McDonald's changing grilled chicken recipe to cut chemical-sounding ingredients

McDonald's says it's simplifying its grilled chicken recipe to remove ingredients people might not recognize, the latest sign the company is rethinking its menu to keep up with changing tastes.

The company says it expects the new "Artisan Grilled Chicken" to be in its more than 14,300 U.S. stores by the end of next week, in products including sandwiches, wraps and salads.

McDonald's is fighting to hold onto customers amid the growing popularity of places like Chipotle that position themselves as more wholesome alternatives.

As ingredients become a marketing advantage, McDonald's has been trying to shake perceptions that it serves junk food packed with artificial ingredients.

McDonald's representative Terri Hickey said the new chicken will have 12 ingredients, down from 18. It will no longer use sodium phosphates or maltodextrin.