Review: McDonald's spicy chicken nuggets good, not great

Under increasing pressure to release a competitive chicken product, McDonald's released a spicy version of the original chicken nuggets.

(McDonald’s)
(McDonald’s)

Under increasing pressure to release a competitive chicken product, McDonald's released a spicy version of the original chicken nuggets. This is the first time the company has introduced a new flavor of its classic Chicken McNuggets in the U.S. since they came out in 1983.

The Spicy Chicken McNuggets have been added to the fast-food restaurant's menu in participating locations for a limited time. The chicken nuggets are breaded with a tempura coating made of both cayenne and chili pepper.

Last weekend I thought I would give the new product a try. I must say they are good, but not great. The spicy flavor is more of an aftertaste, which could be because it is baked into the breading. Now, to be fair, I am not a huge fan of McNuggets to begin with, but I do like this new breading better than the original. For me to be a big fan of this new product or the original, McDonald's would have to first improve its quality of chicken.

The quick-service restaurant also added the Mighty Hot Sauce, a powerful blend of red peppers and spicy chili to its menu to accompany the new chicken nuggets. While ordering, I was prepared to get the full experience of the new products. The cashier asked if I'd like any dipping sauce and I asked for the new sauce that comes with the spicy nuggets, she replied: "Are you sure? Do you like really hot things? This new sauce literally brought me to tears."

I was committed to trying the new products and honestly thought maybe the cashier just had a flair for being dramatic. I was wrong, the new sauce is hot and honestly, I thought masked the taste of the new spicy batter. It did not bring me to tears, but I will not order it again. I think the original Buffalo sauce McDonald's had would enhance the already spicy batter and a packet of ranch dip would have complimented it well.

I could see how this new product will be a hit for McDonald's, especially in parts of the country that do not have Culver's -- because l think Culver's Spicy Chicken Tenders in comparison blow McDonald's products away.

Page 1 of 1575
Next Page