McDonald’s has introduced a new McCrispy variation as it looks to gain chicken shareMcDonald’s has introduced a new McCrispy variation as it looks to gain chicken share

On April 22, McDonald’s will introduce a new variation of its McCrispy sandwich, the Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy, at participating restaurants while supplies last. According to the company, the Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy is inspired by soul food flavors of the South and includes a spicy Cajun ranch sauce, applewood smoked bacon and crinkle cut pickles, served on a toasted potato roll. The Bacon Cajun Ranch Deluxe McCrispy with Roma tomatoes and shredded lettuce is also available. Prices vary by market.

McDonald’s rebranded its crispy chicken sandwich a little over a year ago to the McCrispy as part of its broader strategy to gain share in the intensely competitive chicken market. The McCrispy has since become a $1 billion brand. The company has previously added variations since, including a Bacon Ranch McCrispy.

The initial crispy chicken sandwich was first launched in 2021 and has performed well, helping the chain to gain about a point of share on chicken in its first year. During McDonald’s Investor Day event in December, executives said its chicken business is now on par with its beef business, generating about $25 billion in sales. The company has plans to push the gas in this category, teasing an expansion of the McCrispy platform with items like tenders and wraps, as executives have repeatedly called chicken a “big opportunity” for the company.

Related:How McDonald's is planning on winning with chicken

“We see the potential to add another point of chicken share by 2026,” Jo Sempels, president of McDonald’s International Developmental Licensed Markets, said in December.

Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]