McChicken Without the Bun: Carb Count Details
When ordering a McChicken without the bun, you get the chicken patty, mayonnaise, and shredded lettuce. The bun is where most of the carbs are. The breading on the chicken still adds to the carb count, making it a low-carb option, not a no-carb one. Knowing the components helps you customize your meal to fit your diet.
Carb Content: A Closer Look
The main source of carbs is the breading. Lettuce and mayonnaise have very few carbs. After removing the bun, here's the breakdown:
- The Chicken Patty: The patty uses chicken, seasoned and coated in a tempura-style breading before frying. The breading is the main source of carbs in the bunless version. Most trackers show about 10-11 grams of total carbs.
- The Mayonnaise: McDonald's mayo has soybean oil, water, and egg yolk. It has a small amount of sugar, but the carb count is usually low, often under one gram.
- The Lettuce: The shredded iceberg lettuce has almost no carbs, adding few calories and carbs while giving some crunch.
Ordering a Bunless McChicken
Ordering a McChicken without the bun is simple. Say, 'McChicken, no bun.' Some people say, 'just the patty, mayo, and lettuce in a container.' Some places put it in a small salad container, others wrap it in paper. To lower carbs, ask for 'no mayo,' which removes any sugar from the sauce, but this makes little difference.
Low-Carb Options Compared
The bunless McChicken is a good choice, but McDonald's has other items you can change for a keto diet. Comparing items shows the differences in nutrients.
| Item (No Bun) | Carbs (approx.) | Protein (approx.) | Fat (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McChicken Patty | 10-11g | 9-14g | 9-19g | Carbs mostly from breading. |
| Quarter Pounder Patty | 0g | 20-25g | 20-25g | Beef patty has no carbs. |
| Double Cheeseburger Patty | 3g | 25-30g | 25-30g | Contains two beef patties and cheese. |
| Artisan Grilled Chicken | 0g | 37g | 6g | Grilled chicken has no breading. |
Note: Carb counts for the beef and grilled chicken options are approximate and may vary slightly depending on condiments requested. The Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich (no bun) is a true zero-carb protein source.
Ingredients and Carb Count
The ingredients in the McChicken patty show where the carbs come from. Key ingredients like bleached wheat flour, modified corn starch, wheat flour, and dextrose contribute to the breading's carbs. Some of these are starches that the body turns into glucose, affecting blood sugar. This is key for keto diets, which limit starch and sugar to stay in ketosis.
The bunless McChicken is a low-carb choice but not keto-friendly for those on a strict ketogenic diet because of the carbs from the breading. For those on a less strict low-carb approach, it can be okay. Carb counts can vary by region, so always check the specific nutrition info for your location.
Conclusion
The McChicken without the bun has about 10 to 11 grams of carbs. This comes almost entirely from the breading on the chicken patty. While not carb-free, it is a lower-carb option. For strict keto diets, bunless Quarter Pounder or Artisan Grilled Chicken are better due to their zero carbohydrate content. The best choice depends on your diet goals and carb tolerance. Keto Fast Food Guide: Mastering Low Carb Dining
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you order a McChicken with extra lettuce instead of a bun? Yes, most McDonald's will do this. Ask for extra shredded lettuce.
2. Is a bunless McChicken keto-friendly? It is not strictly keto-friendly due to the breading carbs, but it can be used for low-carb diets.
3. How many calories are in a McChicken without the bun? A McChicken patty and mayonnaise without the bun has about 160 calories.
4. What are the key ingredients in the McChicken patty? The patty has chicken, flour, modified corn starch, and spices, including dextrose, which adds to the carb count.
5. Can you get a bunless chicken sandwich with grilled chicken instead? Yes, the Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich without the bun is a zero-carb keto-friendly option.
6. Does the mayonnaise add a lot of carbs? No, the mayo adds very few carbs, usually under 1 gram.
7. What is the lowest-carb meat option at McDonald's? The 100% beef patties and the Artisan Grilled Chicken patty are the lowest-carb meat options, with zero carbs when plain.
8. Can you add cheese to your bunless McChicken? Yes, you can add cheese. One slice of American cheese usually adds a small amount of carbs, often 1 gram or less.
9. What about the McChicken without the bun and mayo? This removes most carbs, leaving only the carbs from the chicken patty's breading. This is common for very strict low-carb diets.
10. What's the best way to ask for a bunless McChicken? Ask for "McChicken, no bun" and, if you prefer, "just the patty, mayo, and lettuce in a bowl or container." This ensures a correct order.
Resources
: https://www.mynetdiary.com/food/calories-in-mcchicken-without-bun-by-mcdonald-s-serving-27364129-0.html : https://www.eatthismuch.com/calories/mcchicken-patty-171896 : https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/product/double-mcchicken-sandwich.html : https://www.mcdonalds.com/ca/en-ca/product/mcchicken.html : https://www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb/product/mayo-chicken.html : https://ketogenic.com/keto-mcdonalds-guide-what-to-order-at-fast-food-restaurants/ : https://www.eatthismuch.com/calories/mcchicken-patty-171896 : https://www.mynetdiary.com/food/calories-in-mcchicken-without-bun-by-mcdonald-s-serving-27364129-0.html
