What McDonald’s menu brand was introduced nationally in the United States in 1983?

Chicken McNuggets were introduced nationally in the United States in 1983.

McDonald’s had tested the bite-sized chicken pieces earlier, but the product reached nationwide U.S. availability in 1983. The pieces were designed to be easy to portion, cook, serve, and eat, fitting the chain’s emphasis on standardized preparation and recognizable product branding.

The product became one of McDonald’s best-known menu names. Its “Mc” prefix connected it to the company’s broader naming system, while the compact nugget shape distinguished it from burgers and larger fried chicken products.

Chicken McNuggets are sometimes confused with the McChicken sandwich, which is a separate menu item. They also differ from the Chicken Selects line introduced later. The 1983 date identifies the national U.S. launch, not the earlier product development and testing period.