McDonald’s chicken tenders were once a staple menu item and a customer favorite. Their crispy breading and juicy white meat made fans out of those who ordered them. But in recent years McDonald’s quietly removed chicken tenders from their menu leaving many customers wondering why.
A Brief History of McDonald’s Chicken Tenders
McDonald’s first served chicken tenders as a limited-time offer in the early 2000s. Their big size and great taste made them very popular very quickly. In the United States, McDonald’s made chicken tenders a permanent menu item around the middle of the 2000s.
For over a decade, chicken tenders were a consistent offering at McDonald’s. Customers loved being able to order chicken tenders as a standalone item or add them to salads and wraps. At their peak popularity, McDonald’s sold millions of chicken tenders every year.
Why Did McDonald’s Get Rid of Chicken Tenders?
In 2018, McDonald’s began pulling chicken tenders from some locations. By the beginning of 2020, chicken tenders were no longer on any U.S. McDonald’s menu. S.
McDonald’s gave a few reasons for discontinuing chicken tenders:
- To simplify menu options and kitchen operations
- To focus on core menu items like burgers, fries, and chicken nuggets
- Responding to changing customer preferences and tastes
By streamlining its menu, McDonald’s aimed to improve order speed and accuracy. The company also wanted to put more emphasis on promotional items like the McRib sandwich rather than permanent menu items like chicken tenders.
Customer Reaction to the Disappearance of Chicken Tenders
Many McDonald’s fans were shocked and disappointed when chicken tenders suddenly disappeared. As a popular menu item, their removal left a gap that some felt was never quite filled.
People were sad about the loss of chicken tenders and begged McDonald’s to bring them back on social media. Some people wondered why McDonald’s would get rid of a menu item that had so many loyal fans. There was even a petition going around asking McDonald’s to bring back chicken tenders to their menu.
For those who enjoyed dipping their chicken tenders in sauces or wrapping them up in a snack wrap, McDonald’s just wasn’t the same without this menu item. Some customers would try cobbling together a DIY version using a McChicken sandwich or chicken nuggets, but it wasn’t quite right.
The Future Possibility of McDonald’s Chicken Tenders Returning
In recent years, chicken tenders have exploded in popularity across the fast food industry. Chains like Raising Cane’s and Wingstop that specialize in chicken tenders have surging sales. Burger chains like Burger King and Wendy’s have introduced crispy chicken tenders to their menus.
This rising popularity of chicken tenders has put pressure on McDonald’s. In 2021, McDonald’s added a crispy chicken sandwich to its menu for the first time. The success of this sandwich has led McDonald’s to explore the possibility of bringing back chicken tenders.
In early 2022, rumors began swirling that McDonald’s might reintroduce chicken tenders in the coming year or two. McDonald’s has yet to confirm these rumors. But if they want to capitalize on the current chicken tenders trend, bringing back a revamped version could be a smart menu move.
Key Reasons Customers Loved McDonald’s Chicken Tenders
There are a few key reasons McDonald’s chicken tenders were so beloved by customers:
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The taste: Customers loved the flavor and seasoning of McDonald’s breading along with the juicy white meat chicken inside. The tenders had just the right crispy exterior and tender interior.
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The dipping sauces: McDonald’s offered flavorful dipping sauces like barbecue, honey mustard, and creamy ranch that complemented the chicken tenders perfectly.
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The size: McDonald’s chicken tenders were quite large compared to nuggets or strips from other fast food chains. Customers felt they were getting excellent value for their money.
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You could order chicken tenders by themselves, add them to a salad or wrap, or pair them with different dipping sauces of your choice.
Can Other Menu Items Replace Chicken Tenders?
For many McDonald’s customers, nothing can quite replace their beloved chicken tenders. Items like Chicken McNuggets and McChicken sandwiches are similar, but don’t offer the same taste and experience chicken tenders did.
There are a few reasons other chicken items fall short:
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Smaller size – Nuggets and McChicken patties are much smaller and less filling than chicken tenders.
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Breading differences – The crispy breading on nuggets and sandwiches doesn’t match the taste and texture of chicken tenders.
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Missing customization – Chicken tenders could be added to various menu items, while nuggets and sandwiches can’t be used the same way.
Unless McDonald’s is willing to bring chicken tenders back in their original form, it’s unlikely anything else can fill the void left by these discontinued menu items. For now, chicken tender lovers will have to look elsewhere to satisfy their cravings. But there’s still hope we could see the return of McDonald’s chicken tenders someday.
What Happened to McDonald’s Chicken Tenders?
McDonald’s chicken tenders, particularly the beloved Chicken Selects, enjoyed a brief but passionate fanbase before their somewhat mysterious disappearance from menus across the United States and beyond. Eventually, they stopped selling them because of problems with the supply chain, efforts to simplify the menu, and changing consumer demand for different chicken products.
The Rise and Fall of the Chicken Tender
McDonald’s has a long and storied history with chicken, from the iconic McNuggets to various chicken sandwiches. But the story of their chicken tenders isn’t as stable. They were popular for a while and then disappeared all of a sudden. Understanding this history requires exploring the different forms these tenders took and the circumstances surrounding their introduction and eventual disappearance.
Perhaps the most fondly remembered chicken tender from McDonald’s is the Chicken Selects. Introduced in 2002, they were marketed as a premium option, boasting larger, more substantial pieces of white meat chicken compared to the bite-sized McNuggets. These tenders were breaded and seasoned in a different way, giving them a unique flavor that appealed to a wider range of people, including those who were looking for a more adult chicken option. They were frequently promoted with various dipping sauces, further enhancing their appeal.
The late 2000s and early 2010s saw McDonald’s facing increasing pressure to streamline its menu and improve efficiency. A sprawling menu, while offering variety, could lead to slower service times and increased operational complexity. During this period, many items were cut from the menu, and Chicken Selects were among them. The official explanation often cited was the desire to focus on core menu items and improve kitchen operations.
Despite being discontinued, the desire for Chicken Selects persisted. McDonald’s occasionally brought them back as limited-time offers (LTOs) to capitalize on nostalgia and generate excitement. These reappearances often saw significant buzz on social media and long lines at restaurants, demonstrating the enduring popularity of the product. However, these returns were always temporary, further fueling the mystery of their disappearance.
While menu simplification played a role, other factors also contributed to the tender’s fate. Supply chain challenges, including the fluctuating cost and availability of high-quality chicken, could have impacted the profitability of offering Chicken Selects consistently. Furthermore, changing consumer preferences and the rising popularity of other chicken items, like spicy chicken sandwiches, may have shifted McDonald’s focus.
$6.39 for 3 McCrispy Strips. Ripoff or Worth it?
FAQ
What happened to the chicken tenders at McDonald’s?
A Buttermilk Crispy Tender debuted in 2017 and was pulled from menus in 2020. McDonald’s called the chicken strips the first permanent menu item it has introduced in the U. S since the McCrispy chicken sandwich was added in 2021.
Where can I get McCrispy strips?
McCrispy Chicken Strips at McDonald’s.
Did McDonald’s discontinue Chicken Selects?
Real ones remember Chicken Selects. They are still sold in some markets, so if you’re really set on getting them, you can make the trip. But they were taken off the U.S. S. menus in 2013.
When was the last time McDonald’s had chicken strips?
McDonald’s last had chicken strips on the permanent menu in 2020 with their Buttermilk Crispy Tenders. They were discontinued due to the pandemic and menu simplification efforts.
Does McDonald’s sell chicken tenders?
By Jonathan Maze on May 05, 2025 McDonald’s has repeatedly tried selling chicken tenders or strips. | Photo courtesy of McDonald’s. McDonald’s officially started selling its McCrispy Strips nationwide on Monday. It’s the first new permanent item to hit the fast-food giant’s menu in four years.
Why did McDonald’s discontinue chicken tenders?
While many customers were disappointed by the removal of chicken tenders, this move allowed McDonald’s to improve operational efficiency and provide a better dining experience overall. The decision to discontinue chicken tenders came as a surprise to many loyal customers, especially considering their popularity.
Are McDonald’s chicken tenders the same as Chicken Selects?
Since McDonald’s doesn’t want to call the tenders by their official name, the recipe might not be the same, but crispy tenders of some kind will be coming back to McDonald’s soon. What’s more, the Chicken Selects were an integral part of the most-requested McDonald’s menu item — also set to make a rebound in 2025.
Does McDonald’s still sell Buttermilk Crispy Tenders?
But chicken chains, especially those that serve chicken fingers, have done very well since McDonald’s took Buttermilk Crispy Tenders off the menu. Limited-service chicken chain sales grew 9% last year, based on data from the Technomic Top 1,500. But sales by fast-casual chicken chains grew 24%.
Why did McDonald’s replace chicken tenders with McChicken bites?
McDonald’s replaced chicken tenders with McChicken Bites to enhance the overall customer experience and provide a snack-sized alternative. 2. What are the main differences between chicken tenders and McChicken Bites? While both chicken tenders and McChicken Bites are made from chicken, the main difference lies in the size and shape.
Will McDonald’s reopen snack wraps & chicken tenders in 2023?
Snack Wraps and chicken tenders. In 2023, CEO Chris Kempczinski teased fresh chicken offerings. “We see the potential to add another point of chicken share by 2026,” he told investors. Fans have been anticipating the return of the McDonald’s Snack Wraps, which were discontinued in 2016, ever since.