Chicken McNuggets is the McDonald's product name for the bite-sized chicken pieces introduced nationally in 1983.
McDonald's had tested the product before its national rollout. The nuggets were designed to be easy to portion, cook, package, and eat, making their compact shape and branded name important parts of the product’s identity.
The “Mc” prefix connected the new item to the company’s established naming system, while the word “McNuggets” made the small size part of the appeal. Advertising and dipping sauces further strengthened the product’s recognizable brand presentation.
Chicken McNuggets should not be confused with the McChicken, a separate sandwich. The national U.S. launch date for McNuggets is 1983, although regional testing and availability came earlier.