This Revamped Chicken Item Is One Of McDonald's Best Additions In 2026, According To Customers

Fast food chains have flagship menu items that are classic mainstays, like McDonald's iconic Big Mac, Chicken McNuggets, and Egg McMuffin. But they also frequently introduce new products, often for a limited time or seasonally, or tweak existing ones to appeal to the public, boosting sales by creating interest and enthusiasm. Among novel menu offerings Mickey D's rolled out in 2026, its revamped McCrispy Strips have been winning praise from customers, landing as one of the year's best new items so far.

McDonald's gave its fried chicken strips a makeover in response to customers complaining about thinner breading since their 2025 introduction, saying they wanted them crispier like the Chicken Selects that were pulled in 2013. The new McCrispy Strips that debuted in July have a thicker and crispier breading that includes panko breadcrumbs, while keeping the same black pepper-forward flavor.

Among those applauding the change, YouTube channel theendorsement pronounced, "They are 100% crispier and crunchier than their predecessors. They're better." Similarly, one fan on Reddit said, "The one I got today in a wrap was amazing. I purposefully let it sit and steam in the ranch. Crunchy AF. Highly recommend." Another customer said, "They are much better than the old ones. Taste close to the old chicken selects but not exactly the same." But one customer did not like the update, stating, "Imo they're mid. I get the point was to be heavier on the breading, but it's too much." While another agreed, "The new ones are terrible ... Less flavor and too much breading."

The all-white meat McCrispy Strips are available as a three- or four-piece serving with a choice of sauce, including the Creamy Chili McCrispy Strip Dip that originally debuted in 2025. McDonald's highlights its strips as a higher-protein menu item, containing 31 grams for three and 41 grams for four. They're also available in Crispy Chicken Snack Wraps, which returned in 2025. They feature one crispy chicken strip wrapped in a flour tortilla with shredded cheese, lettuce, and ranch or spicy pepper sauce. 

McCrispy Strips' price varies depending on the restaurant's location. An average of five McDonald's in different U.S. regions found a $4.99 to $5.49 range for the three-piece serving, $5.79 to $6.79 for the four-count, and Snack Wraps for $2.99 to $3.49.

McDonald's has offered a few different chicken strips over the years. The Chicken Selects' initial 11-year run was followed by a brief return in 2015. Buttermilk Crispy Tenders then came out in 2017 but only lasted until 2020. The next version was the original McCrispy Strips, and now that they've gotten an upgrade, something new might be on the horizon. McDonald's has been testing glazed and seasoned McCrispy Strips in some markets, which might find their way onto regular menus. The glazed flavors are Sweet Chili, Teriyaki, and Kickin' BBQ, and the seasoned ones are Garlic Parm, Spicy Chili Garlic, and Sweet Asian.