After years off the menu, chicken strips are making a permanent comeback at McDonald’s. Introducing the all-new McCrispy Strips— the fast-food giant’s latest take on chicken strips, developed in response to America’s booming appetite for crispy chicken treats.
What Are McCrispy Strips Made Of?
McCrispy Strips are McDonald’s newest crave-worthy creation—tender, juicy chicken strips crafted from 100% white meat and coated in crispy, golden-brown breading. What sets them apart is their bold, black pepper-infused flavor that adds a punch of savory goodness in every bite. To elevate the experience, each order is paired with a delicious Creamy Chili Dip—a unique blend of savory, sweet, and tangy notes designed to complement the strips perfectly.
Customers can choose between three- or four-piece options, which include one or two Creamy Chili Dip cups, respectively. For those looking to customize their flavor adventure, McCrispy Strips also pair beautifully with McDonald’s classic signature sauces, such as Tangy Barbecue, Spicy Buffalo, and Creamy Ranch.
“Since stepping into my new role as a leader of the U.S. business this year, I’ve been excited for fans to get to experience our additional chicken offerings,” said Alyssa Buetikofer, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald’s. “The demand for chicken strips has been remarkable to see across the industry, so we knew we had to deliver something so craveable that it was worth the wait. We took our time, listened to our fans and created a product we knew they would crave. And the best part is we’re just getting started.”
Cesar Piña, Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer at McDonald’s, added: “When we introduce a new menu item like McCrispy Strips, we know we have a big promise to fulfill to meet our customer’s expectations/ From the farms we source from to how food is prepared in our restaurants, bringing new products to our fans requires collaboration across suppliers, franchisees, and company staff. We hold ourselves to the highest standard and aim to bring fans nothing less than greatness.”
McDonald’s Sets Launch Date for McCrispy Strips
McDonald’s has announced that McCrispy Strips will officially hit menus nationwide starting May 5th. The new strips build on the success of the McCrispy sandwich line and represent the first permanent menu addition since the sandwich debuted in 2021.
Is This the First Time McDonald’s Has Offered Chicken Strips?
No, this isn’t McDonald’s first foray into chicken strips. The chain previously offered Chicken Selects. McDonald’s Chicken Selects were premium, all-white meat chicken strips first introduced in 1998 as a limited-time menu item. Known for their crispy breading and tender, juicy chicken, Chicken Selects were a fan favorite for their high-quality ingredients and flavor. Due to their popularity, they were brought back in 2002 and eventually made a permanent fixture on the menu in 2004.
Like the upcoming McCrispy Strips, Chicken Selects were often served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as barbecue or sweet and sour, to enhance the eating experience. However, in 2013, McDonald’s discontinued Chicken Selects, although they briefly returned in 2015 as a limited-time offering. Later, in 2017, the chain introduced Buttermilk Crispy Tenders, a similar product, which also eventually met the same fate during the 2020 pandemic-related changes.
Though Chicken Selects are no longer on the menu, their legacy lives on in McDonald’s evolving chicken offerings, like the recently launched McCrispy Strips.
What’s Next After McCrispy Strips?
According to Restaurant Business, the debut of McCrispy Strips could also signal the return of McDonald’s popular Snack Wraps, which the company has indicated will make a comeback later this year. The chain discontinued Snack Wraps in 2016 as part of a broader strategy to simplify its menu. Recently, however, both customers and franchisees have been calling for their return.
Previously, McDonald’s preferred to offer Snack Wraps with chicken strips rather than with Chicken McNuggets. While the company’s press release does not directly reference Snack Wraps, it ends with a playful hint, stating, “and that’s a wrap … at least for now.”
Source: Restaurant Business