McDonald's and Burger King are both making big changes to the chicken offerings on their menus.
Starting Tuesday, Sept. 1, McDonald's is bringing back its spicy chicken nuggets, and Burger King is serving up its new and improved chicken nuggets.
The two fast food chains have a storied history of releasing similar menu items in an effort to win over customers. Should we call this the chicken nuggets wars or is it too soon?
Here's what to know about the return of a fan-favorite at McDonald's and a revamped menu item at Burger King.
McDonald's spicy chicken nuggets return
The spicy chicken McNuggets at McDonald's will be back but only for a limited time. Breaded in a spicy tempura coating made with a blend of cayenne and chili peppers,
the hot nuggets had their first run in September 2020.
McDonald's has brought spicy chicken McNuggets back for several limited time regional runs on the menu since 2020, when they became the first flavor McDonald's USA introduced to the McNugget since the menu item's debut in 1983.
Burger King new and improved chicken nuggets
In contrast, Burger King's new chicken nuggets will be a permanent menu item. They will be made with "100% white meat chicken, crispier golden breading, (and) an enhanced marinade for a juicier bite," the company said in a news release. The nuggets will also now be served in a box, rather than a bag "to deliver a better experience."
The nuggets were overhauled thanks to customer suggestions. The company's chicken nuggets were declared by customers as "rubbery," "dry" and "disappointing."
Burger King took into account "thousands of texts, calls, and comments," said Amy Alarcon, head chef for Burger King in the United States and Canada.
"Our culinary team evaluated every element of the experience, from the chicken and breading to the sauces that bring it all together," Alarcon said in a statement. "Throughout the process, we invited real Guests – including some of our toughest critics, kids – to test and refine the recipe, helping us create a nugget we believe delivers the quality, taste and experience that they have been asking for."
Burger King wants customers to offer their comments on the new nuggets. You can text the company's president Tom Curtis at (305) 874-0520.
Don't forget the sauce
When it comes to chicken nuggets, it's imperative to not forget the sauce. Both chains are also unveiling dipping sauces to complement the new offerings.
Burger King has a new limited-time special savory sauce, described as "combining creamy, tangy and lightly spicy flavors with hints of BBQ seasoning, ketchup, garlic, onion and black pepper." Customers can also choose from three other dipping sauces – honey mustard, buffalo and sweet & sour – all of which were improved, too, the company said.
McDonald's is also bringing back the McDonald’s mighty hot sauce with its spicy chicken nuggets. It's made with "crushed red pepper, spicy chilis, savory garlic and a hint of sweetness, this saucy little number is everything and more," according to McDonald's menu spotter site.
Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com.
Bianca Harris is an editor on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Email her at bharris@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chicken nuggets land on menus at Burger King, McDonald's on same day
