McDonald's brings back McCrispy Strips with new sauce on May 5

In the United States, McDonald's introduced a new permanent menu item, McCrispy Strips, which will become available in participating locations starting May 5, 2025. These chicken strips are made with 100% white meat and feature a crispy golden-brown breading, providing a bold black pepper flavor. Alongside the McCrispy Strips, a new creamy chili dip sauce will be offered, designed to complement the chicken tenders. This introduction follows a significant demand for chicken products in the fast-food industry, as more consumers prefer chicken offerings over beef, impacting sales competition among various fast-food chains. The return of McCrispy Strips marks McDonald's first permanent addition to its menu in roughly four years, with its last introduction being the McCrispy Chicken Sandwich in 2021. McDonald's aims to tap into the increasing popularity of chicken, a protein that has seen a surge due to changing consumer preferences and rising beef prices. The decision to add chicken strips comes after a five-year absence from the menu, during which the company simplified its offerings to improve operational efficiency amid the pandemic. The feedback from customers played a significant role in the revival of this beloved item, emphasizing the chain's attentiveness to market trends. Alyssa Buetikofer, the Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald's, stated that the company took its time to develop a product that customers would truly enjoy while recognizing the existing demand for chicken strips across the industry. As part of their strategy to increase chicken offerings, McDonald's also plans to reintroduce other items like Snack Wraps and expand its McCrispy sandwich to more locations. This broader effort is expected to capitalize on chicken's growing market share and cater to the evolving preferences of fast-food customers in the coming years. In conjunction with the reintroduction of McCrispy Strips, various fast-food competitors, including Taco Bell and Wendy's, are likewise focusing on enhancing their chicken menus to improve customer engagement and capitalize on the rising trend. McDonald's continues to innovate by offering new sauces and chicken-based products, helping the company maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly changing fast-food landscape.