Before tenders took center stage on drive-thru menus, the bite-size staple reigned. The best chicken nuggets still draw big interest, serving as an easy side, late-afternoon snack, or go-to comfort bite. Fast-food brands are chasing renewed demand, especially among Gen Z diners, by adding or revamping nuggets.
On September 1, Burger King rolled out a reformulated chicken nugget after customers panned the old version as rubbery and dry, according to the chain. The same day, McDonald’s brought back Spicy Chicken McNuggets for a limited run. Here is how six fast-food chains’ nuggets ranked, from worst to best.
My least favorite nuggets came from Wendy’s.
Cost: $7.49 for a 10-piece at a Wendy’s in New York City, excluding tax and tip. Prices may vary by location.
Wendy’s, like Burger King and McDonald’s, is primarily known for burgers, and its nuggets reflected that. Seasoning in the breading was solid, but the pieces were small and the meat leaned chewy rather than juicy. They work as a side, though not a destination item.
The Wendy’s chicken nugget was crispy, but instead of being juicy, the chicken tasted a little chewy.
Flavor in the coating helped, yet the texture of the chicken held these back. In short, Wendy’s nuggets felt more like an add-on than a standout.
KFC’s nuggets were a little bare-bones.
Cost: $7.31 for a 10-piece at a KFC in New York City, excluding tax and tip.
KFC’s take skewed simpler than most.
KFC’s nuggets were the least breaded out of the ones I tried.
The chicken itself tasted higher quality than nuggets from Wendy’s, Burger King, and McDonald’s, with a shreddable texture that paired well with the chain’s comeback sauce. Still, the light breading dulled the crunch. For KFC, the tenders or bone-in fried chicken remain the better play.
McDonald’s nuggets were a classic.
Cost: $2.39 for a four-piece or $5.79 for a 10-piece at a McDonald’s in New York City, excluding tax and tip.
McNuggets are a fast-food fixture for a reason.
The nuggets from McDonald’s were predictably good.
The tempura-style batter delivered consistent crispiness and saltiness. Reliability is the draw here. They did read a touch oversalted, but otherwise hit the familiar mark that has kept them popular since the early 1980s.
Burger King recently upgraded its chicken nuggets.
Cost: $5.19 for a 10-piece at a Burger King in New York City, excluding tax and tip.
The chain said the September 1 release brought a crispier bite, a more flavorful marinade, and new packaging.
The nuggets were crispy and paired well with the chain’s sauces.
The update worked. The nuggets had balanced seasoning and a satisfying crunch, holding up as a stand-alone entrée. They were very similar to McDonald’s, and the lower price nudged them ahead.
Chick-fil-A
Cost: $9.19 for an eight-piece at a Chick-fil-A in New York City, excluding tax and tip.
Chick-fil-A’s nuggets justified their reputation.
The nuggets were flavorful and juicy, with just the right amount of seasoning in the breading.
While some rivals skewed dry, these stayed moist and versatile with nearly any sauce. Each piece was on the smaller side and the most expensive per portion in this lineup, but the flavor delivered.
The exterior felt hard. However, when I bit in, the chicken was extremely juicy and flavorful.
Taco Bell’s nuggets, coated with breadcrumbs and crushed tortilla chips, stood out for texture and taste. The tortilla-chip crust added a subtle corn note and extra crunch, similar to a boneless wing. With the chain’s Hidden Valley fire ranch and jalapeño honey mustard, the nuggets impressed. Initially a limited-time item, Taco Bell brought them back in 2025 and 2026 as it expanded its crispy-chicken offerings. Fans will be watching for another return.