Chicken McNuggets was the product name McDonald's used for its nationally introduced bite-sized chicken pieces in 1983.
McDonald's tested the product before launching it nationwide. The pieces were formed from chicken meat, coated, and cooked for quick service. Their compact shape and branded name made them easy to advertise, order, and recognize across the chain.
The McNuggets name followed McDonald's established use of the “Mc” prefix in product branding. It connected a new menu category to the company's existing identity while distinguishing the item from ordinary fried chicken. The product became one of the chain's most recognizable menu brands.
The item is often associated with the 1979 debut of McDonald's Chicken McNuggets, but that date refers to an earlier market introduction. The national rollout occurred in 1983, which is the key date for the product's wider branding history.