Chicken McNuggets became McDonald's trademarked product name for its chicken nuggets when introduced nationally in 1983.
McDonald's developed the product after testing a breaded chicken item that could fit the chain's established fast-service system. The bite-sized pieces were designed for easy portioning, frying, packaging, and dipping. Their distinctive name extended McDonald's “Mc” naming style beyond burgers and breakfast.
The product was first tested in selected markets before its national introduction. By 1983, Chicken McNuggets had become a major menu launch and an important part of McDonald's visual advertising, packaging, and family-oriented promotions.
The name is sometimes shortened casually to “McNuggets,” but the official product name is Chicken McNuggets. It is also separate from the McChicken sandwich, which is a different menu item with its own history and branding.