{Better Than} McDonald’s Chicken McGriddles – Copycat Recipe

I decided to remake one of the most legendary fast food breakfast items of all times, the McDonald’s McGriddles and it turned out pretty darn fantastic! These pancake buns are incredibly soft and have delicate pockets of warm maple syrup throughout each bite. There is a little secret to getting the syrup inside of the McGriddle’s. 

I was introduced to the McGriddles through my friend, Annie. She loves McGriddles and this was always her favorite thing to order at McDonald’s. Of course I had heard and seen the name hundreds of times, but never realized that a McGriddle was actually PANCAKE BUNS instead of biscuits or McMuffins. Game changer! I actually don’t go to McDonald’s much anymore, but when I do have an urge to indulge in a fast food breakfast, it is always McDonalds and it is always McGriddles. 

This recipe is exactly like the original. The only difference is that they are homemade, so they are a bit thicker, a bit syrupier, and just taste like homemade love (wait, maybe that’s the butter :))

Let’s talk chicken…

I decided to fry up a chicken breast fillet instead of making a “formed” chicken patty. I much prefer chicken breasts over a ground and formed chicken patty any day of the week. The breading and seasoning is very similar to the McChicken but won’t be exactly like the original. But trust me, this is an upgrade for sure!  

Let’s talk syrup….

There are a few recipes that tell you to use 100% pure maple syrup. Well, I am so sorry but that doesn’t taste anything like a McGriddle. You need like, for real, for real, pancake syrup. Like Aunt Jemima or Mrs. Butterworth’s.  

The secret to the pockets of syrup: You actually boil syrup to make a candied solid “glass”. You break it down into small shards and then stick pieces into the pancake batter as it cooks. As it warms, it begins to break down and get gooey inside of the McGriddles.

If you try this recipe, please be sure to tell me about it in the comments below and tag me on IG @BadBatchBaking 

As always, be sure to read through the recipe steps ahead of time as there are a few special tools you will need to make this recipe and to get the desired, classic look of the McGriddle.