The film prompted widespread debate about public eating habits and has since come under scrutiny for the accuracy of its science and the truthfulness of Spurlock's on-camera claims. Spurlock ate at McDonald's restaurants three times a day, eating every item on the chain's menu at least once.

Holy Chicken premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in 2017. After selling the distribution rights, Morgan Spurlock admitted to a history of sexual misconduct and harassment, resulting in a delayed and discreet release two years later. His message has been buried, and Spurlock has only himself to blame.

There are some sexual references; Spurlock's sex life with his girlfriend is not what it once was since living on nothing but Big Macs and Egg McMuffins. Exposed female breasts are seen on a poster in the background.

Samuel Goldwyn Films released the film in theaters on September 6, 2019, and released it on VOD a week later. It was also restored on YouTube, along with its predecessor, as part of the new YouTube Movies service under the "Free To Watch" category.