Claire Thompson
McDonald's chicken tenders, originally called Chicken Selects, were first released in 2004. They were removed from the menu in 2013 but returned in 2017 as Buttermilk Crispy Tenders. In 2020, McDonald's removed chicken tenders from their menu again, this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2025, McDonald's announced the return of chicken tenders, now called McCrispy Strips, to their menu after a five-year hiatus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First added to the menu | 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2015, 2017 |
| Names | Chicken Selects, Buttermilk Crispy Tenders, Chicken McTenders |
| Countries sold in | USA, Canada, UK |
| Reasons for removal | Low sales, cost, COVID-19, menu simplification |
| Year of final removal | 2020 |
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What You'll Learn
- McDonald's chicken tenders were introduced in 1979 as a lower-fat alternative to Chicken McNuggets
- The fast-food chain removed chicken tenders in 2021 due to falling sales and to streamline operations
- McDonald's has attempted to replace chicken tenders with other chicken products, such as the McCrispy sandwich and strips
- The removal of chicken tenders from the menu may have been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated supply chain issues
- Despite their popularity, chicken tenders were more labour-intensive and less profitable than other menu items
McDonald's chicken tenders were introduced in 1979 as a lower-fat alternative to Chicken McNuggets
McDonald's chicken tenders were first introduced in 1979 as a lower-fat alternative to Chicken McNuggets. They were made from whole cuts of breast meat seasoned with herbs and spices. The tenders became an instant hit and remained a permanent menu item for over 30 years. At their peak, McDonald's sold over 5 million pounds of chicken tenders per year. They were especially popular among kids and adults looking for a lighter chicken option.
However, in recent years, McDonald's has removed chicken tenders from their menu at most locations. The decision was made by corporate as a cost-saving measure. Chicken tenders required specialized cooking equipment and labour-intensive breading and frying, which cut into profits. With falling sales, McDonald's decided to reallocate resources to more profitable and in-demand menu items.
The removal of chicken tenders from the menu has provoked mixed reactions from customers. Some fans were surprised and disappointed, while others did not notice their absence. McDonald's has introduced other chicken options, such as the McCrispy sandwich and wraps, to cater to consumer demand for chicken products.
McDonald's has stated that they want to sell more chicken, and they continue to offer a variety of chicken products in different markets. For example, McDonald's in Singapore sells chicken wings and bone-in chicken, while McDonald's in the UK offers chicken wraps and salads.
While chicken tenders may have been discontinued, McDonald's is always evolving its menu to meet customer demands and industry trends. The removal of chicken tenders created space for new chicken items, such as wraps and sandwiches, which may better align with evolving consumer preferences and operational efficiencies.
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The fast-food chain removed chicken tenders in 2021 due to falling sales and to streamline operations
McDonald's removed chicken tenders from its menu in 2020, and they have not returned to American locations since. The Buttermilk Crispy Tenders, as they were known, were discontinued due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused low customer numbers and forced the chain to streamline its operations.
The chicken tenders had been a fan favorite since their debut in 2002, with some sources claiming they were first introduced in 1998 for a limited time. Despite their popularity, the tenders were removed from the menu in 2013, only to be brought back in 2017 due to high demand.
McDonald's has a history of regularly updating its menu, and the removal of the tenders in 2020 was part of a broader simplification of the menu for efficiency and safety reasons. The pandemic had a significant impact on the restaurant industry, and McDonald's was not immune to the challenges it presented.
While the Buttermilk Crispy Tenders are no longer available at most McDonald's locations in the United States and Canada, they can still be found at a few rare locations on special occasions. The chicken tenders have also never left the menus in the UK, where they were launched on the ""Pound Saver Menu."
The reasons behind the initial removal of the tenders in 2013 remain a mystery, with some speculating that it was due to low sales or the challenge of keeping them stocked. However, their discontinuation in 2020 was a direct result of the pandemic and its impact on the restaurant industry.
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McDonald's has attempted to replace chicken tenders with other chicken products, such as the McCrispy sandwich and strips
McDonald's removed its chicken tenders, known as Chicken Selects, from the menu in 2013. Four years later, in 2017, the fast-food chain introduced Buttermilk Crispy Tenders, a similar chicken tender product. However, these were also discontinued in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving customers disappointed.
The McCrispy sandwich was introduced as a replacement for chicken tenders in some markets. This sandwich featured a breaded chicken tender, lettuce, cheese, and special sauce wrapped in a soft tortilla. While it was a popular option, it was not able to fully replace the chicken tenders for many customers. Additionally, McDonald's offered chicken strips as a replacement option for chicken tenders. These chicken strips, known as Chicken Selects Premium Breast Strips, were breaded and seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs. While they offered a similar experience to the chicken tenders, they did not achieve the same level of popularity.
In response to customer demand and feedback, McDonald's has announced that it will bring back chicken tenders, along with other fan favorites, in 2025. The company's CEO, Chris Kempczinski, acknowledged the excitement around the return of the Snack Wraps and Chicken Selects, stating that they see "the potential to add another point of chicken market share by the end of 2026." This decision comes after years of petitioning by customers, who have eagerly awaited the return of these beloved menu items.
While McDonald's has attempted to replace chicken tenders with alternative chicken products, none have replicated the success and popularity of the original Chicken Selects. The upcoming reintroduction of Chicken Selects in 2025 underscores the enduring demand for this classic menu item, which has left a lasting impression on McDonald's customers worldwide.
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The removal of chicken tenders from the menu may have been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated supply chain issues
McDonald's shocked many customers by removing chicken tenders from its menu in late 2021. The decision was made by corporate as a cost-saving measure. Chicken tenders were introduced to the McDonald's menu in 1979 as a lower-fat alternative to Chicken McNuggets. They were made from whole cuts of breast meat seasoned with herbs and spices and became an instant hit, remaining a permanent menu item for over 30 years.
However, over time, interest in chicken tenders dwindled, and McDonald's other chicken offerings like McNuggets continued to be top sellers. The labor-intensive breading and frying required for tenders may have cut too much into profits compared to the sales they were generating. In addition, consumers have become more health-conscious, and McDonald's has added more salad, wrap, and grilled chicken options to cater to this demand. The higher fat and calorie content of chicken tenders may have contributed to their declining popularity.
The removal of chicken tenders from the McDonald's menu may have been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated supply chain issues. Chicken tenders require more time, energy, and specialized equipment for cooking, processing, and packaging compared to other food items. The pandemic disrupted supply chains, causing shortages and increasing prices for chicken tenders. McDonald's initially removed chicken tenders from its menu temporarily due to the pandemic, but the change could become permanent as the company streamlines its menu and reallocates resources to more profitable and in-demand items.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions to supply chains worldwide, leading to shortages and increased prices for various goods and services. The food industry was particularly affected, with certain items, like chicken tenders, becoming harder to find. McDonald's, like other large food companies, had to adapt to these supply chain issues, and the labor-intensive and time-consuming nature of preparing chicken tenders may have contributed to their removal from the menu.
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Despite their popularity, chicken tenders were more labour-intensive and less profitable than other menu items
McDonald's chicken tenders, also known as Chicken Selects, were first introduced in 1998 for a limited time and then again in 2002 and 2003 before becoming a permanent menu item in 2004. Despite their popularity, chicken tenders were removed from the menu in 2013. They were brought back in 2017 as Buttermilk Crispy Tenders, only to be discontinued again in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While chicken tenders were a fan-favorite menu item, there are a few reasons why McDonald's may have chosen to discontinue them. One reason could be that they were more labour-intensive and less profitable than other menu items. According to Business Insider, some speculated that the chicken tender option experienced low sales for years before their removal. It was also rumoured that chicken tenders were more expensive to keep in stock, and McDonald's tried to find ways to add them to other dishes before the supplies went bad and had to be thrown out.
In addition, the pandemic caused significant disruptions to the restaurant industry, and McDonald's had to adapt to new health and safety limitations and changing customer behaviours. Simplifying the menu for efficiency and safety reasons was a priority for many restaurants, including McDonald's. As a result, some items, including chicken tenders, were removed from the menu.
While the decision to remove chicken tenders from the menu may have been necessary, it is important to consider the impact on customers and the company. For customers, the removal of a popular menu item can be disappointing and frustrating, especially if it was a favourite. For McDonald's, discontinuing chicken tenders may have had financial implications, as they would have lost a source of revenue. However, it is worth noting that McDonald's regularly updates its menu, and the removal of some items can make way for new and exciting offerings.
Overall, despite their popularity, chicken tenders were removed from the McDonald's menu due to a combination of factors, including labour intensity, profitability, and the impact of the pandemic. While it is unclear if chicken tenders will return to the menu, McDonald's has confirmed that some discontinued items will be making a comeback in 2025, providing a glimmer of hope for fans of the crispy tenders.
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Frequently asked questions
McDonald's removed chicken tenders from their menu in late 2021.
McDonald's removed chicken tenders from their menu due to a variety of reasons. Firstly, chicken tenders required specialized cooking equipment and labor-intensive breading and frying, increasing costs and complexity in the kitchen. Secondly, with falling chicken tender sales, McDonald's decided to reallocate resources to more profitable and in-demand menu items. Finally, consumers were becoming more health-conscious, and the higher-fat and calorie chicken tenders may have fallen out of favor.
Yes, chicken tenders were introduced in 1979 as a lower-fat alternative to Chicken McNuggets and became an instant hit. At their peak popularity, McDonald's sold over 5 million pounds of chicken tenders per year, particularly among kids and adults seeking a lighter chicken option.
Yes, the discontinuation of chicken tenders provoked passionate outcries from McDonald's biggest fans. Many customers were puzzled and expressed their disappointment, especially since chicken tenders had been a staple on the menu for over 30 years.
While McDonald's has not provided an official statement, it appears unlikely that chicken tenders will return to the menu. McDonald's has introduced other chicken items, such as the McCrispy sandwich and strips, to drive sales in the chicken category.
