McDonald's introduced its chicken pieces under the name Chicken McNuggets in 1983.
The product was developed as a convenient, consistent chicken item that could be served in familiar bite-sized portions. Its distinctive “Mc” naming fit the chain's established product-branding pattern and helped make the item immediately recognizable.
Chicken McNuggets became one of McDonald's best-known menu brands, supported by boxes, sauces, advertising, and children's meal tie-ins. The product name is therefore part of the company's branding history as well as its menu history.
The item is sometimes confused with the McChicken sandwich, which is a separate McDonald's product. McNuggets are shaped chicken pieces, while the McChicken is a sandwich.