High protein spicy McChicken burger (healthy, easy & better than takeaway)

High protein spicy McChicken burger (healthy, easy & better than takeaway)

If you love a spicy McChicken-style burger but want a healthier, high-protein version you can enjoy guilt-free, this recipe is going to become a staple. It’s packed with lean protein, big flavour, simple ingredients, and zero deep-frying.

Perfect for families, meal prep, weight-loss goals, gut health, and keeping you full for hours.

This burger hits the spot every single time - and it's far healthier than anything you'd get at a drive-through - and great news is that it is on our Zing Wellbeing plans and in our Zing Wellbeing app

why this high-protein spicy mcchicken burger is so good for you

Most fast-food burgers are loaded with seed oils, fillers, and low-quality meat. This version is different. It uses lean chicken mince, anti-inflammatory spices, a lighter coating made from almond flour, and a Greek yoghurt sauce instead of heavy mayo.

That means:
✔ high protein
✔ high fibre
✔ lower carb
✔ no deep frying
✔ full of flavour
✔ balanced macros
✔ delicious for the whole family

It’s the perfect healthy fakeaway.

ingredients (serves 4)

  • 500g chicken mince

  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 2 tsp garlic powder

  • 2 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp chilli powder

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 cup almond flour

  • 4 wholemeal burger buns

  • 1–2 tbsp Greek yoghurt + dijon mustard combined (for sauce)

  • Lettuce (for serving)

method

  1. In a bowl, mix the chicken mince with half of all the spices.

  2. Shape the mixture into 3–4 patties.

  3. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining spices with the almond flour.

  4. Coat each patty evenly in the dry mixture.

  5. Place patties in an air fryer, spray with cooking oil, and cook at 180°C for 8–10 minutes.

  6. Assemble the burgers with the yoghurt–mustard sauce, the crispy chicken patty, and fresh lettuce.

macros per serve

  • Calories: 480

  • Protein: 35g

  • Carbs: 25g

  • Fat: 26g

  • Fibre: 5g

This macro balance keeps you full, supports muscle tone, stabilises energy, and aligns perfectly with high-protein, hormone-friendly and weight-loss goals.

health benefits

Chicken mince
Lean, high-quality protein (approx. 30g per serve). Supports muscle health, bone strength, metabolism, and keeps you full. Also rich in B-vitamins and selenium.

Mustard, paprika, garlic, onion & chilli
Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. They add flavour without extra calories and support metabolism and immune health.

Almond flour
A low-carb, gluten-free alternative to breadcrumbs. Adds healthy fats, Vitamin E and 2g extra fibre per serve — great for gut health.

Greek yoghurt sauce
Protein-rich, calcium-rich, and gut-friendly. A far healthier option than traditional mayo.

Lettuce
Hydrating, low-calorie, and adds crunchy micronutrients like vitamin A and folate.

why we love this zing wellbeing version

This recipe is perfect for weight-loss, menopause support, hormone balance and gut health because it’s high in protein, anti-inflammatory and uses whole-food ingredients.

It gives you the satisfaction of a spicy chicken burger without the deep-fried heaviness or blood sugar crash.

Plus, it fits into all Zing Wellbeing programs — high-protein weeks, anti-inflammatory weeks, gut-health weeks and family-friendly meal plans.

make it even healthier

  • Swap wholemeal buns for lettuce cups for low-carb

  • Add avocado for healthy fats

  • Add cabbage slaw for extra fibre

  • Use turkey mince if you want an even leaner version

final takeaway

This High Protein Spicy McChicken Burger is everything you want in a healthy fakeaway - high protein, flavour-packed, nourishing and incredibly easy.

Your whole family will love it, and it’s a perfect fit for your health goals (whether that’s weight loss, gut health or hormone support).

Back to blog