McDonald’s Japan is pausing its new Zakuzaku Juicy Mac chicken sandwiches nationwide from Nov. 13 after demand outran the chicken supply. It expects them back by the end of November.
Image: McDonald’s Japan via Dexerto
Turns out a crunchy chicken sandwich can be too popular.
McDonald’s Japan is pulling its new Zakuzaku Juicy Mac chicken sandwiches from menus nationwide starting Friday, Nov. 13, less than a month after they launched. Sales came in stronger than expected, and the chain can’t get enough chicken patties to keep up, according to the company’s announcement, as reported by Dexerto.
This only affects McDonald’s in Japan. U.S. menus aren’t changing.
Which McDonald’s Japan sandwiches are being pulled?
Seven items, according to McDonald’s Japan:
Zakuzaku Juicy Mac
Spicy Zakuzaku Juicy Mac
Teriyaki Chicken Juicy Mac
Double Zakuzaku Juicy Mac
Double Spicy Zakuzaku Juicy Mac
Double Teriyaki Chicken Juicy Mac
Zakuzaku Juicy Momo Chicken, a chicken side
The limited-time Cheese Cheese Teriyaki Chicken Juicy Mac will also end earlier than planned. Some restaurants may run out before Nov. 13.
Why is McDonald’s Japan pausing the chicken sandwiches?
Because too many people bought them. McDonald’s Japan said “stronger-than-expected sales” made it hard to secure enough chicken patties, Dexerto reported.
The company apologized to customers and thanked them for their understanding. For a brand-new menu item, selling out this fast is a good problem, just not for hungry fans.
What is the Zakuzaku Juicy Mac?
A chicken sandwich built on a whole chicken thigh fillet in a wavy, extra-crispy batter. “Zakuzaku” is a Japanese word for a crunchy sound, like biting into something crisp.
McDonald’s Japan spent five years developing the chicken, food site Impress Watch reported. It launched Oct. 21 as a permanent menu item, with actor Hiroshi Abe starring in its TV commercials.
How much does the Zakuzaku Juicy Mac cost?
From 460 yen on its own and 740 yen for a value set, Impress Watch reported. The spicy version starts at 470 yen.
The original comes with a mustard tartar sauce and black pepper. The spicy one uses a chili and garlic sauce, and the teriyaki version adds a ginger-garlic teriyaki sauce with a sweet lemon sauce.
The Double versions are Night Mac items, sold after 5 p.m.
When will the Zakuzaku Juicy Mac come back?
By the end of November, McDonald’s Japan expects. It hasn’t set an exact date and says it will post updates on its website.
What chicken can you still get at McDonald’s Japan?
The classics. Chicken McNuggets, the McChicken and the Chicken McMuffin are still on the menu, along with other Night Mac items, according to Dexerto.
Will the Zakuzaku Juicy Mac come to the U.S.?
McDonald’s hasn’t said so. For now, it’s a Japan-only sandwich.
U.S. fans who want crunchy chicken can stick with the McCrispy and Spicy McCrispy, McDonald’s crispy chicken sandwiches in the States, or the classic McChicken. The big difference is the meat: Japan’s version uses a whole thigh fillet, which tends to be juicier than breast meat.
Has McDonald’s Japan had shortages before?
Yes. In December 2021, McDonald’s Japan cut its medium and large fries for about a week because shipping delays held up potato imports, Reuters reported at the time. Only small fries were sold.
Heading to Japan for Tokyo Disney Resort?
Plan around the gap. If you’re flying in for Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea before the end of November, you may miss the Zakuzaku Juicy Mac on your trip.
The good news: McNuggets and the McChicken aren’t going anywhere.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
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Hat Tips:
Dexerto, Dylan Horetski (Nov. 10, 2026), the suspension, the seven items, the reason and the return timing
Impress Watch (Oct. 8, 2026), the Zakuzaku Juicy Mac launch, recipe, prices and Night Mac doubles
Reuters via Nippon.com (Dec. 21, 2021), the 2021 fry shortage
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