Did you know that Chicken McNuggets were not initially intended to be made with chicken? Originally, McDonald’s was working on creating Onion Nuggets in the 1970s. However, a conversation in 1979 led to the idea of using chicken instead, which eventually resulted in the creation of the famous menu item.
The transition from concept to menu took several years, as McDonald’s had to collaborate with the team behind the Filet-O-Fish sandwich to perfect the recipe. Chicken McNuggets were finally introduced in 1983.
McNuggets are known for their distinctive shapes, which include a boot, bone/bow tie, bell, and ball. After their initial release in the United States, McNuggets quickly became an international sensation, reaching countries like Canada, Japan, France, and Germany by 1984, and the UK by 1985. Poland joined the list in 1997.
Initially, McNuggets were accompanied by four dipping sauces: Honey, Sweet and Sour, Hot Mustard, and Barbecue. Over the years, McDonald’s has introduced over 25 different sauces in the U.S., including Green Chili Salsa, Habanero Ranch, and Cranberry Orange. One of the most popular sauces, Szechuan Sauce, has made multiple comebacks, with its most recent reintroduction in 2022 as an app-exclusive offer.
The available quantities of McNuggets have also changed over the years. While today you can purchase them in 4-, 6-, 10-, and 20-piece options, the original choices in 1983 were 6, 9, or 20 pieces. Occasionally, McDonald’s has offered promotions with a 50-piece option.
The chicken used for McNuggets primarily comes from four states: Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia, where the chain’s suppliers are located.
In 2020, McDonald’s introduced Spicy Chicken McNuggets with cayenne pepper-flaked tempura breading, marking the first flavor change since their initial release. To celebrate, McDonald’s offered a “Spicesurance” promotion, giving customers a free second 6-piece McNugget for those who found the heat too intense.
McNuggets are now made with white meat, a change that occurred in 2003. Previously, a mix of white and dark meat was used.
McDonald’s has also experimented with plant-based McNuggets, testing Veggie McPlant Nuggets made from pea and wheat proteins. While these were available across France, they have not yet been widely released in the United States.
In 2020, McDonald’s introduced a new McNugget style in the UK, inspired by the katsu curry trend. These nuggets were coated in Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs and served with a curry dipping sauce.
One of the most unique McNuggets was sold for $8,100 on eBay in 2012. This particular nugget was said to resemble George Washington, leading a Nebraska woman to start bidding at $100 and achieving an impressive final sale.
These fascinating tidbits highlight the rich history and global appeal of McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets.
