Crispy, crunchy, juicy, tender—Southerners hold fried chicken in high regard. We pass down secret recipes from generation to generation (“Soak that chicken in buttermilk, and don’t forget the pepper!”) and mutter our condolences when the chicken just isn’t quite right. So when a restaurant chain comes out with a new menu item where our keen fried chicken palate is put to the test, it’s normal that we approach with a healthy dose of skepticism.
In 2024, McDonald’s turned to a Southern test market familiar with a good fried chicken: Hickory, North Carolina. With the success of the McCrispy Sandwich, which has already reached over 70 markets, the global chain was testing the concept of McCrispy Chicken Strips: “tender, crispy strips of 100% all white chicken breast,” as advertisements stated. The new menu item—which was tested at seven locations for a very limited time—cost $4.99 for a three-piece, and folks drove all the way to Hickory for a taste.
TikTok food reviewer Papi.Eats called the strips “crispier than the chicken on the McCrispy,” while SnachWithZach on Instagram compared the new menu item to McDonald’s Buttermilk Chicken Tenders from a few years ago, saying that “the big difference is in the breading.” Others couldn’t help but tie the test to the potential of a nostalgic item grandly making its way back to menus—Snack Wraps. (Ten years later, they’re coming back, y’all!)
If you’ve been waiting for McCrispy Chicken Strips to hit your local McDonald’s menu, we have some good news, as reported by Delish. In a recent earnings call, McDonald’s USA CEO Chris Kempczinski confirmed that Snack Wraps will be back in 2025 as well as “a new chicken strip offering.”
“We’re excited about the significant opportunity we see within our chicken portfolio and see the potential to add another point of chicken market share by the end of 2026,” Kempczinski said. After the test in Hickory, many fans speculate that McCrispy Chicken Strips will be hitting menus this year. And though we don’t yet have a date, popular food reviewer Snackolator has heard rumors of spring or summer 2025.
McCrispy Strips open up a world of possibilities for fried chicken fans looking for a quick bite, but also for home cooks who just need to pick up a protein (just as you might rotisserie chicken) to add to their meal plan. Transform fast-food (or leftover) fried chicken into chicken biscuits, a hearty Cobb salad, fried chicken tacos, sliders, or even chicken-and-waffles without any of the prep or mess.
We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for this oh-so-Southern menu item.
