Which McDonald’s product name was used for the chicken nuggets launched nationally in 1983?

McDonald’s used the name Chicken McNuggets for its nationally launched chicken nuggets in 1983.

The product was developed after McDonald’s sought a chicken item that could be prepared and served in a format similar to its popular fried foods. Food scientists and suppliers worked on a consistent shaped, breaded chicken product suitable for high-volume restaurant service.

Chicken McNuggets had been tested in selected markets before their national introduction. Their standardized shapes and branded name helped McDonald’s build a major chicken category alongside hamburgers and fish sandwiches.

A common mix-up is treating McNuggets as identical to every later McDonald’s chicken bite product. The McNuggets name specifically refers to the branded nugget line, while other chicken products have appeared under separate names and recipes in different markets.