. This move coincided with the national rollout of the McCrispy, a new permanent chicken burger intended to modernise McDonald’s chicken offerings. Although the Chicken Legend had loyal fans, the company made the decision as part of a wider menu revamp.
But why exactly was it removed? According to McDonald’s staff comments on online forums such as Reddit, the issue was less about declining sales and more about product limitations.
The specific shape and build of the Chicken Legend, including its long roll-style bun and uniquely sized fillet, made it harder to adapt or innovate around.
The McCrispy, with a rounder patty and more standardised bun, allows McDonald’s greater flexibility to introduce new sauces, toppings, and promotional variants in the future.
This strategic shift focused on operational efficiency, especially important for fast-paced kitchen environments, where consistency and speed are crucial.
How Did McDonald’s Fans React to Its Discontinuation?
The response from the public was immediate and emotional. Many UK customers took to Twitter, Reddit, and Facebook to voice their frustration and disappointment. For many, the Chicken Legend wasn’t just another menu item; it was a go-to order that offered a more substantial chicken sandwich option than the McChicken or Chicken Mayo.
Petitions began to circulate online, urging McDonald’s to reconsider its decision. Fans reminisced about their preferred sauces, especially the spicy tomato salsa, which was seen as a perfect complement to the crispy fillet. Comments like “I only went to McDonald’s for the Chicken Legend” and “They’ve taken away the best item on the menu” were common.
The backlash highlighted a strong brand-customer relationship, showing how deeply embedded certain items can become in consumer culture.
What Are the Differences Between the Chicken Legend and McCrispy?
While both burgers are based around a crispy chicken breast fillet, there are several differences between the Chicken Legend and the McCrispy that go beyond the name.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Chicken Legend | McCrispy |
| Chicken Type | Marinated Chicken Breast Fillet | 100% Chicken Breast Fillet |
| Coating | Crispy breadcrumb | Southern-style crispy coating |
| Bun | Long Bakehouse Roll | Sesame Seeded Bun |
| Sauce Options | Cool Mayo, Spicy Salsa, BBQ | McCrispy Signature Mayo |
| Launched | Long-time menu item | October 2022 |
| Discontinued | October 2022 | Still available |
Taste-wise, the Chicken Legend was seen as slightly less salty, with more room for personalisation due to its range of sauces.
The McCrispy has a crunchier exterior and is marketed as a bold, modern alternative, but it hasn’t fully replaced the unique experience that the Chicken Legend offered.
Is McDonald’s Planning to Bring Back the Chicken Legend in 2025?
As of now, McDonald’s UK has not made any public announcement about the return of the Chicken Legend in 2025. The official menu and press releases continue to focus on expanding newer offerings like the McCrispy and promotional launches such as the Chicken Big Mac.
Despite the widespread fan demand, the brand appears committed to its new direction. McDonald’s tends to rotate limited-time offers and seasonal items rather than revert to old staples once they’ve been replaced permanently.
While rumours about a return occasionally surface on social media and food blogs, there is currently no verified information to suggest that the Chicken Legend will be making a comeback in 2025.
What Alternatives Are Currently Available at McDonald’s UK?
If you’re still craving a crispy chicken sandwich, McDonald’s UK offers several alternatives that aim to fill the void:
- McCrispy: Now a permanent fixture, this is the closest alternative in terms of size and flavour impact.
- McSpicy: A spicier, more intense chicken sandwich for heat lovers.
- Chicken Big Mac: A double patty version of the Big Mac using chicken instead of beef, occasionally available as a limited-time item.
- McChicken Sandwich: A milder, more basic option with a softer texture.
- Mayo Chicken: A budget-friendly choice that’s smaller but convenient.
While none are direct replacements, they offer a variety of textures and flavour profiles for customers to explore.
Could Fan Demand Influence the Chicken Legend’s Return?
McDonald’s has, in the past, reintroduced discontinued products due to public demand. The most well-known example is the McRib, which has returned multiple times based on popular vote and seasonal demand in various countries.
Social media campaigns and change.org petitions have successfully influenced corporate decisions in fast food before. While the Chicken Legend hasn’t been brought back yet, its loyal fanbase remains vocal, and McDonald’s UK is surely aware of the calls for its return.
If fans continue to rally and show genuine purchasing intent, there’s always a possibility, however slim, that the item could be reintroduced as a limited-time offer.
Conclusion
The Chicken Legend’s removal in 2022 marked the end of an era for many McDonald’s UK customers. Despite the arrival of the McCrispy and other new menu items, the demand for its return remains steady. However, operational strategy and product flexibility seem to take precedence for the brand at this time.
Unless McDonald’s UK chooses to revive it as part of a promotional menu or a limited-time nostalgia campaign, the Chicken Legend is unlikely to return in 2025. Still, customer influence should never be underestimated, especially when it comes to food favourites.
FAQs About the Chicken Legend McDonald’s
Why was the Chicken Legend discontinued at McDonald’s UK?
The item was removed in October 2022 to make room for the McCrispy, offering greater flexibility in sauces and ingredients due to its standardised shape.
What sauces were available with the Chicken Legend?
Customers could choose from Cool Mayo, BBQ, or Spicy Tomato Salsa.
Is the McCrispy the same as the Chicken Legend?
No, the McCrispy has a different bun, seasoning, and sauce. It’s considered crunchier and more modern but lacks the customisable sauce options.
Will McDonald’s UK bring back the Chicken Legend in 2025?
There is no official confirmation or indication that McDonald’s plans to reintroduce the Chicken Legend in 2025.
What are some alternatives to the Chicken Legend?
McCrispy, McSpicy, Chicken Big Mac (when available), and the McChicken Sandwich are among the closest options.
Can customers influence McDonald’s menu decisions?
Yes, public feedback and campaigns have historically led to menu item returns, as seen with items like the McRib.
How many calories were in the Chicken Legend meal?
A Chicken Legend with Hot & Spicy Mayo and a side salad contained approximately 77 kJ (18 kcal), with very low fat, sugar, and salt content.
