Which McDonald's menu item launched in 1983 became a major part of the chain's chicken branding?

Chicken McNuggets launched in 1983 and became a major part of McDonald’s chicken branding.

The product consists of small, breaded pieces of chicken designed for easy serving and dipping. Its compact shape, distinctive name, and association with dipping sauces made Chicken McNuggets especially recognizable as a branded McDonald’s menu item rather than simply a generic chicken dish.

McDonald’s had tested chicken products before the national launch, and the McNuggets helped the company broaden its identity beyond hamburgers. The product became a durable part of the menu and supported later advertising centered on convenience, sharing, dipping, and family meals.

Chicken McNuggets are sometimes confused with the McChicken, which is a chicken sandwich. They are also distinct from regional products such as Chicken Selects or McSpicy items, whose availability and names vary by country.