What McDonald’s product was introduced nationwide in the United States in 1983?

McDonald’s introduced Chicken McNuggets nationwide in the United States in 1983.

The bite-sized pieces of reconstituted chicken were developed as a standardized, easy-to-eat alternative to hamburgers. Their compact shape and dipping-sauce format helped McDonald’s build a recognizable chicken identity alongside its traditional beef products.

McNuggets had been tested in selected markets before the nationwide rollout. The product’s success encouraged McDonald’s to expand its chicken menu and helped make chicken a major part of the chain’s long-term branding.

McNuggets are sometimes confused with the McChicken, a sandwich that uses a chicken patty. They are separate products with different formats, names, and marketing histories.