Review: McDonald's - Pico Guacamole Chicken Sandwich

McDonald's Pico Guacamole Chicken Sandwich is one of several options they're trying out here in Southern California as a way to add more customization to the menu.

The Pico Guacamole option includes pico de gallo, guacamole, ranch, pasteurized process white cheddar, and lettuce. You get a choice of protein and bread. I went with the grilled chicken and artisan roll. The concept of limited build-a-burger options is something they've been testing as far back as 2014.

The combination set me back $4.79. The price is the same regardless of the choice of protein or bread.

For the most part, the Pico Guacamole Chicken Sandwich works pretty well for me. The guac and pico de gallo gave the sandwich an extra freshness. The guacamole also added a rich creaminess and a slight kick, while the pico de gallo added just a bit of a tang and bite. The lone leaf of lettuce was sizable and fresh.

The included wedge of lime was the saddest part of the whole affair. It was semi-dried but I managed to squeeze out enough juice to give the sandwich some brightness.

The cheese was very mellow and mostly lost taste-wise but contributed a melted gooey-ness. The ranch was likewise mostly in the background.

The chicken was just a bit dry and, given the varied sizes of chicken filets, noticeably smaller than the bun, leaving some sad chicken-less bites. The bun had a nice sheen to it but was a little too dense and solid. As a result, the chicken played a bit of slip-n-slide during consumption. I guess it looks nice but similar buns from Jack in the Box and Carl's Jr. are superior.

Overall, I enjoyed McDonald's Pico Guacamole Chicken Sandwich mostly for the guacamole, pico de gallo, and chicken combination. I wouldn't have missed the ranch or the cheese if they somehow forgot them.