McDonald's Rolls Out Chicken Burgers in Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay area McDonald’s customers are the first in the country to get to sample a potential new menu item. The chicken burger was added to local menus this week.

Available in two flavors, classic and signature, the sandwich features ground chicken that “is grilled to perfection and perfectly complemented with tasty veggies and tempting, savory sauces all carefully assembled on a new gourmet bun,” the chain announced in a media release. The Classic features a quarter-pound burger, red onions, lettuce, tomatoes and ranch sauce. The Signature offers grilled onions, lettuce, tomatoes and a sweet and tangy sauce.

The burgers were developed by McDonald’s owner/operators from the Tampa Bay area along with their chicken supplier Keystone Foods, the chain announced.

“The McDonald’s system has a proud history rooted in local franchisees’ understanding of their local marketplace and its customers’ needs,” said Blake Casper, owner of many of the region’s franchises. “Following in the footsteps of the owner/operators that brought us iconic sandwiches like the Big Mac, Filet-O-Fish and the Egg McMuffin, the Tampa Bay McDonald’s owner/operators are pleased to offer our customers a new way to enjoy a burger.”

Casper explained that the burger idea was driven by customer demand in the Tampa Bay market for a leaner burger option. The new burgers have 28 grams of protein and 400 calories or less.

The patties used in the burgers are made from an equal blend of ground white and dark meat chicken. Spices, including garlic and onion powder, are used to add flavor to the meat. The burgers are available in the two varieties or may be substituted in place of beef on other sandwiches, but upcharges may apply.

How long the chicken burger will be around depends on customer reactions, McDonald’s officials say. Those reactions will also determine whether the new menu offering is extended beyond the Tampa Bay area.

The burgers are now available only at participating McDonald’s in Tampa Bay.

Have you checked out the new chicken burger yet? Tell us what you thought by commenting below!

Photo courtesy of McDonald’s