Chicken nuggets hold a special place in many of our hearts. Those bite-sized morsels of breaded and fried chicken are a staple childhood food, a go-to fast food order, and a reliable easy dinner option. But lately, chicken nuggets seem harder to come by. Shortages and supply chain issues have led to a lack of nuggets on menus and in freezer sections across the country.
A Shortage of Chicken Nuggets
In the last year or so, restaurants like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Chick-fil-A have all reported chicken nugget shortages. For periods of time, some locations have had to stop selling nuggets entirely due to lack of supply. Even grocery stores have sparse freezer sections where chicken nuggets and tenders used to be plentifully stocked.
Several factors have contributed to the great chicken nugget shortage of 2022:
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Supply chain issues – Problems like production delays, shipping container shortages, and lack of truck drivers have made it harder to get food from farm to table. This affects the entire supply chain for chicken nuggets.
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High demand – Chicken continues to be more popular and in-demand than beef or pork. Nuggets are an easy affordable, and appealing chicken option for many consumers. High demand places strain on supply.
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Labor shortages – From chicken processing plants to truck drivers to fast food employees, labor shortages due to COVID-19, immigration policies, and other economic factors have impacted availability.
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Russia’s war in Ukraine – Ukraine is a major exporter of grain that is used for chicken feed. The war has caused global price spikes and shortages of chicken feed ingredients.
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Avian flu outbreaks – Recent avian influenza outbreaks have led to the culling of millions of egg-laying hens in the U.S. Egg shortages indirectly impact the supply of eggs used for breading chicken nuggets.
The Hunt for Chicken Nuggets
For chicken nugget lovers, the shortage has led to a desperate hunt for our beloved bites of breaded chicken. Frustrated fast food customers pull up to drive-thrus only to be informed that chicken nuggets are currently unavailable. Disappointed grocery shoppers scour empty freezer sections in hopes a stray bag of nuggets might appear.
Some have turned to the secondary market, paying marked-up prices for chicken nuggets and tenders online. A ironic song called “Where’s My Chicky Nuggies Gone?” captures the melancholy of a world with too few chicken nuggets. Memes about the shortage have spread widely on social media, with many lamenting the disappearance of their favorite food.
The nugget shortage has forced some to seek substitutes like chicken patties, strips, or popcorn chicken. However, as any true nugget connoisseur knows, these alternatives simply do not measure up to the real deal. The unique combo of a crispy breaded exterior and tender, bite-sized chicken interior cannot be replicated.
Coping Without Chicken Nuggets
Until the supply chain recovers and chicken nugget inventories are replenished, we must learn to cope in a world with limited access to this iconic comfort food. Here are a few tips:
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Seek out smaller independent restaurants that may still have nuggets available rather than large chains.
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Try making homemade chicken nuggets from scratch using ingredients you likely have on hand. Look up breaded chicken nugget recipes online.
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Expand your horizons and try other appetizing chicken products like wings, chicken sandwiches, or chicken tenders.
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Get creative with boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bitesize pieces then breaded and baked.
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Stock up whenever you do find a store or restaurant with nuggets in stock. Freeze extra bags or servings for when another shortage strikes.
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Come up with tasty dipping sauces from things like honey mustard, bbq sauce, ranch, etc to satisfy cravings.
A Future Filled with Nuggets
This too shall pass. The chicken nugget shortage is unfortunate but temporary. Supply will catch up with demand once again and nuggets will be back in abundance before we know it. Chicken nugget producers are ramping up efforts to increase supplies and get this staple food back in the hands and mouths of the people.
In the meantime, be patient, be creative, and remember that the hardships we face today will make the chicken nuggets of tomorrow taste even sweeter. Stay strong nugget lovers, and hold onto hope for a future filled with crispy breaded chicken goodness once again. The nugget shall prevail!
Where is my Chicky Nuggies gone?
FAQ
What are some interesting facts about chicken nuggets?
The nuggets as we know them today were produced by Robert C. Baker in a laboratory at Cornell University in the early 1960s. With this, Baker made it possible to enter more poultry products into the lives of many Americans, who had been consuming too much red meat, which caused severe health problems.
What is the history of chicken nuggets?
History. The chicken nugget was developed in the 1950s by Robert C. Baker, a food science professor at Cornell University, and published as unpatented academic work. Bite-sized pieces of chicken, coated in batter and then deep fried, were called “Chicken Crispies” by Baker and his associates.
Are my Chicky nuggies gone?
My Nuggies! No, uhhm, they are.. They’re gone! You’re lying! I see it in your face! This is a hilarious song about the Mandalorian and Baby Yoda. Originally on YouTube: Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning Who produced “Where is my Chicky Nuggies gone?” by Herr Fuchs?
Do Chicky nuggies have Chicky nuggies?
They have no Chicky Nuggies! You ate my Chicky Nuggies! I know you ate them all…. You ate them! No, No! My Nuggies! No, uhhm, they are..
Why does baby Yoda ask Mando where his Chicky nuggies have gone?
In the chorus, Baby Yoda asks Mando where his chicky nuggies have gone, emphasizing his disappointment. He reminds Mando that he promised to leave him some, especially considering Baby Yoda’s current hunger and grumbling belly.