Fans of McDonald's iconic Big Mac might soon have a new variant to sink their teeth into. As reported by Cincinnati.com, the fast-food chain is bringing the Chicken Big Mac to the U.S. market. This version swaps out beef patties for tempura chicken but otherwise aims to stay true to the original's beloved taste and structure. The CEO of McDonald's, Chris Kempczinski, taste-tested the sandwich himself earlier this year, hinting at its imminent addition to the menu, though no official launch date was given.

Ahead of the potential launch, McDonald's has also been experimenting with another new item, the Big Arch sandwich. Crafted to add some variation to the McDonald's burger lineup, the Big Arch includes two beef patties, melted cheese, and "crispy" toppings along with a special tangy sauce. It's currently being tested in international markets such as Canada, with no confirmation on a U.S. release. The introduction of these items feeds into McDonald's efforts to rejuvenate interest and attract consumers during a period of economic scrutiny.

While excitement for the Chicken Big Mac builds up, McDonald's is still riding the wave of success from their recently released Hello Kitty x Yu-Gi-Oh! Happy Meal toys. The collectible plushies blend characters from two beloved franchises, although some U.S. patrons voiced disappointment for the set excluding an internationally available toy. Meanwhile, the food blogosphere is stirring over the composition of the iconic Big Mac sauce, with FOX 5 Atlanta highlighting that available copycat recipes suggest it's more than just Thousand Island dressing, suggesting more vinegar and pickle relish in McDonald's proprietary blend.

According to the food influencer Snackolator, the Chicken Big Mac's journey to U.S. diners has been marked by anticipation as it follows a pattern of successful international offerings. The sandwich had to be pulled from some markets overseas due to supply chain issues, but it seems McDonald's is gearing up to give the chicken-fied version of their classic a shot here. With beef prices on the rise and consumer wallets tightening, diversifying the menu with options like the Chicken Big Mac and the Big Arch may be a calculated move to maintain customer loyalty amid unpredictable economic times.