Which McDonald’s menu item received the brand name “McNuggets” when it launched nationally in 1983?

Chicken McNuggets received the McDonald’s brand name when they launched nationally in 1983.

McDonald’s introduced the bite-sized, breaded chicken pieces after developing a product that could be prepared consistently in its restaurants. The nationally launched item was marketed in a distinctive shape and served with dipping sauces, helping it become a major part of the company’s family and convenience branding.

The “Mc” prefix connected the product to McDonald’s naming conventions, but the item’s branding also depended on its plural name and compact form. McNuggets became especially important in children’s meals and promotional campaigns, including Happy Meal offerings.

The item is sometimes confused with the McChicken, which is a chicken sandwich, or with later chicken products sold in some countries. “Chicken McNuggets” is the original and canonical product name for the bite-sized item introduced nationally in 1983.