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Chicken Takes Over: McDonald's Tests Major Menu Shakeup
6 Jul
Summary
- McDonald's is testing ten new chicken-centric menu items.
- The test menu includes gourmet grilled sandwiches and bone-in wings.
- This initiative aims to boost poultry sales by 1% by end of 2026.
McDonald's is undergoing a substantial, yet quiet, menu transformation, prioritizing chicken over beef. This strategic shift, driven by evolving consumer preferences and increased beef costs, involves a significant test of ten new chicken-centric items. These culinary experiments, which began appearing in December 2025 in select Chicago-area locations, range from sophisticated grilled chicken sandwiches to an unexpected introduction of bone-in wings.
Industry analysts suggest these limited-market tests serve as a crucial corporate sandbox. They enable McDonald's to gauge real-world demand, refine operational procedures, and collect vital customer feedback before a potential nationwide rollout. The extensive nature of this trial indicates a broader exploration into customizable dining experiences, not just new flavors.
The economic rationale behind this poultry pivot is clear: globally, McDonald's chicken segment now rivals its historic beef business in size. This aggressive push is underpinned by a corporate mandate to achieve at least a 1% increase in poultry sales by the close of 2026, using 2023 as a baseline.
