How Hot Are McDonald’s Spicy Chicken Nuggets?

You either love McNuggets or you hate ’em, and I freely confess, I love ’em. If you too are a McNugget fan, it’s time to cross the road to your nearest McDonald’s, because the chain brought back its Spicy Chicken Nuggets!

McDonald’s describes its spicy nugs as being “breaded with a sizzling tempura coating made with both cayenne and chili peppers.” I had to know just how sizzling the spicy nuggets are—and this calls for a taste test.

Psst: Learn the four McNugget shapes. There will be a quiz. (Not really.)

How hot are the spicy nuggets?

Gael Fashingbauer Cooper for Taste of Home

I love spicy McNuggets even more than the regular. They’re flocks better than the standard ones, which are mostly neutral-tasting delivery vehicles for McD’s many dipping sauces. The McDonald’s spicy nugget recipe doesn’t skimp on cayenne or chili powder, and you’re left with a real kick. It’s not “reaching-for-the-milk” hot, but it’s surprisingly daring for a fast-food chain. I give them a 6 out of 10 on a heat scale. Ronald is not bluffing.

Unless you’re the type that finds “mild” salsa a little too hot for your taste buds, I’d recommend ordering the spicy McNuggets instead of the plain ones, for as long as they’re in stock at your local McD’s.

My pro tip: The spicy McNuggets are best complemented by the sweet and sour or ranch sauce, both of which cool them down just enough.

How long will McDonald’s have spicy nuggets?

How long will the spicy McNuggets perch on the menu? You never quite know with these limited edition items. It depends on how long the supplies last.

But if you think spice is nice, start looking now. They’re available in participating local markets, and last time, they flew away quickly.