What McDonald’s product name became a major brand in 1983 after its national launch?

Chicken McNuggets became a major McDonald’s brand after their national launch in 1983.

McDonald’s introduced Chicken McNuggets nationally in 1983 after earlier testing and regional availability. The bite-sized, breaded chicken pieces gave the chain a product identity beyond hamburgers and helped establish chicken as a major fast-food category. Their distinctive name used the “Mc” branding pattern while clearly describing the food’s small size.

The product was developed with food scientists and suppliers, including work associated with Keystone Foods and agricultural researcher Robert C. Baker. The national launch followed earlier menu testing, so 1983 is the key date for broad U.S. availability rather than the beginning of every development stage.

Chicken McNuggets are sometimes confused with the McChicken, a chicken sandwich introduced earlier in the United States. The two products share chicken branding but are different menu items, formats, and advertising propositions.