It was marketed was a limited edition item, but still—Spicy Chicken Nuggets were only on the McDonald's menu for about a month.
McDonald’s Spicy Chicken Nuggets Are Officially Off the Menu—Here’s Why
Updated Dec. 15, 2023
There’s a certain comfort when it comes to eating at McDonalds. It reminds us of a simpler time, when we were kids and constantly asking our parents to stop after school or soccer practice. While we often feel nostalgic for the menu items that we grew up with, McDonald’s still keeps us on our toes with new items.
But now one of their latest introductions has hit the end of its road…sooner than we thought! What’s the deal?
Say Goodbye to the McDonald’s Spicy Chicken Nuggets
Parting is such sweet sorrow. Earlier this year, McDonald’s amped up their chicken nuggs game by introducing the coveted spicy nuggets. Fried in a tempura batter seasoned with cayenne and chili pepper, the nuggets were an instant hit. And why wouldn’t they be? Spicy stuff is the greatest (just ask Dunkin’).
So, what happened? They were only available for a little over a month, and even limited edition menu items tend to last longer than that. Well, if you’ve had the spicy nuggs yourself, I’m sure you’d understand. It seems, while they were never intended to be a permanent menu item (at least not from the very start), McDonald’s undershot just how popular they would be. That’s right—they’re all sold out.
If I had to quantify my sadness, it would be in the same realm as how sad I was when I heard all-day breakfast might not be coming back. And that’s pretty darn sad.
But Wait, Don’t Fret Just Yet!
While, yes, we are sad that the spicy version of McDonald’s chicken nuggets has run out…that doesn’t mean you’re completely out of luck. There’s a chance your local McDonald’s still has some stock available. Which means you need to get in your car (or order for delivery) ASAP. Yes, right now! You can also make DIY spicy chicken nuggets at home.
If you’re as sad as me, and you need a little pick-me-up, check out these seasonal fast food items we get to enjoy.
Recipes for Homemade Chicken Nuggets, Tenders and Strips
Tex-Mex Chicken StripsI was looking for a way to amp up the flavor of regular chicken strips so I crushed up some leftover corn chips to create a crispy, flavorful coating. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Copycat Chick-Fil-A Chicken NuggetsI developed this recipe specifically to copycat Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets. The first time I made them I knew I had a winner because the whole family fought over who got the last one! For a dipping sauce, combine equal parts barbecue sauce and Dijon mustard, then stir in honey to taste. —Jeni Pittard, Statham, Georgia
Air-Fryer Chicken StripsWhen we crave crispy chicken tenders but don't want to deep fry at home, there's only one method that can compare (and cut out a lot of grease!): air-fryer chicken tenders.
Skillet Plum Chicken TendersIf you love plums, this recipe is for you! I combine the fruit with chicken tenders for a quick, easy and flavorful meal. Serve with brown rice or orzo pasta. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Chicken StripsHere's how to deep-fry or bake crispy, golden chicken strips, plus tons of ideas for how to serve them.
Spicy Chicken NuggetsBoth adults and adventurous kids will love these spicy chicken nuggets. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.
Italian Chicken TenderloinsMy friend made this meal for my husband and me after our first child was born. Since chicken tenderloin recipes can be so caloric, I trimmed down the fat and carbs, but we love it just the same. —Beth Ann Stein, Richmond, Indiana
Easy Chicken StripsI came up with these crispy strips one night when I was looking for a fast new way to serve chicken. They also make delightful appetizers, especially when served with barbecue or sweet-and-sour sauce for dunking. —Crystal Sheckles-Gibson, Beespring, Kentucky
Chicken FriesKid-friendly and quick, these crunchy oven-baked chicken fries are coated with a mixture of crushed potato chips, panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Dip them in ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or honey-mustard sauce.—Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Baked Chicken TendersFeel like a kid again with this recipe for easy baked chicken tenders.
Citrus-Honey ChickenWe raise heirloom-breed chickens, so I'm always looking for chicken recipes. This one with oven baked chicken tenderloins and orange and honey flavors is tops at our house. —Beth Nafziger, Lowville, NY
Fried Chicken TendersThis fried chicken tenders recipe requires just a few ingredients and quickly cooks up deliciously crispy bites that are full of flavor.
Crispy Sage Chicken TendersOne of my mom's favorite chicken recipes used fresh sage. Her version was smothered with gravy, but we like these panko chicken tenders as they are. —Deb Perry, Traverse City, Michigan
Chili Chicken StripsInstead of ordinary bread crumbs, seasoned crushed corn chips coat these slightly crunchy chicken fingers. If your family likes food with some heat, use the full 1-1/2 teaspoons of chili powder. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Crispy BBQ Chip TendersThese crunchy chicken tenders are a little sweet, a little tangy and a whole lot of fun. In half an hour, your family's new favorite dish is ready to eat. When I have extra time, I roast garlic and add it to the sauce. —Andreann Geise, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Parmesan Chicken NuggetsMy 3-year-old went through a chicken-nuggets-and-french-fries-only stage, so I made these golden nuggets for him. Even the grown-ups like them! —Amanda Livesay, Mobile, Alabama
Originally Published: October 23, 2020
