Credit: McDonald’s

After near forty years, McNuggets are finally getting a new flavor.

As much as I love McNuggets, it is kind of odd how they’ve managed to stay effectively the same since they were first added to the Mickey D’s menu back in 1983. Aside from that big push in the early 2000s to remind everyone that the nuggets only contain white-meat chicken (which makes you wonder what was in there prior), any variations in the flavor of McNuggets has come about primarily from new kinds of dipping sauces. Big Mac sauce, sweet and sour sauce, and of course the infamous szechuan sauce have changed up the flavor of the overall meal, but not the nugs themselves. In an effort to entice folks out of pandemic hiding and back to the golden arches, McDonald’s is trying something new.

McDonald’s announced today that starting on September 16, and for a limited time only, they’ll be serving Spicy McNuggets. It’s the usual white-meat of McNuggets coated and fried with a tempura blend of cayenne and chili peppers. In addition to the spicy nuggets, McDonald’s will be adding Mighty Hot Sauce, a spicy sauce containing crushed red pepper, spicy chilies and garlic.

Credit: McDonald’s

By McDonald’s own admission, fans of the chain have been requesting a spicy variation on McNuggets for a long time now. Some have theorized that after the whole spicy chicken sandwich punch-up between Popeye’s and Chick-fil-A last year, McDonald’s are playing a bit of late-game catch-up and utilizing the States’ love of varied chicken flavors. McDonald’s could certainly use a boost, as the pandemic has caused their overall sales to drop 30% compared to last year. Breakfast time has been especially barren for many McDonald’s locations, as those who used to need a quick meal during their commute to work are still stuck at home. Hopefully, these spicy nuggets will be the dash of spice they’re looking for.