Macca’s brings back cult-favourite menu item for the first time since 2024
Updated . First published
McDonald’s is bringing back its Spicy Chicken McNuggets after overwhelming customer demand. The cult favourite was discontinued in 2024, leaving fans of the zesty version of the original menu item at a loss.
They will be available in packs of six, 10, 20 or 40 pieces and also coming back are the half-and-half packs made up of regular and spicy nuggets. Dipping sauce options will include ranch and buffalo.
Nuggie fans, rejoice: Macca’s is bringing back Spicy Chicken McNuggets. McDonald’s Australia
“Our fans aren’t shy about telling us which Macca’s favourites they want to see make a comeback, and we know there are plenty who have been waiting for Spicy Chicken McNuggets to return,” Tobi Fukushima, Marketing Director at McDonald’s Australia, told nine.com.au.
“We’re excited to have them back on the menu for the first time since 2024, bringing that iconic Chicken McNuggets crunch with an added kick of spice. They won’t be around forever, so spice fans, get in quick.”
Spicy Chicken McNuggets were first released in Australia in 2018 before being from menus. They debuted alongside a range of spicy winter options, including Spicy Shaker Fries, and were an instant hit.
Fans have been asking for the popular menu item to make a comeback. iStock
Since then, they have made regular reappearances on the menu, including in February 2019 when they made their first summer revival alongside limited-edition dipping sauces including Spicy Buffalo.
Fast food lovers were next treated to them in September 2022 as part of a spring run, and this was the first time half-and-half packs were on offer. The following year, the spicy nuggets were part of a release another McSpicy range by Maccas, and again in 2024.
The news of Spicy McNuggets’ return comes days after the fast food giant unveiled a major change to its menu displays.
Customers can now see exactly how many grams of protein menu items containing 15 grams of protein or more content on menu item listings.
“People think that having protein means it’s a health food, but that’s not the case at all,” food scientist Dr Emma Beckett said. McDonald’s
Out of interest, a 10-pack of McNuggets contains 21g of protein, a 20-pack has 43g, and a 40-pack of Chicken McNuggets will give you 43g of protein.
Spicy Chicken McNuggets are available in Macca’s restaurants nationwide, via the MyMacca’s app and McDelivery from October 28, for a limited time only.
How nuggets became a fast food must-have in Australia
Nuggets first took off nationwide during the mid-1980s, following the global rollout of McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets in 1983.
Before this, fast-food chicken in Australia was overwhelmingly dominated by bone-in pieces, rotisseries, and local takeaway charcoal chicken shops.
Nuggets took off in Australia during the mid-1980s. iStock
The arrival of McNuggets transformed chicken into bite-sized, mess-free finger food, quickly becoming a cornerstone of Australian family drive-thru orders throughout the late 1980s and 1990s.
Social media has only added to their popularity, with most major fast food brands in Australia now offering them on menus, not to mention their popularity in cafés and pubs via ‘kids meals’.
