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 chicken nuggets supply 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.
Tex-Mex Chicken Strips
I 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, FloridaChicken Nuggets
I like to make these golden chicken nuggets because they’re so quick and easy. My whole family loves them. You can also use the seasoning to cook chicken breast halves. Stack them on rustic bread with mayo, lettuce and tomato for delicious sandwiches. —Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West VirginiaAir Fryer Chicken Tenders
I took all of the components of a loaded baked potato—cheddar, potato, bacon, sour cream and chives—and turned it into my latest quick and easy dish. Every kid will love these air-fryer chicken tenders! —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, FloridaSkillet Plum Chicken Tenders
If 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, NevadaFried Chicken Strips
I recently made this recipe of Mom's for my in-laws and they told me it was the "best fried chicken ever." Slicing the chicken breasts into strips cuts down on cooking time and ensures every piece is crunchy and evenly coated. Serve the homemade chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce. —Genny Monchamp, Redding, CaliforniaEverything Bagel Chicken Strips
I love the flavor profile of everything bagels, so I re-created it with traditional breaded chicken fingers. Serve them with your favorite chicken finger dip. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, FloridaSpicy Chicken Nuggets
We devour these golden brown chicken nuggets at least once a week. If you want to tone down the heat, skip the chipotle pepper. —Cheryl Cook, Palmyra, VirginiaItalian Chicken Tenderloins
My 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, IndianaEasy Chicken Strips
I came up with these one night when I was looking for easy chicken strip recipes. They make great appetizers, especially when served with barbecue or sweet-and-sour sauce for dunking. I’ve been told they’re restaurant-quality. —Crystal Sheckles-Gibson, Beespring, KentuckyChicken Fries
Kid-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, ColoradoTuscan Chicken Tenders with Pesto Sauce
Golden bites of breaded chicken? You can't go wrong! A green and red pesto sauce for dipping adds a flavorful accent and festive color. Serve the little tenders warm or at room temperature. —Mary Lou Cook, Welches, OregonSeasoned Chicken Strips
These strips are designed for kids, but tasty enough for company. The tender strips are moist and juicy and would also be great on a salad. —Becky Oliver, Fairplay, ColoradoCitrus-Honey Chicken
We 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, NYSouthern Fried Chicken Strips
What's not to love with these crowd-pleasing golden fried chicken strips? A hint of garlic makes this fried chicken tenders recipe irresistible. —Genise Krause, Sturgeon Bay, WICrispy Sage Chicken Tenders
One of my mom's favorite chicken recipes used fresh sage. Her version was smothered with gravy, but we like these panko-crusted tenders as they are. —Deb Perry, Traverse City, MichiganAir-Fryer Sweet Potato-Crusted Chicken Nuggets
I was looking for ways to spice up traditional chicken nuggets and came up with this recipe. The coating adds a crunchy texture and flavor, while the meat is tender on the inside. —Kristina Segarra, Yonkers, New YorkCrispy Barbecue Chicken Tenders
These crunch-coated 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 CarolinaPecan-Crusted Chicken Nuggets
I loved chicken nuggets as a child. This baked version is healthier than the original, and it's a great meal for kids. — Haili Carroll, Valencia, CaliforniaChili Chicken Strips
Instead 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 KitchenCrispy BBQ Chip Tenders
These 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 CarolinaPretzel-Coated Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets with a crushed pretzel crust have a guaranteed wow factor. Have them as a quick weeknight supper or serve 'em as a party app. —Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New JerseyApricot Cranberry Chicken
Before we had kids, my husband and I used to make a lot of challenging recipes, but now we keep things a little simpler. This tangy chicken has big flavors that everybody likes. —Brooke Ruzek, Elk River, MinnesotaNutty Chicken Strips
I enjoy cooking for my parents and two brothers. I usually prepare things that are a little out of the ordinary. These strips, seasoned with curry, are great for a family game night. —Betsy Baertlein, Mazeppa, MinnesotaApple-Mustard Chicken Tenders
My husband says this dish is sweet and a little bit sassy, just like me. I like to use Granny Smith apples for a bit of tartness. Winesaps are great for this dish, too. —Linda Cifuentes, Mahomet, IllinoisParmesan Chicken Nuggets
My 3-year-old is going through a stage where he'll eat only chicken nuggets and French fries. I like to make these golden nuggets for him so I know what he's eating. They're so good, we like them, too! —Amanda Livesay, Mobile, AlabamaThe post McDonald’s Spicy Chicken Nuggets Are Officially Off the Menu—Here’s Why appeared first on Taste of Home.
Melany Love