Which McDonald’s product branding introduced the term “McNuggets” in 1983?

McDonald’s introduced the Chicken McNuggets product branding in 1983.

The bite-sized pieces of breaded chicken were developed for McDonald’s as the company sought a poultry product that could be prepared and served consistently throughout its restaurant system. After testing and development, Chicken McNuggets became a permanent menu item and one of the chain’s most recognizable branded products.

The “Mc” prefix linked the new food to McDonald’s broader naming system, while “McNuggets” gave the product a distinctive, informal identity. The name is not simply a generic description of breaded chicken; it refers specifically to McDonald’s branded menu item.

Chicken McNuggets are sometimes confused with later poultry products such as Chicken Selects or Chicken McBites. Those names referred to separate menu offerings introduced at different times. The 1983 launch made McNuggets an especially important example of McDonald’s using a memorable product name to extend its brand beyond hamburgers.