The sauce was originally a limited-time promotional tie-in for the movie "Mulan." The animated series "Rick and Morty" features a character who fawns over the condiment, which led to a petition for the MickeyD's to bring it back.
Companies love a good social media moment - especially one that appeals to young people - so the restaurant back for one day.
Uh-oh.
The restaurant badly underestimated demand - leading to a social media nightmare and yes, riots in which police need to be called.
McDonald's hopes the 20 MILLION packets it has shipped - 16 packets for every one American - will make things right.
How much do YOU love Szechuan sauce?