McDonald’s Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy: Copycat Recipe & Variations
McDonald’s has done it again! Their new Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy sandwich is causing quite a stir, and for good reason. The combination of crispy chicken, smoky bacon, and that tangy, spicy Cajun Ranch sauce is simply irresistible. If you’re like me and find yourself craving this sandwich all the time, but maybe don’t want to hit the drive-thru *every* day, you’re in the right place! This article will guide you through recreating the McDonald’s Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy at home, with a recipe so close to the original you’ll hardly notice the difference. We’ll also explore some fun variations to customize your sandwich to your liking.
## What Makes the Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy So Good?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s break down what makes this sandwich so addictive. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors:
* **The Chicken:** Crispy, juicy, and well-seasoned chicken is the star of the show. The McCrispy uses a perfectly battered and fried chicken fillet that delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite.
* **The Bacon:** Crispy, smoky bacon adds a salty, savory element that complements the chicken perfectly. The smoky flavor also provides a lovely contrast with the creamy, tangy ranch.
* **The Cajun Ranch Sauce:** This is the secret weapon! It’s a creamy, tangy ranch dressing kicked up a notch with Cajun spices, providing a delightful kick and a unique flavor profile. The subtle heat is what truly sets this sandwich apart.
* **The Bun:** A simple, soft potato roll provides the perfect vessel for holding all these delicious ingredients together. It’s sturdy enough to hold the fillings without being overly dense.
Now that we understand the key components, let’s get cooking!
## The Ultimate Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy Copycat Recipe
This recipe aims to replicate the McDonald’s version as closely as possible. We’ll cover each component separately, ensuring you get that authentic McCrispy experience.
**Yields:** 2 sandwiches
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes
### Ingredients:
**For the Chicken:**
* 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* Vegetable oil, for frying
**For the Cajun Ranch Sauce:**
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup buttermilk
* 2 tablespoons sour cream
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon dried dill
* 1 teaspoon dried parsley
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)
* 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade – see below)
**For the Sandwich:**
* 4 slices bacon
* 2 potato rolls, or your favorite hamburger buns
* Shredded lettuce (optional)
**Homemade Cajun Seasoning (Optional):**
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, you can easily make your own:
* 1 tablespoon paprika
* 2 teaspoons garlic powder
* 2 teaspoons onion powder
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container.
### Instructions:
**1. Prepare the Chicken:**
* **Marinate the Chicken:** In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the chicken breasts and make sure they are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be.
* **Prepare the Dredge:** In a separate shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. The cornstarch helps create a crispier coating.
* **Dredge the Chicken:** Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each chicken breast thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the flour into the chicken to ensure a good coating. Make sure to coat all sides evenly.
* **Double Dredge (Optional):** For an extra crispy coating, you can double dredge the chicken. After the first dredge, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk marinade, then back into the flour mixture. This will create a thicker, crispier crust.
**2. Cook the Bacon:**
* While the chicken is marinating, cook the bacon until crispy. You can cook it in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or in the microwave using a microwave bacon cooker. Drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease. Once cooled, break each slice of bacon in half. This makes it easier to layer on the sandwich.
**3. Make the Cajun Ranch Sauce:**
* In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream, lemon juice, dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and Cajun seasoning. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you prefer a spicier sauce, add more cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning. If you want a tangier sauce, add more lemon juice. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
**4. Fry the Chicken:**
* **Heat the Oil:** Pour vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
* **Fry the Chicken:** Carefully place the dredged chicken breasts into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
* **Drain the Chicken:** Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This helps keep the chicken crispy.
**5. Assemble the Sandwiches:**
* **Toast the Buns:** Lightly toast the potato rolls or hamburger buns for a slightly crisp texture.
* **Sauce the Buns:** Spread a generous amount of Cajun Ranch sauce on both the top and bottom buns.
* **Assemble the Sandwich:** On the bottom bun, place a layer of shredded lettuce (if using). Top with a fried chicken breast, followed by 4 pieces of bacon. Place the top bun on top.
* **Serve Immediately:** Serve the Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy immediately while the chicken is still hot and crispy.
## Tips for the Perfect Copycat McCrispy
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pot:** When frying the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pot. Frying too many pieces at once will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
* **Keep the Oil Temperature Consistent:** Maintaining a consistent oil temperature is crucial for crispy chicken. Use a thermometer and adjust the heat as needed to keep the oil at 350°F (175°C).
* **Let the Chicken Drain:** After frying, place the chicken on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This will help keep it crispy.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** Customize the Cajun Ranch sauce to your liking by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** Using high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the overall flavor of the sandwich. Choose fresh chicken breasts, good quality bacon, and a creamy mayonnaise.
* **Experiment with Buns:** While potato rolls are the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other types of buns, such as brioche or sesame seed buns.
## Variations and Customizations
Now that you’ve mastered the basic copycat recipe, let’s explore some fun variations to customize your Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy:
* **Spicy McCrispy:** For an extra spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for the chicken. You can also use a spicier hot sauce in the buttermilk marinade, such as Louisiana Hot Sauce or Tabasco.
* **Sweet and Spicy McCrispy:** Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the Cajun Ranch sauce for a touch of sweetness. This will balance out the heat from the Cajun spices.
* **Cheesy McCrispy:** Add a slice of cheese, such as pepper jack or cheddar, to the sandwich. Place the cheese on the chicken while it’s still hot, so it melts slightly.
* **Avocado Ranch McCrispy:** Add a few slices of avocado to the sandwich for a creamy and healthy twist. This will add a richness and depth of flavor.
* **Grilled Chicken McCrispy:** For a healthier option, grill the chicken breasts instead of frying them. Marinate the chicken in the buttermilk mixture as directed, then grill over medium heat until cooked through. This will still give you a delicious and flavorful sandwich, but with fewer calories.
* **Chicken Tender McCrispy Sliders:** Cut the chicken breasts into smaller pieces to make chicken tenders, then follow the recipe as directed. Serve the chicken tenders on slider buns with the Cajun Ranch sauce and bacon for a fun and shareable appetizer.
* **Bacon-less McCrispy:** If you are not a fan of bacon, or are looking for a lower-fat version, simply omit the bacon. The Cajun Ranch McCrispy is still delicious without it!
* **Lettuce Wraps:** For a very low-carb version, serve the chicken, bacon and sauce in crisp lettuce cups instead of a bun. Bibb lettuce or butter lettuce works well.
* **Use an Air Fryer:** Achieve a similar crisp texture to deep frying, but with significantly less oil, by using an air fryer. Cook at 400F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
## Serving Suggestions
The Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to round out your dining experience:
* **French Fries:** Serve with a side of crispy French fries for the ultimate fast-food experience. You can even dip the fries in the Cajun Ranch sauce!
* **Coleslaw:** A side of coleslaw provides a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the richness of the sandwich.
* **Onion Rings:** Crispy onion rings are another classic pairing with a fried chicken sandwich.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a healthier option that will balance out the richness of the sandwich.
* **Sweet Potato Fries:** For a slightly healthier twist, serve with sweet potato fries.
* **Milkshake:** What goes better with a burger or sandwich than a milkshake? Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or any flavor of your choice!
## Making the Recipe Ahead of Time
While the Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time to save time on the day of serving.
* **Cajun Ranch Sauce:** The Cajun Ranch sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually meld together and improve over time.
* **Chicken Marinade:** The chicken can be marinated for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Do not marinate for longer than 4 hours, as the buttermilk can start to break down the chicken.
* **Bacon:** The bacon can be cooked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving.
However, it is best to fry the chicken just before serving to ensure it is crispy and hot.
## Conclusion
The McDonald’s Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy is a delicious and satisfying sandwich that’s easy to crave. With this copycat recipe, you can enjoy this tasty treat any time you want, right in the comfort of your own home. Feel free to experiment with different variations and customizations to create your perfect McCrispy masterpiece. Happy cooking!