Taking on KFC's popcorn chicken, McDonald's is introducing a new fatty, salty treat: Chicken McBites, “poppable pieces of premium chicken breast seasoned to homestyle perfection,” according to the Mickey D's website. The snack size goes for $1.99, and they will only be available through April 20.

Like the fast food giant's Chicken McNuggets, McBites come with your choice of seven dipping sauces (creamy ranch, honey mustard, spicy buffalo, sweet chili, sweet 'n sour, tangy barbecue and honey) and are available in three sizes: snack (3 ounces), regular (5 ounces) and shareable (10 ounces).

The regular size has 470 calories, 28 grams of fat (almost half the recommended daily allowance) and 730 milligrams of sodium (almost a third the daily recommended allowance). Still, “Tiny in size, huge in taste, they'll bring a little joy to your day,” McDonald's promises. Along with a little jiggle to your thighs.

According to Bloomberg Businessweek, shares of McDonald's Corp., the world's largest restaurant chain, have dropped in value over the last four months, although the shares gained 31 percent last year (the company grossed $27 billion in revenue). Chief Executive Officer Jim Skinner has sought to draw U.S. consumers with value-priced items on the Dollar Menu and limited-time offers, such as the McRib sandwich and Chicken McBites.

Like other food sellers, McDonald's has raised overall menu prices to help recoup higher raw ingredient costs, Bloomberg says.

Still, the prices are pretty low. Let's hope no one tries to trade sex for Chicken McBites, as a woman in Burbank allegedly did for McNuggets a couple of weeks ago. Sexual favors for $1.99? At least go for the “shareable” size.


Follow Samantha Bonar @samanthabonar.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.