As McDonalds continues to evolve and adapt to changing tastes and trends, the fastfood giant is making a significant move in 2025bringing back the iconic Chicken Selects. This announcement is sure to excite loyal customers, many of whom have been eagerly awaiting the return of these crispy, tender chicken strips. The Chicken Selects, first introduced in 2002, have had a turbulent history with McDonalds, disappearing from the menu in 2013, then making brief comebacks in 2015, only to be discontinued once more. Now, after years of speculation and fan requests, McDonalds is ready to reintroduce this beloved item in a new form.
A Return That Was Long Overdue
The Chicken Selects were a staple of McDonalds menu for nearly a decade before their initial departure in 2013. The breaded, allwhite meat chicken strips quickly gained a cult following for their crisp exterior and juicy interior, and they became a musthave for fans of McDonalds chicken options. However, due to operational challenges and a shift in the brands focus, McDonalds decided to phase them out. This left a void in the chicken category, which was only partially filled by the introduction of other items like the Buttermilk Crispy Tenders.
In recent years, the return of Chicken Selects has been a hot topic in the fastfood community. Fans have been vocal on social media, with many hoping for the chicken strips to make a permanent comeback. The longawaited return was hinted at in 2025 during a McDonalds earnings call, where CEO Chris Kempczinski mentioned a new chicken strip offering coming soon. While details on the exact recipe remain scarce, its clear that McDonalds is bringing back a version of the Chicken Selects, albeit potentially with some tweaks to fit the current markets taste preferences.
The Rise of Chicken at McDonalds
McDonalds has been gradually expanding its chicken offerings in recent years, and the return of Chicken Selects is part of a larger strategy to increase the brands presence in the chicken market. In 2024, McDonalds revealed plans to increase its share of the chicken market by introducing more chickenbased menu items. This aligns with the growing trend of chicken becoming a dominant force in fast food, with many chains embracing the protein as a key component of their menus.
As part of this chicken renaissance, McDonalds is also bringing back the Chicken Big Mac, a variation of its classic Big Mac that swaps the beef patties for crispy chicken. Additionally, the longrequested Chicken Snack Wrap, which uses similar chicken tenders as the Chicken Selects, will be reintroduced to the menu as well. These moves signal McDonalds commitment to satisfying its chickenloving customers while diversifying its menu offerings.
Why Chicken Selects Matter to McDonalds Fans
For many, the return of Chicken Selects represents more than just a change in McDonalds menu. Its a nod to nostalgia and a sign that the brand is listening to its customers. The Chicken Selects were part of a time when McDonalds was more experimental with its menu, offering items that were both familiar and fresh. Their return is likely to resonate with a generation of McDonalds fans who grew up enjoying these crispy strips.
Moreover, the reintroduction of Chicken Selects is a strategic move by McDonalds to strengthen its position in the chicken category, which has seen a rise in competition from other fastfood chains. As consumer preferences shift toward healthier options, chicken has become a popular alternative to beef, and McDonalds is capitalizing on this trend.
The New Chicken Selects: What to Expect
While the specifics of the new Chicken Selects recipe are still under wraps, its likely that McDonalds will retain the essence of what made the original version so popular. Expect crispy, goldenbrown strips made from highquality white meat chicken. They may be served as part of a combo meal, with sides like fries and dipping sauces, or as a standalone option for those craving a quick snack. McDonalds has always been adept at balancing quality with convenience, and the return of Chicken Selects will likely follow this formula.
The Future of McDonalds Chicken Offerings
The return of Chicken Selects is part of a broader strategy to diversify McDonalds menu and keep it fresh. With the rise of chicken sandwiches, tenders, and wraps, McDonalds is positioning itself as a major player in the chicken fastfood market. The popularity of the McCrispy sandwich and the McChicken Big Mac are testament to the growing demand for chicken options, and it seems that McDonalds is more than ready to meet that demand with a new generation of chickenbased menu items.
Conclusion
The reappearance of Chicken Selects at McDonalds is a win for both the company and its customers. After years of requests and anticipation, fans are finally getting what theyve been asking for: a return to the crispy, flavorful chicken strips that made the original Chicken Selects a fan favorite. As McDonalds continues to innovate and adapt, the chickencentric future looks promising, with the Chicken Selects serving as a cornerstone of this exciting new chapter. Whether youre a longtime fan of the original or a newcomer eager to try them for the first time, the Chicken Selects return is sure to be a highlight of McDonalds 2025 menu.