Chicken McNuggets were introduced nationally by McDonald’s in 1983 and became a major part of its brand identity.
McDonald’s first tested the bite-sized chicken product before expanding it across the United States. The pieces were designed for consistent preparation and easy dipping, fitting the chain’s emphasis on standardized service and recognizable menu formats.
The product helped McDonald’s broaden its appeal beyond hamburgers and fries. Its branding also supported family-oriented advertising, children’s promotions, and limited-time sauces. Chicken McNuggets remain one of the company’s most recognizable menu names.
The McChicken is a different product, generally presented as a chicken sandwich. The Filet-O-Fish is a fish sandwich introduced much earlier, while Chicken Selects were a later chicken-strip product.