The Chicken McNugget changed the fast-food game when it was introduced in 1983, roughly 40 years ago.
While it seems impossible that fast-food chains back then didn't offer the small, easy-to-eat-while-driving treats, chicken nuggets were largely an at-home item for kids before McDonald's (MCD) added them to menus nationwide.
At the time, Restaurant Brands International's (QSR) Burger King offered its long chicken sandwiches, but at the time that was actually considered daring.
McDonald's made chicken at fast-food burger chains a thing when it introduced the McNugget -- but the process wasn't quick.
DON'T MISS: McDonald's Menu Adding New Take On a Classic Nationwide
"Often credited with creating the chicken nugget, McDonald’s contracted Tyson Foods to create a winning product in 1979 and the McNugget debuted in 1983," Turner Harrison of the Carolina News & Reporter wrote.
"The fried and breaded piece of mechanically-separated chicken meat took off, and it quickly became a best-selling item on McDonald’s menu around the nation. Today, McDonald’s sells on average 2,500 pounds of chicken every two minutes, and McNuggets are one of the top-selling menu items."
Now, with the McNugget about to turn 40, the chain is celebrating that anniversary in select locations.
Image source: Ezra Acayan/Getty Images
Happy 40th Birthday Chicken McNuggets
In 1983, McDonald's sold Chicken McNuggets in 6-, 9-, and 20-piece boxes. Now, the chain has tweaked that to offer 6-, 10-, and 20-piece choices. In honor of the 40th anniversary of the beloved bite-size chicken pieces, the chain has been offering a new McNuggets size at a very special price, the Fast Food Post reported.
"As part of the limited-time deal, you can get 40 juicy Chicken McNuggets in-restaurant or through the app -- where available -- for just $10.99," the website reported.
And while prices vary by market, the McDonald's menu on Uber Eats in Port St. Lucie, Fla., showed a 6-piece McNuggets for $4.39, a 10-piece for $5.79 and a 20-piece for $7.59.
The 40-piece for $10,99 offer has been spotted at participating restaurants in Illinois and Missouri, according to Fast Food Post.
Not every location will be honoring that price. The Port St. Lucie location showed a 40-piece box as a choice but listed it at $13.49 -- which is still a deal over ordering two 20-piece boxes.
McDonald's Adds a New Pie In Hawaii
While McDonald's Hawaii isn't actually separate from other U.S. operations, the chain's island locations often post menu items that aren't offered on the mainland.
That group has included the McTeri, a hamburger with a teriyaki sauce, and Saimin, a noodle soup that's sort of a take on Cup Noodles.
You can also get fresh-cut pineapple at select Hawaii locations, and Haupia, a take on the chain's classic pie filled with coconut pudding.
Now, the McDonald's Hawaii Twitter account shows that it's now offering another novel take on the company's classic dessert.
"Have you tried the new Guava & Creme Pie yet? It's selling like crazy!" McDonald's Hawaii tweeted.
The Guava and Creme pie has guava filling on one side and a creme filling on the other. It will be offered for six weeks or until supplies run out.
