You think you know what you’re getting when you bite into something from McDonald’s. But once in a while, something new shows up that’s not just “good for McDonald’s”—it’s just plain good.
McCrispy Strips didn’t come with a ton of hype, but they hit differently than expected. Some bites reminded me of the past, some were totally new, and a few caught me completely off guard—in the best way.
1. The Chicken Was Juicier Than Expected
The first bite didn’t crunch—it gave way to tender, steamy meat that actually felt fresh. Not dry, not stringy, just surprisingly soft and well-cooked.
It was closer to home-cooked than frozen nugget. For fast food chicken, the bar was higher than usual. Pleasantly shocked is the only way to describe it.
2. The Breading Was Thinner Than I Remembered
Instead of a thick, heavy shell, the coating was light and delicate, with a golden crisp. It didn’t drown the flavor of the chicken—it let it through.
No greasy crumbs falling all over the place, no weird chewy crust. It felt balanced and clean. Almost…elegant, if you can believe it.
3. The Crunch Was More Subtle Than Bold
It didn’t have the shattering crack of fried chicken from a diner, but there was a soft, consistent crisp that held up through the meal. A gentle snap, not a crunch explosion.
More whisper than roar, but still satisfying. It had texture, but didn’t try too hard. Kind of like the quiet kid who wins the race.
4. The Creamy Chili Sauce Stole The Show
Tangy, creamy, and just a little spicy—it clung to the chicken in all the right ways. One dip and suddenly the strip felt gourmet.
The balance of heat and richness was impressive. It brought out flavor the chicken didn’t even know it had. Sauce isn’t always the star, but it stole this scene.
5. They Didn’t Taste Like Chicken Selects—At All
Chicken Selects had that pepper-forward flavor and dense, hearty bite. These? They’re lighter, juicier, and less salty, with a cleaner aftertaste.
It’s a new thing, not a reboot. No weird throwback vibes. And honestly, that’s a good thing.
6. The Portion Size Felt Just Right
Not too skimpy, not overwhelming—three strips sat neatly in the box with room for dipping. It was enough to fill me up without the food coma.
You don’t need to unbutton your jeans after these. It’s a meal that feels complete without regret. That balance is rare.
7. They Reheated Surprisingly Well
Thrown in the air fryer the next morning, they came back to life with a satisfying crisp and moist center. Almost like they hadn’t sat overnight in a cardboard box.
Most fast food dies after an hour. These? They rose again. That earns bonus points in my book.
8. The Seasoning Had A Peppery Kick
A little black pepper and garlic heat came through in the aftertaste, adding some edge. Nothing overpowering—but enough to keep you from zoning out.
It made the flavor linger in a good way. Simple, but smart. Someone in the test kitchen was paying attention.
9. They Were Better Without Sauce (Yes, Really)
Raw and undressed, the strips held their own with flavor and texture. No need to cover them up or drown them in dipping goo.
That kind of confidence is rare in fast food. They stood on their own two feet. No costume, just character.
10. I’d Actually Order Them Again
Not out of desperation, not because they were “fine”—but because they were good. Genuinely worth a return trip.
Sometimes fast food just delivers. These strips made that list. And that surprised me most of all.