What McDonald’s menu item was introduced nationally in 1983 after regional testing?

Chicken McNuggets were introduced nationally by McDonald’s in 1983 after regional testing.

McDonald’s developed the bite-sized chicken product to broaden its menu beyond beef and to offer a convenient item that could be eaten easily by children and adults. The pieces were formed, coated, and fried so that they could be served consistently in restaurants around the country.

The product was tested in selected markets before its national rollout. Its distinctive name combined the company’s “Mc” naming style with “nuggets,” a familiar term for small pieces of food. The launch also helped make dipping sauces an important part of McDonald’s product experience.

Chicken McNuggets are sometimes confused with the McChicken, which is a chicken sandwich. The two products belong to different menu categories and were marketed with different serving formats.