McDonald’s has officially added a new permanent menu item, the McCrispy Strips, marking its first introduction of a new item since 2021. This announcement comes as the fast-food giant adapts to changing consumer preferences, particularly among younger generations who are increasingly gravitating towards chicken and dipping sauces.
Set to launch on May 5, 2025, the McCrispy Strips are described as irresistibly craveable chicken strips made with 100% white meat, coated with a crispy golden-brown breading and infused with a bold black pepper flavor. Alongside these strips, McDonald’s will also introduce the Creamy Chili Dip, a sauce that is sweet, tangy, and offers just the right amount of spice.
Alyssa Buetikofer, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald’s, expressed her enthusiasm about the new offering, stating, “Since stepping into my new role as a leader of the U.S. business this year, I’ve been excited for fans to get to experience our additional chicken offerings. The demand for chicken strips has been remarkable to see across the industry, so we knew we had to deliver something so craveable that it was worth the wait.”
The McCrispy Strips will be available in three or four-piece servings, each served with one or two cups of the Creamy Chili Dip, respectively. Customers can also pair their strips with other popular McDonald’s sauces, such as Tangy Barbecue, Spicy Buffalo, and Creamy Ranch.
Food blogger The Southern Snack recently reviewed the new chicken strips, giving them a solid 7 out of 10. However, the blogger was particularly impressed with the Creamy Chili Dip, awarding it a perfect 10 out of 10, describing it as “absolutely delicious sauce” and “super dynamic, sweet and zesty with a slight kick.”
This new chicken offering aligns with a broader trend in the fast-food industry, where chains are increasingly focusing on chicken products as beef production in the U.S. reportedly declines. KFC, a direct competitor, has also recognized this shift, having opened a prototype restaurant named Saucy in Orlando last year, which features chicken strips and an impressive selection of 11 different dipping sauces.
In addition to the McCrispy Strips, McDonald’s is also introducing a new beverage option, the Premium Lemonade, which replaces the previously offered Minute Maid Lemonade. This new drink is made with real lemon juice, lemon pulp, and real cane sugar, providing a refreshing citrus flavor. The average prices for the Premium Lemonade are set at $2.73 for a small, $2.98 for a medium, and $3.44 for a large.
McDonald’s rich history dates back to 1954 when Ray Kroc discovered a small restaurant in San Bernardino, California, owned by the McDonald brothers. Kroc was impressed by the restaurant’s efficiency and streamlined menu, which only included burgers, fries, and drinks. This led him to establish McDonald’s System, Inc., and by 1958, the chain celebrated the sale of its 100 millionth hamburger. Today, McDonald’s operates over 13,598 restaurants across 54 states in the U.S., making it one of the most recognized fast-food brands in the world.
As consumers eagerly await the arrival of the McCrispy Strips, McDonald’s continues to innovate and adapt its menu to meet the evolving tastes of its customers. The new offerings, including the Creamy Chili Dip and Premium Lemonade, reflect the company’s commitment to providing high-quality, flavorful food options.
With the launch of the McCrispy Strips and the accompanying Creamy Chili Dip, McDonald’s is not only enhancing its menu but also responding to the desires of its fans for more chicken options. This strategic move could potentially reshape the fast-food landscape as more consumers seek out chicken-based meals over traditional beef offerings.
As the fast-food giant prepares for the nationwide rollout of its new products, fans are encouraged to stay tuned to McDonald’s social media channels for updates on how and where to enjoy these exciting new menu items. Whether through the McDonald’s App, in restaurants, or via McDelivery, the McCrispy Strips promise to offer a delicious new way to enjoy chicken.
