News Spicy McNuggets Are Back at McDonald's, but Only for a Limited Time Please, can we just make these permanent? By Stacey Leasca Published on September 22, 2023 Photo: Ant DM / Shutterstock McDonald’s is bringing back yet another fan-favorite menu item, and we gotta say … we’re lovin’ it. On Thursday, the fast food giant confirmed the return of its Spicy Chicken McNuggets, which have made semi-regular returns to the menu on and off over the last few years, after the snack-focused Instagram account, Snackolater, was the first to report they’re return. As Food&Wine previously reported, the hotter version of the McNuggets debuted at select McDonald’s locations around America in 2020 to both the excitement of fans and McDonald’s executives. McDonald's Is Phasing Out Self-Serve Soda Stations Because We Can't Have Nice Things "This is the first time we've introduced a new flavor of our classic Chicken McNuggets in the U.S. since they came to menus in 1983," Linda VanGosen, McDonald's vice president of menu innovation, shared in the announcement at the time. "As our customers have been asking for Spicy McNuggets for some time now, we couldn't think of a better time to bring them to our menus. We can't wait for McNuggets fans to get a taste of these new spicy options." The Spicy McNuggets returned again in 2022, this time for a limited release to just 6,900 participating restaurants. And, like that release, the 2023 version also comes with limited availability, so fans will have to hunt down a participating restaurant near them. The Spicy Chicken McNuggets are made just as they were in 2020 and 2022 — using the brand’s tempura coating mixed with some heat thanks to chili and cayenne peppers. The McNuggets are available in 6, 10, 20, or even 40-piece sizing for those who want to share the spicy love (or who just want to hoard this limited offering for themselves). And, like last time, if you spot them on a menu near you and want to try them, you better order fast, as there is no telling when they’ll be taken off the menu or when they may return again. If ever. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit