McDonald’s chicken strips used to be a crispy favorite for fast food lovers all across the country Known for their crunchy coating juicy white meat and signature dipping sauces these chicken tenders were once a staple on the menu But in 2020 they quietly disappeared leaving fans wondering if they’d ever make a comeback
Now in 2025 the rumor mill is heating up with talk of McDonald’s chicken strips possibly returning to select menus across the US While the company hasn’t made an official announcement yet recent hints from customers and food insiders have sparked fresh hope
Let’s explore the history of McDonald’s chicken strips why they were removed what people are saying now and whether or not this fan favorite might be back soon
A Look Back at McDonald’s Chicken Strips
McDonald’s first introduced chicken strips in the early 2000s branding them as premium white meat options for those who wanted something heartier than nuggets The strips were thicker had more crunch and came with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard barbecue and ranch
Later rebranded as Buttermilk Crispy Tenders they remained on the menu for years gaining a loyal following But in 2020 during a period of menu simplification the chain removed them along with other items to streamline operations during the pandemic
The move made sense from a business standpoint but for chicken strip lovers it was a huge disappointment
Why Did McDonald’s Remove Chicken Strips
The official reason given was menu simplification McDonald’s was trying to speed up service during the COVID-19 pandemic and trimming less popular or more complex items helped the kitchen run faster The Buttermilk Crispy Tenders required more prep time than nuggets which remained on the menu
Still the removal didn’t sit well with many customers who felt the strips offered better quality and were more filling than regular chicken nuggets Social media posts flooded in asking when the tenders would return and some even started petitions
Are McDonald’s Chicken Strips Coming Back in 2025
While McDonald’s has not issued an official statement several signs suggest that a return of the chicken strips might be on the horizon In early 2025 reports from customers in a few test markets such as Texas and Illinois noted that chicken strips were showing up as limited-time offerings
Some fans have posted photos of what they claim are McDonald’s chicken strips on platforms like Reddit and X formerly known as Twitter These reports have not yet been confirmed by the company but they’ve generated significant buzz
Food bloggers who track fast food trends have also hinted that the company is considering reintroducing the item in response to popular demand It’s possible the brand is testing a new recipe or name before launching a full rollout
Why Fans Want Chicken Strips Back
The love for McDonald’s chicken strips goes beyond nostalgia There are several reasons why fans want them back on the menu
- Texture and Flavor Unlike nuggets the strips had a real crunch and seasoned breading that many people found more satisfying
- Quality Meat The tenders were made from whole pieces of white meat chicken rather than ground meat blends
- Meal Size The strips were more filling and felt like a proper meal especially when paired with fries and a drink
- Dipping Sauces Fans loved pairing strips with a variety of sauces giving them more customization
With chicken sandwiches dominating the fast food space the return of tenders could give McDonald’s another way to stand out and appeal to customers who want more than just a burger or McNuggets
How McDonald’s Handles Menu Comebacks
McDonald’s has a history of bringing back popular menu items when the timing is right Items like the McRib and Spicy McNuggets have returned multiple times either for a limited run or during seasonal promotions
The company typically tests the item in select regions before expanding based on performance That’s likely what’s happening now with the chicken strips appearing in a few test markets
If customer feedback is positive there’s a strong chance that mcdonald’s chicken strips could return to restaurants nationwide either permanently or for a limited time
What Could Be Different This Time
Don’t be surprised if the new version of McDonald’s chicken strips comes with a few updates Based on current trends the company might introduce:
- A new name like “Classic Crispy Tenders” or “Golden Chicken Strips”
- New flavors such as spicy buffalo or garlic parmesan
- Combo options that include the strips with fries drinks and a dipping sauce selection
- Limited-time sauces designed specifically to pair with the strips
With more focus on quality ingredients and customer customization these kinds of changes would fit perfectly with the company’s recent menu shifts
Other Chicken Options Still Available
While chicken strips are missed McDonald’s still offers several chicken-based menu items that fans enjoy including
- McNuggets
- McChicken sandwiches
- Spicy McChicken
- Crispy Chicken Deluxe sandwiches
- McSpicy in international markets
These items continue to perform well but many customers still crave the unique texture and size of the original chicken strips
Final Thoughts
The possibility of mcdonald’s chicken strips returning has fans excited—and for good reason They filled a special spot on the menu that nuggets and sandwiches just don’t cover Whether it’s nostalgia taste or just the perfect crunch people are eager to get them back
If McDonald’s does bring them back in 2025 expect long lines test markets selling out and plenty of buzz online And if you’re in one of the lucky cities already testing them out don’t wait—get a box and let the company know you want them to stay
Also read – Trader Joe’s Store Openings Surge in 2025 Across the U.S.
