Which McDonald's product received the name Chicken McNuggets when it launched nationally in 1983?

The McDonald's product that launched nationally in 1983 under the name Chicken McNuggets was Chicken McNuggets.

McDonald's had tested the bite-sized breaded chicken pieces before the national rollout. The product was developed as a standardized, easy-to-eat chicken item that could fit the chain's fast-service system and appeal to families.

The McNuggets name became a major branding achievement because it combined “chicken” with McDonald's familiar “Mc” naming style. That made the product feel connected to the rest of the menu while giving it a distinctive identity of its own.

A common mix-up is dating the product to its earlier test-market appearances. The nationally significant launch date is 1983. McDonald's also introduced different dipping sauces and promotional packaging over time, but those later variations did not replace the core Chicken McNuggets name.