Introduction to McDonald’s New Menu Items
McDonald’s — one of the world’s largest beef burger chains — is on a chicken journey, with a major change coming to menus permanently next month.
The New McCrispy Strips and Creamy Chili Dip
Beginning next month, McDonald’s will debut new McCrispy Strips, along with a new Creamy Chili Dip, to menus nationwide. The chicken strips, made with 100% white meat, and the "savory, sweet and tangy sauce" mark the first time since 2021 McDonald’s has made menu changes that aren’t just temporary.
History of Chicken at McDonald’s
Chicken at McDonald’s dates back to the 1980s, with the launch of the tried-and-true McNugget. In more recent years, the brand has doubled down on adding big chicken hits to menus, including the Chicken Big Mac last fall, and the forthcoming return of the fan-favorite snack wrap later this year.
Previous Chicken Menu Items
But the Chicago-based burger brand has had some chicken misses, too. In 2020, the brand introduced Spicy Chicken McNuggets, but the items didn’t last. Before that, in 2004, McDonald’s entered the chicken finger game, with thick and crunchy Premium Chicken Selects. Those lasted on menus for nearly 10 years.
Development of the New Chicken Strips
In 2017, the chain added a similar item called Buttermilk Crispy Tenders, but those were discontinued in during the COVID pandemic in 2020, reports said. That same year, the idea for the next chicken product was hatching, Chef Charles of McDonald’s said at a press event Tuesday. But, according to customer feedback, the this one needed to be less crispy.
Characteristics of the New Chicken Strips
Chef Charles went on to say that McDonald’s worked with suppliers on the cut of the new chicken strip, to help it stay more juicy and tender. The breading on the strip is simple, he said, with a flour-based, salt-and-pepper system. That’s different than the tempura-battered McNugget, or Chicken Big Mac, he said.
Taste Test
When the taste test came, the strips — of various shapes — looked much like a seasoned chicken tender, but softer and thinner, though still dense. The breading on the long strips were even, unlike other types of tenders that have gobs of batter on one side or another.
The New Creamy Chili Dip
When ripping a strip apart, the white meat held together solidly. No strings, no hidden dark meat – just half a strip, ready to dip. And that’s where the sauce — the new Creamy Chili Dip — comes in.
Best Combination
The spice-filled dip and strip paired well, but another sauce came out on top as well when drizzled on the chicken: McDonald’s classic Honey cup (not to be confused with Honey Mustard). It turns out though, the best combination was a strip dipped in honey first, and then creamy chili dip.
Conclusion
According to McDonald’s, the strips and dip came after "countless taste tests," and listening to customers. "We took our time, listened to our fans and created a product we knew they would crave." Alyssa Buetikofer, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald’s said in a release introducing the new items. "And the best part is we’re just getting started.” McCrispy Strips, which come in three or four-piece counts, along with the Creamy Chili Dip, will be available beginning May 5 at McDonald’s restaurants nationwide.
FAQs
- Q: When will the new McCrispy Strips and Creamy Chili Dip be available?
A: The new McCrispy Strips and Creamy Chili Dip will be available beginning May 5 at McDonald’s restaurants nationwide. - Q: What is the new Creamy Chili Dip?
A: The new Creamy Chili Dip is a savory, sweet and tangy sauce that pairs well with the new McCrispy Strips. - Q: Can I customize my McCrispy Strips with different sauces?
A: Yes, you can customize your McCrispy Strips with different sauces, including the new Creamy Chili Dip and McDonald’s classic Honey cup.
