Crispy, crunchy, juicy, tender—Fried chicken holds a special place in the hearts of Southerners. Passed down through generations are secret recipes guarded with care (“Let that chicken marinate in buttermilk, don’t skimp on the pepper!”), and sympathetic nods are exchanged when the fried chicken doesn’t quite meet expectations. It’s no wonder that when a renowned restaurant chain unveils a new menu item challenging our discerning fried chicken taste buds, we greet it with a healthy dose of skepticism.
In the year 2024, McDonald’s turned to a Southern test market well-versed in the art of fried chicken: Hickory, North Carolina. Building on the success of the McCrispy Sandwich, now available in over 70 markets, the global giant decided to experiment with the concept of McCrispy Chicken Strips: described in advertisements as “tender, crispy strips of 100% all white chicken breast.” This new menu addition was trialed at seven select locations for a very brief period, priced at $4.99 for a three-piece serving, prompting chicken enthusiasts to make the pilgrimage to Hickory in search of a taste.
TikTok food connoisseur Papi.Eats lauded the strips as “even crispier than the chicken in the McCrispy Sandwich,” while Instagram food blogger SnachWithZach drew comparisons to McDonald’s Buttermilk Chicken Tenders from years past, noting that “the main distinction lies in the breading.” Speculation abounded among fans, connecting the trial run to the possibility of a nostalgic favorite returning to menus—Snack Wraps. (Yes, after a decade-long hiatus, they are making a comeback!)
Those eagerly awaiting the nationwide launch of McCrispy Chicken Strips at their local McDonald’s will be pleased to hear the latest news, as reported by Delish. During a recent earnings call, McDonald’s USA CEO Chris Kempczinski confirmed the return of Snack Wraps in 2025, along with the introduction of “a new chicken strip offering.”
“We are enthusiastic about the immense potential we see within our chicken lineup and anticipate capturing additional market share in the chicken segment by the close of 2026,” expressed Kempczinski. Following the test in Hickory, many enthusiasts speculate that McCrispy Chicken Strips will become a permanent fixture on menus this year. While an official release date is yet to be announced, popular food influencer Snackolator has heard whispers of a potential launch in the spring or summer of 2025.
McCrispy Strips offer a plethora of possibilities for fried chicken aficionados seeking a convenient option, as well as for home cooks looking to incorporate a protein effortlessly (similar to utilizing rotisserie chicken) into their meal plans. Transform fast-food or leftover fried chicken into delectable creations such as chicken biscuits, a robust Cobb salad, fried chicken tacos, sliders
