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Why Did McDonald’s Get Rid of Chicken Selects? A Look at the Demise of a Fan Favorite

As a McDonald’s fan I was heartbroken when the fast food giant removed Chicken Selects from its menu back in 2013. These crispy chicken tenders coated in a signature breading were a staple menu item that customers loved dipping in sauces like honey mustard and barbecue. But why exactly did McDonald’s decide to discontinue such a popular product?

In this article, I’ll take a deep dive into the potential reasons behind the demise of Chicken Selects and why McDonald’s chose to eliminate these menu items despite their cult following. From operational efficiency to changing tastes, it seems there were a number of factors that led to the disappearance of everyone’s favorite chicken strips.

The Origin Story of Chicken Selects

First introduced in 2002 Chicken Selects were marketed as a premium chicken product targeting adults rather than kids. They came seasoned with spices like paprika and garlic and were intended to be a higher-quality alternative to McNuggets.

Chicken Selects became popular menu items that customers enjoyed either on their own or paired with sides and sauces. McDonald’s also experimented with promotions like limited-time seasoning flavors and meal combinations to drive interest in the product over the years.

At Their Peak – A Cult Favorite Menu Item

In their early years on the McDonald’s menu, Chicken Selects developed an almost cult-like following. Their crisp, peppery breading and tender white meat tasted far superior to McNuggets for many customers.

On forums and blogs, fans would rave about dipping the Selects in honey mustard or sweet and sour sauce. Photos of the products would spread across social media from delighted customers. For a time, they were considered a unique and premium menu choice that stood out from McDonald’s usual offerings.

The Tide Begins to Turn

While passion for Chicken Selects ran high among loyal devotees, the products actually experienced inconsistent levels of popularity in different regions. In some markets, they were top-sellers, while in others, consumer interest was fairly low.

Supply chain and inventory management proved difficult with such large variability in demand across locations. And enthusiasm for the Selects slowly declined over the years following their initial successful launch.

More Competitors Arrive on the Scene

During the late 2000’s and early 2010’s, McDonald’s began expanding chicken offerings with new sandwiches and variations on classic products. The McChicken sandwich gained popularity, along with limited-time crispy chicken sandwiches. Interest in McNuggets was also reinvigorated with dipping sauce promotions.

More chicken choices on the menu likely diverted some customers away from ordering Chicken Selects. And other chains like Wendy’s and Burger King offered their own versions of chicken strips and tenders to compete. McDonald’s was also making a larger push towards fish sandwiches at the time.

Menu Simplification and Operational Efficiency

By the early 2010’s, McDonald’s franchisees were feeling strained by the increasingly complex menu. Items like Chicken Selects that required special handling and procedures made kitchen operations more difficult. McDonald’s was also looking for ways to speed up its drive-thru service.

Eliminating slower and less popular choices like the Selects helped streamline kitchen workflows. Removing the Selects meant the company could focus on more high-demand items that met customers’ evolving preferences and needs.

The Quiet Disappearance of a Fan Favorite

In 2013, McDonald’s began phasing out Chicken Selects from its menus. No major announcement or fanfare preceded their disappearance. The company indicated the discontinuation was part of broader efforts to simplify operations and align with customer demand.

Devoted fans certainly noticed the absence of their beloved tenders. Some took to social media to express disappointment, longing for their return. But unlike cases like the McRib, McDonald’s did not frame the Selects as a seasonal item bound to come back someday. All signs pointed to their demise being permanent.

No Official Explanation From McDonald’s

McDonald’s has never provided an official, definitive reason for discontinuing Chicken Selects. The company gave vague explanations about “evolving menus” in response to media inquiries. But the true rationale remains elusive.

Without a transparent announcement from the company, one can only speculate on the various factors that led to this decision. It seems shifting consumer preferences, operational challenges, and performance issues all may have sealed the fate of Chicken Selects.

Could Chicken Selects Return?

Rumors have swirled for years that McDonald’s might reintroduce Chicken Selects or something similar, to the delight of fans. After all, other discontinued classics like McRibs and McPizza have made limited comebacks.

McDonald’s did briefly bring back Buttermilk Crispy Tenders in 2017. However, those were also eventually removed from menus.

As of now, Chicken Selects show no signs of returning in their original form. But fans continue to hope McDonald’s will someday breathe new life into these cult favorite chicken tenders. Only time will tell if our Chicken Select dreams come true once more.

Why Fans Remain Obsessed Years Later

On Reddit threads and blog posts, nostalgic McDonald’s fans still pine for Chicken Selects years after their disappearance. What made this product so unforgettable and beloved?

For many, it came down to the uniquely crispy, peppery breading that delivered bursts of flavor. The tenders had a satisfying crunch on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. And they were fun to customize with dipping sauces.

Above all, Chicken Selects deliver happy memories for those who grew up enjoying this tasty treat. They represent a simpler time of enjoying fast food favorites without worries or cares. That nostalgia keeps hope alive that McDonald’s will change its mind and revive this cherished menu item once more.

The Life and Death of a Fast Food Favorite

The story of Chicken Selects reflects the ever-evolving nature of fast food menus. An item that achieves cult status can disappear just as quickly due to operational or business concerns. For better or worse, chains like McDonald’s are constantly making changes to meet efficiency goals and match customer demand.

While disappointing for devotees, the demise of Chicken Selects is understandable from McDonald’s perspective. Yet it’s hard not to feel a tinge of sadness thinking about those crispy, tasty tenders vanishing from our lives. The memories will live on, but will the Selects ever make a comeback? For now, fans can only hope and reminisce over this departed fast food favorite.

McDonald’s discontinued Chicken Selects in the US in 2013 due to a combination of factors, including perceived low sales, higher costs, and the desire to simplify operations. They were also removed from the menu in 2020 as part of a broader menu simplification effort during the COVID-19 pandemic.