The mighty McRib originated from a chicken shortage

McDonald's teases its customers since the 1980s by allowing the McRib to appear and disappear sporadically from the menu. But if it hadn't been for a lack of chicken, we might never have had it at all. Basically, the product was developed in the wake of the Chicken McNugget's invention. The McNuggets were a huge hit, but people wanted more. A new menu item was required. The McRib is the result.