Which McDonald’s product brand was introduced in 1983 as bite-sized pieces of breaded chicken?

Chicken McNuggets were introduced by McDonald’s in 1983 as bite-sized pieces of breaded chicken.

The product was developed to give McDonald’s a chicken item that fit the chain’s quick-service format. Its small pieces, dipping sauces, and shareable presentation made it distinct from a traditional fried chicken meal. The name also followed McDonald’s established practice of attaching “Mc” to branded menu items.

Chicken McNuggets became a major product identity rather than merely another menu listing. Their recognizable shape, packaging, advertising, and sauce pairings helped turn the product into a long-term part of McDonald’s brand language. The item also broadened the chain’s appeal beyond hamburgers.

Chicken McNuggets are often confused with the McChicken, which is a chicken sandwich, or with later chicken-strip products. Those products have different formats and names. The original McNuggets were the bite-sized, breaded chicken pieces introduced in 1983.