FamilyMart's nuggets may be a gamechanger in the convenience store fried-chicken war

Nuggets have long been an afterthought in the greasy trenches of Japan’s convenience-store fried-chicken battles. “Nugget” options in the past have resembled sad, microwave-ready snacks pulled from the freezer.

FamilyMart wants to change that with their new “Family Nugget,” available in plain and chili flavors (¥210). It’s a significant upgrade over the nuggets the chain has offered in the past — especially the chili variety, which has a surprising amount of heat — even if the shape is similar to a regular piece of fried chicken. It’s a welcome change.

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