I tried McDonald’s spicy chicken nuggets and think they should be added permanently to the menu

Fast-food chains are known to tease customers on social media with the prospect of bringing back favorite menu items, and McDonald’s is no different.

Labeling some items as limited-time-only creates a feeling of FOMO among fans and keeps them hungry for the next release. The brand also applied this tactic to the McRib, another limited-time offering.

This year, the spicy nuggets will be available in select local markets, including Phoenix, Dallas, Houston, New York, San Antonio, and Memphis, Tennessee. Customers are encouraged to check the McDonald’s app to confirm if their closest location offers the nuggets.

Since my home address was pre-recorded on my Uber Eats app, I simply searched for “spicy chicken nuggets” in the app’s search bar. This led me to the closest McDonald’s store serving the nuggets.

I found Uber Eats easier than the McDonald’s app since I didn’t have to manually check individual store locations to see if they had stocked up on the nuggets. Instead, I was just directed to the one closest to my home.

Whether you order from the McDonald’s app or through Uber Eats, your food is eventually delivered by Uber Eats.

Still, a 10-piece box of spicy chicken nuggets from my local store in New York on the McDonald’s app cost $9.49, without tips, taxes, or fees. (With tax, a 15% tip, and fees, including a delivery fee and a $3.75 “small order fee,” it cost $22.22.)

The same order on Uber Eats — without an UberOne membership — cost me $9.39. (With tax, delivery fees, and tip, I paid $20.10. Uber Eats did not charge me a small order fee.)

Even before I removed the box of nuggets from the paper bags, the familiar — and mouthwatering — smell of McDonald’s had spread throughout my living room.

I was very happy that my delivery arrived in record time, and when I held the box and opened it, the nuggets were still warm despite the chilly weather outside.

The nuggets had a crispy exterior with spots of black dots — possibly pepper — spread all over. They were made with a crispy coating spiced with cayenne and chili pepper.

Even before I took a bite, I could tell these were going to have a nice crunch because of the crusty exterior.

I ordered a box of 10 pieces, but you could also choose from four, six, 20, or 40 pieces.

The crispy, spicy coating and lingering smell made these nuggets hard to resist.

Upon taking my first bite, I thought the nugget had a nice crunch, which perfectly complemented the chicken’s juiciness.

After that first bite, I gobbled up a whole box and happily forgot to save some for my friend.

At first, the color made it look like it was going to be very spicy. But as soon as I tried the first nugget, I found that the heat was subtle and slowly built up rather than making me sweat from the very first bite.

I thought the recipe was quite mild, but I still enjoyed it and, in fact, preferred it that way. However, if you’re looking for extra heat, you could pair the fried chicken with hot picante sauce or Buffalo sauce.

Another element that stood out was that the hot seasoning wasn’t limited to the chicken’s coating. When I tried the chicken and breading separately, I found that I could still consistently feel the heat.

I love a good spicy and crispy chicken, whether sandwiched between a bun or on its own. So when I moved to the US, Chick-fil-A quickly became my go-to fast-food restaurant.

But now that I’ve tasted McDonald’s spicy chicken nuggets, I have a feeling my loyalties might shift — at least until these disappear again.

And next time, I’m going for the 20-piece box.