Lucas Delgado
McDonald's has offered Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Tenders in various sizes, including 3-piece, 4-piece, and 20-piece servings. Introduced in 2017, these chicken tenders were discontinued in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, McDonald's confirmed in December 2024 that the Chicken Selects would be returning to the menu in 2025. The tenders contain between 370 and 2430 calories, depending on the chosen serving size.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Pieces | 3, 4, or 20 |
| Calories | 370 (3-piece), 500 (4-piece), or 2430 (20-piece) |
| Fat | 27 grams (4-piece) |
| Carbohydrates | 25 grams (4-piece) |
| Allergens | Gluten, milk, and wheat |
| Ingredients | Boneless skinless chicken breast strips, wheat flour, vegetable oil (canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil, hydrogenated soybean oil), water, salt, leavening (baking soda, sodium acid pyrophosphate), potato starch, spices, rice starch, sugar, rice flour, corn starch, garlic powder, yellow corn flour, onion powder, buttermilk, citric acid, natural flavor, maltodextrin, xanthan gum |
| Availability | Discontinued in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, returning to the menu in 2025 |
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What You'll Learn
Calories: 370-2430 depending on size
McDonald's Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Tenders come in a range of sizes, with the number of tenders varying from 3 to 20 pieces. The calorie count of this product depends on the chosen size, with the 3-piece serving containing 370 calories and the 20-piece serving containing 2430 calories. The 4-piece serving falls in between, with 500 calories, 27 grams of fat, and 25 grams of carbohydrates.
The Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Tenders were introduced to the McDonald's menu in 2017 but were discontinued in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They were notably different from the McCrispy Chicken Strips, with some customers expressing their preference for the former. McDonald's confirmed that the Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Tenders, along with the Snack Wraps, would make a return to the menu in 2025.
The tenders are made from boneless, skinless chicken breast strips and are coated in a breading that includes wheat flour, various vegetable oils, and spices. They contain gluten, milk, and wheat, and while they do not contain egg, fish, peanuts, shellfish, soy, or tree nuts, McDonald's cannot guarantee that allergens are absent due to shared equipment for food preparation.
The calorie count of the Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Tenders can be a concern for health-conscious individuals. According to one source, it would take 44 minutes of running or 71 minutes of walking to burn off the 500 calories in the 4-piece serving. Additionally, only around 37% of voters considered the 4-piece serving to be a healthy option.
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Ingredients: Boneless, skinless chicken breast strips, wheat flour, vegetable oil, etc
McDonald's Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Tenders come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 3 to 20 pieces per serving. The ingredients in these chicken tenders include boneless, skinless chicken breast strips, which are the primary protein source. The chicken is coated in a breading made primarily from wheat flour, providing carbohydrates and a crispy texture. Vegetable oil, including canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil, and hydrogenated soybean oil, is used for frying, adding fat and calories to the product.
The tenders also contain water, salt, and leavening agents such as baking soda and sodium acid pyrophosphate, which contribute to their distinct flavour and texture. Potato starch, spices, and various types of starch (rice starch, corn starch) are included to enhance flavour and act as binding agents. Sugar is added for sweetness, and rice flour provides additional texture and crispness.
Furthermore, the tenders contain ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, and natural flavourings, which contribute to their savoury taste. Buttermilk is also included, which is a key ingredient in the marinade or batter, providing tenderness and a tangy flavour. Citric acid is added as a preservative and for flavour, while maltodextrin and xanthan gum act as thickeners and stabilizers.
The Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Tenders are a source of gluten, milk, and wheat allergens. While they do not contain eggs, fish, peanuts, shellfish, soy, or tree nuts, it's important to note that fast-food restaurants cannot guarantee the absence of allergens due to shared equipment for food preparation. The tenders were introduced in 2017 but discontinued in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, McDonald's has confirmed their return to the menu in 2025.
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Allergens: Gluten, milk, and wheat
McDonald's Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Tenders come in a variety of sizes, with calorie counts ranging from 370 to 2430. The specific size chosen will influence the calorie count. The Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Tenders contain allergens such as gluten, milk, and wheat.
The Buttermilk Chicken McWrap, for example, lists wheat, egg, soybeans, and milk as allergens, with gluten and MSG listed as food sensitivities. Similarly, the Spicy Chicken McWrap lists the same allergens and food sensitivities. Other menu items, such as the Big Mac Sauce, contain wheat, egg, and soy, but are dairy-free.
It is important to note that McDonald's does not have a standard policy regarding the use of butter on their burgers, and some locations may butter all the buns or use butter on the grill. This can pose a challenge for those with dairy allergies. To address this, customers can request no butter on their orders.
In addition, McDonald's uses wheat flour as a breading for their chicken tenders, as well as other ingredients that may contain gluten, such as modified potato starch and food starch-modified. The presence of wheat and gluten makes these products unsuitable for individuals with wheat allergies or gluten intolerances.
Furthermore, McDonald's fried chicken items in Canada are made without milk, but their Brioche Buns contain milk. This information can help customers make informed choices based on their specific allergies or dietary restrictions.
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Discontinuation: Removed from the menu in 2020 due to the pandemic
McDonald's has made several changes to its menu since its inception. Some items have been removed due to their high cost or because customers did not like the taste. In 2013, McDonald's phased out Chicken Selects, which were introduced in 2004 as a premium, tender, and flavourful alternative to Chicken McNuggets. The reasons for their discontinuation were primarily related to the cost of production and changing consumer tastes. Chicken Selects were replaced by Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Tenders, which were also later removed from the menu.
In 2017, McDonald's introduced Buttermilk Crispy Tenders, a similar chicken tender product. However, these, too, were discontinued in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic caused significant disruptions to the restaurant industry, and many restaurants were forced to simplify their menus and focus on core offerings. McDonald's may have decided to remove the Buttermilk Crispy Tenders to streamline their operations and reduce costs during this challenging period.
The discontinuation of the Buttermilk Crispy Tenders in 2020 was likely a difficult decision for McDonald's, as the product had its fans and was a popular choice for many customers. However, the pandemic created unprecedented challenges for the restaurant industry, and McDonald's, like many other businesses, had to adapt and make tough choices to ensure its long-term viability.
While the specific size of the Buttermilk Crispy Tenders may vary depending on the market and the time of offering, they were typically offered in different portion sizes to cater to various customer preferences and needs. Customers could choose from a range of sizes, such as the 3-piece option with 370 calories or the larger 20-piece option with 2430 calories. These size options provided flexibility and allowed customers to indulge in their craving for crispy, tender chicken while controlling their portion sizes and calorie intake.
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Comparison: Newer chicken strips are considered inferior
McDonald's has been serving chicken strips for a while now, with the Buttermilk Crispy Tenders being added to the menu in 2017. However, these were discontinued in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, McDonald's introduced a new chicken strip item to their menu: the McCrispy Strips. Unfortunately, the reception for the new strips has been overwhelmingly negative, with many customers expressing their disappointment and preferring the older Chicken Selects.
The McCrispy Strips have been described as "rubbery", "chewy", and "flaccid", with some even claiming that they tasted like "mystery meat". Many customers have complained that the strips are not crispy at all, despite their name, and that they are overpriced for the amount of food provided. Some have also noted that the flavour is lacking and that the strips need to be dunked in sauce to be palatable. The strips have been compared unfavourably to similar offerings from competitors such as Raising Cane's and Chick-fil-A, with customers stating that the meat is not tender or juicy enough.
On the other hand, a small but vocal minority of customers have expressed their enjoyment of the new McCrispy Strips. Some have compared them favourably to the Taco Bell chicken nuggets, which were also well-received. Additionally, the Creamy Chili Dip that comes with the strips has been praised as "savoury, slightly tangy, sweet with a hint of chilli pepper heat and a nutty toasted sesame finish".
While the McCrispy Strips have received a lot of negative attention, it seems that there are still some customers who enjoy them. It is also possible that the curiosity generated by the bad reviews may work in McDonald's favour, with some customers expressing a desire to try the strips for themselves despite the negative feedback. However, overall, the newer chicken strips are considered inferior to the older Chicken Selects by a significant portion of McDonald's customers.
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Frequently asked questions
McDonald's offers Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Tenders in 3-piece, 4-piece, and 20-piece sizes.
The number of calories in the Buttermilk Chicken Strips at McDonald's ranges from 370 calories for the 3-piece option to 2430 calories for the 20-piece option. The 4-piece option contains 500 calories.
The Buttermilk Chicken Strips at McDonald's are made of boneless, skinless chicken breast strips, wheat flour, vegetable oil (canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil, and hydrogenated soybean oil), water, salt, leavening (baking soda and sodium acid pyrophosphate), potato starch, spices, rice starch, sugar, rice flour, corn starch, garlic powder, yellow corn flour, onion powder, buttermilk, citric acid, natural flavor, maltodextrin, and xanthan gum.
According to a survey, 37% of voters consider the 4-piece Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Tenders at McDonald's to be healthy. However, it's important to note that the definition of "healthy" can vary depending on individual dietary needs and preferences.
