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Spicy McNuggets returned to US restaurants on 1 September 2026, along with Mighty Hot Sauce. A 6 piece is 290 calories. McDonald's has not announced an end date.
Spicy McNuggets are back at participating US restaurants from 1 September 2026, with a 6 piece at 290 calories. They use a tempura coating seasoned with aged cayenne and chili pepper, and Mighty Hot Sauce has returned alongside them.
This is the sixth appearance since Spicy McNuggets debuted in September 2020, when they became the first new McNugget flavour in the United States since Chicken McNuggets launched in 1983. Every run so far has been limited, and McDonald's has again declined to announce an end date. This page covers what they cost, the calorie figures for each box size, what Mighty Hot Sauce actually is, and the return pattern that tells you roughly when to expect them next. Standard box pricing is on our Chicken McNuggets page, and the full board is on the McDonald's menu with prices.
Yes. They returned to participating US restaurants nationwide on 1 September 2026, and some locations began serving them a few days early. Mighty Hot Sauce came back at the same time. McDonald's has not announced how long either will stay.
A 6 piece is 290 calories, against 250 for the standard version. That is McDonald's own published figure. The spicy tempura coating carries slightly more than the regular batter, which works out at roughly 6 to 7 extra calories per nugget.
The chicken is the same white boneless meat as the standard version. The difference is entirely in the coating: a tempura batter seasoned with a blend of aged cayenne and chili pepper. The heat is built into the breading rather than applied as a sauce, which is why it is even across every nugget in the box.
McDonald's describes Mighty Hot Sauce as a blend of crushed red pepper and cayenne with savoury garlic and a hint of sweetness. When it launched in 2020 the company called it the hottest dipping sauce on its menu, and it has returned with the spicy nuggets every time since.
Same chicken, same box sizes, same price at most restaurants. The batter is the only real difference, and it costs you 40 calories on a 6 piece.
Six appearances in six years, and four of them started in September. If this run ends, that pattern is the best guide to when the next one is likely.
Spicy McNuggets sit alongside the standard boxes rather than replacing them, so both are available during a run. If you want spice on a sandwich instead, the Spicy McCrispy carries an orange pepper sauce and is a permanent item. Full range and pricing on our Chicken McNuggets page.
Prices are a national midpoint recorded from restaurant menu boards and vary by location. Calorie figures for the 6 piece are McDonald's published data; larger box figures are calculated estimates. Contains wheat. Full ingredient and allergen detail on McDonald's own product page, and the full board on the McDonald's menu with prices.
Yes. They returned to participating US restaurants nationwide on 1 September 2026, with some locations serving them a few days early. McDonald's has not announced an end date, and every previous run has been temporary.
290 calories for a 6 piece, against 250 for the standard version. That is McDonald's published figure. The spicy coating adds roughly 6 to 7 calories per nugget.
The coating. It is a tempura batter seasoned with a blend of aged cayenne and chili pepper. The chicken itself is identical to the standard version, so the heat is even across every nugget rather than applied as a sauce.
A blend of crushed red pepper and cayenne with savoury garlic and a hint of sweetness. McDonald's called it the hottest dipping sauce on its menu when it launched in 2020, and it has returned alongside the spicy nuggets every time since.
The same as standard boxes at most restaurants — around $4.29 for a 6 piece and $6.49 for a 10 piece. There is no spice premium on the board, though franchisees set their own prices. Full pricing is on our Chicken McNuggets page.
6, 10, 20 and 40 piece — the same range as standard McNuggets. Only the 6 piece calorie figure is officially published; the larger sizes work out at roughly 480, 965 and 1,930.
Six times in six years. They debuted in September 2020, returned in February 2021, again in 2022, September 2023, select markets in 2024, and nationwide in September 2026. Four of the six launches have started in September.
Noticeable but manageable on their own — closer to a warm background heat than anything punishing. Paired with Mighty Hot Sauce it becomes the hottest combination McDonald's sells. Creamy Ranch works as a counterweight if it is too much.
Not at most restaurants. McDonald's has not applied a premium to the spicy version in any of its runs, so the price matches the standard box of the same size.
McDonald's has never committed to it. All six appearances have been billed as limited time, including this one. Treat each run as temporary, and if you want them, order while they are on the board.
Prices shown are based on typical U.S. McDonald’s menu prices as of August 2026 and may vary by location. Check your local restaurant or McDonald’s app for the latest prices.