Lucas Delgado
McDonald's has had a variety of chicken strips on its menu over the years, including Chicken Selects, Buttermilk Crispy Tenders, and most recently, McCrispy Strips. Chicken Selects were introduced in 1998 and returned multiple times before being discontinued in 2013. In 2017, McDonald's brought back Chicken Selects under the name Buttermilk Crispy Tenders, but they were discontinued again in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 2024, Buttermilk Crispy Tenders were only available at a few rare McDonald's locations in the US and Canada and only on special occasions. In April 2025, McDonald's announced the introduction of McCrispy Strips, marking the first time since 2021 that the chain has introduced a permanent menu item in the US.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Buttermilk Crispy Tenders |
| Availability | Discontinued in 2020 |
| Reason for discontinuation | Low influx of customers during the COVID-19 pandemic |
| Current availability | Available at only a few rare McDonald's locations in the United States and Canada, and only on special occasions |
| Replacement | McCrispy Strips |
| Replacement availability | Available at all participating restaurants nationwide by May 5, 2025 |
| Replacement sauce | Creamy Chili Dip |
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What You'll Learn
- McDonald's new chicken strips are called McCrispy Strips
- Buttermilk Crispy Tenders were discontinued in 2020
- Chicken Selects were the precursor to Buttermilk Crispy Tenders
- The McCrispy Strips sandwich is also being added to menus
- McDonald's new menu-focused teams include a group dedicated to chicken items
McDonald's new chicken strips are called McCrispy Strips
McDonald's has finally answered the prayers of chicken strip lovers everywhere with the introduction of the McCrispy Strips. This new menu item marks the return of chicken strips to the fast-food giant's menu for the first time since 2020.
The McCrispy Strips were officially announced on April 24, 2025, and will be available at participating restaurants nationwide by May 5. Customers can choose between a three-piece with one sauce or a four-piece with two sauces. The sauces on offer include Creamy Chili Dip, Honey Mustard, Tangy Barbecue, Spicy Buffalo, and Creamy Ranch.
The new chicken strips fill a void that has existed on the McDonald's menu since 2020 when the Buttermilk Crispy Tenders were discontinued due to the pandemic. The Buttermilk Crispy Tenders had a dedicated fan base, and their discontinuation left many customers disappointed.
The McCrispy Strips are not a direct replacement for the Buttermilk Crispy Tenders, as some customers have noted that the new strips are not as crispy. However, the Creamy Chili Dip sauce that accompanies the McCrispy Strips has received high praise.
The addition of the McCrispy Strips to the menu is a result of McDonald's new menu-focused teams, which include a group dedicated specifically to chicken items. This move comes as McDonald's faces increasing competition from other chicken-centric brands such as KFC, Chick-fil-A, and Raising Cane's.
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Buttermilk Crispy Tenders were discontinued in 2020
McDonald's Buttermilk Crispy Tenders were discontinued in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Buttermilk Crispy Tenders were the 2017 rebrand of Chicken Selects, which were first launched in 2002 and discontinued in 2013. Chicken Selects were briefly brought back in 2015, but they were discontinued again and replaced with Buttermilk Crispy Tenders in 2017.
The Buttermilk Crispy Tenders were a fan favorite, and their discontinuation left many customers disappointed. In fact, there were multiple Change.org petitions begging to bring them back. However, McDonald's finally relented and, in April 2025, the company announced the arrival of a new chicken strip item: the McCrispy Strips.
The McCrispy Strips are available in three- or four-piece servings with a choice of sauces, including Creamy Chili Dip, Honey Mustard, Tangy Barbecue, and Spicy Buffalo. According to McDonald's Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, Alyssa Buetikofer, the demand for chicken strips has been remarkable, and the company is committed to delivering craveable products.
While the McCrispy Strips are a new offering, some customers have expressed that they are not the same as the Buttermilk Crispy Tenders, and they long for the return of the original recipe. Despite the positive reception of the new chicken strips, it is clear that the Buttermilk Crispy Tenders still hold a special place in the hearts of many McDonald's fans.
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Chicken Selects were the precursor to Buttermilk Crispy Tenders
McDonald's has had a long and varied history with chicken strips. The story of the Buttermilk Crispy Tenders began with the Chicken Selects, which were first introduced to McDonald's menus in 1998 for a limited time. They returned briefly in 2002 and 2003 before becoming a permanent fixture in 2004.
Chicken Selects were chicken breast strips, breaded and fried, and served with a range of sauces. They were initially launched as a replacement for the McChicken, which was discontinued in 1996. Chicken Selects were offered as part of a value menu in the US and the UK, with the UK's "Pound Saver Menu" and the US's "One Quid Menu" offering the strips for £0.99 or $0.99, respectively.
In 2006, McDonald's introduced the Snack Wrap, which featured a Chicken Selects Premium Breast Strip, cheese, lettuce, and a choice of sauces wrapped in a flour tortilla. This was priced between $0.99 and $1.39, depending on the market.
However, the story of the Chicken Selects took a brief turn in 2013 when they were terminated from the menu. They made a brief return in 2015 but were again removed.
It wasn't until 2017 that the Chicken Selects found a new lease of life under the name "Buttermilk Crispy Tenders." This new iteration of the familiar favourite was added to the menu in August of that year. Unfortunately, the Buttermilk Crispy Tenders met a similar fate to their precursor, as they were discontinued in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While McDonald's confirmed in December 2024 that the Chicken Selects and Snack Wraps would be returning to the menu in 2025, it appears that they have instead opted to introduce a new chicken strip item: the McCrispy Strips.
So, while the Buttermilk Crispy Tenders and Chicken Selects may no longer be a permanent fixture on the McDonald's menu, their legacy lives on in the new McCrispy Strips, which are now available at participating restaurants nationwide.
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The McCrispy Strips sandwich is also being added to menus
McDonald's has brought back its chicken strips, now called McCrispy Strips, marking the first time since 2021 that the chain has introduced a permanent menu item in the US. The McCrispy Strips are available in three- or four-piece servings with a choice of sauces, including Creamy Chili Dip, Honey Mustard, Tangy Barbecue, and Spicy Buffalo. The new menu item is in response to customer demand, with multiple Change.org petitions calling for the return of chicken strips to the McDonald's menu.
The McCrispy Strips sandwich is a variation on the classic McCrispy Strips and provides customers with a convenient and tasty option for a quick meal. The sandwich features the same crispy chicken as the original strips, but in a more portable and easy-to-eat form. The addition of crinkle-cut pickles also adds a unique flavour and texture to the sandwich, making it a refreshing option for those seeking something different from the traditional McDonald's offerings.
The introduction of the McCrispy Strips sandwich showcases McDonald's ability to innovate and adapt to customer preferences. By offering a new take on a classic favourite, the company demonstrates its understanding of the modern palate while still delivering the quality and convenience that customers have come to expect from the brand. The sandwich is an excellent option for those seeking a quick bite, whether it's a midday snack or a satisfying meal on the go.
The McCrispy Strips sandwich is an exciting addition to the McDonald's menu, providing customers with a fresh and flavourful choice. With its crispy chicken and pickle combination, the sandwich offers a unique taste experience that is sure to satisfy cravings. Available in most markets by the end of the year, the McCrispy Strips sandwich is set to become a go-to option for many McDonald's enthusiasts.
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McDonald's new menu-focused teams include a group dedicated to chicken items
McDonald's has formed new menu-focused teams, including a group dedicated solely to chicken items. The fast-food giant is revamping its operations to compete with specialists in the QSR (Quick-Service Restaurant) industry. By establishing dedicated category teams for beef, chicken, and beverages/desserts, McDonald's aims to improve accountability and execution regarding its core menu offerings.
The company's chief restaurant experience officer, Jill McDonald, will oversee this specialist-focused strategy. This move comes as McDonald's acknowledges the intense competition within the QSR sector, where success hinges on capturing market share from rivals. With this restructuring, McDonald's aims to bring a specialist's focus to its operations and enhance its position in the chicken category, where younger consumers' preferences and health consciousness are driving industry growth.
The chicken team's mandate is to ensure McDonald's remains competitive against chicken specialists like KFC, Chick-fil-A, and Popeyes. The company's commitment to chicken is evident in its recent menu innovations, such as the highly anticipated return of chicken strips in April 2025, now called McCrispy Strips. This launch marked the first permanent menu item introduced in the US since the McCrispy chicken sandwich in 2021.
Previously, McDonald's offered chicken strips under the names Chicken Selects (introduced in 1998) and Buttermilk Crispy Tenders (launched in 2017), but these were discontinued in 2020. The new McCrispy Strips are available in three- or four-piece servings with a range of sauces, including Creamy Chili Dip, Honey Mustard, Tangy Barbecue, and Spicy Buffalo. The company's chief marketing and customer experience officer, Alyssa Buetikofer, acknowledged the remarkable demand for chicken strips and expressed excitement about delivering a product that customers crave.
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Frequently asked questions
No, McDonald's discontinued the Buttermilk Crispy Tenders in 2020 at the start of the pandemic. They were previously known as Chicken Selects, which were first launched in 2002 and spent over a decade on the menu before being discontinued in 2013.
The Buttermilk Crispy Tenders were discontinued due to the low influx of customers during the pandemic, which led to this dish being one of the items chosen to be taken off the menu.
In April 2025, McDonald's announced the arrival of the McCrispy Strips, which replaced the Buttermilk Chicken Strips.
No, the new McCrispy Strips are not the same as the Buttermilk Crispy Tenders. The new strips are not as crispy and are just alright.
