(Photo: McDonalds)
McDonald’s to debut new nuggets and McFlurry
Starting on September 16, McDonald’s is adding spicy chicken nuggets to the menu. This marks the first time the chain has introduced a new McNugget flavor in the United States since the menu item (nuggets) debuted in 1983.
The new nuggets will feature a spicy tempura coating made with cayenne and chile peppers, according to a McDonald’s press release. Additionally, for a limited time, a new hot dipping sauce— the “Mighty Hot Sauce,” which boasts a powerful blend of crushed red peppers and spicy chilis— and a new Chips Ahoy McFlurry flavor—which features vanilla soft-serve, caramel topping and cookie pieces blended throughout—will be available at participating restaurants.
“This is the first time we’ve introduced a new flavor of our classic Chicken McNuggets in the U.S. since they came to menus in 1983,” Vice President of Menu Innovation Linda VanGosen said in a statement. “As our customers have been asking for Spicy McNuggets for some time now, we couldn’t think of a better time to bring them to our menus. We can’t wait for McNuggets fans to get a taste of these new spicy options.”
With this new announcement, the so-called “fast food chicken wars” continue. Popeye’s kicked off the wars last summer when it partnered with Sweet Dixie Kitchen, a Southern California restaurant, and came out with the fried chicken sandwich. The sandwich was said to be a direct challenge to Chick-fil-A’s famous chicken sandwich.
Wendy’s also entered the fray in the past year by bringing back its spicy chicken nuggets. KFC also tested a new chicken sandwich in Florida, and Taco Bell tested crispy chicken wings at least one location.
McDonald’s finally began addressing franchisees’ requests to compete in the fast-food chain wars by testing two new chicken sandwiches at select locations. Chicken has certainly surged in popularity in the fast-food industry these past few months.
By: Maytinee Kramer
