Taco Bell is set to reintroduce its crispy chicken nuggets on 24 April, following a sell-out debut in December 2024.
The nuggets’ return marks the beginning of Taco Bell’s ambition for a permanent crispy chicken offerings by 2026.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Taco Bell’s chief marketing officer Taylor Montgomery said: “We’re a taco place doing chicken our own way and like all our best moments, it’s a little unexpected – because we’ve never been about following the rules.
“The demand for our nuggets was off the charts, which is why we’re looking at making crispy chicken permanent to give our fans what they are telling us they want. We know we’re not the usual name in crispy chicken, but our nuggets speak for themselves — they’re bold, different, and unmistakably Taco Bell.”
The journey towards a permanent crispy chicken menu item will involve new forms and sauce pairings.
Taco Bell’s collaboration with Mike’s Hot Honey promises a sweet and spicy addition to the menu later in the year.
With 95% of the chain’s test kitchen innovations centring on chicken, Taco Bell is transitioning from a taco-centric to a chicken-centric menu, featuring items like the Cantina Chicken Menu and Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas.
Taco Bell’s Crispy Chicken Nuggets is made with tender all-white meat and marinated in a jalapeno buttermilk mix, and coated with breadcrumbs and crispy tortilla chips.
Their initial launch as a comfort food remix led to an overwhelming demand, for their distinct flavour and texture.
Fans have also wished for Hidden Valley Fire Ranch Sauce as the top choice for crispy chicken, alongside Bell Sauce and Jalapeño Honey Mustard.
Last month, Taco Bell expanded its chalupa range with the Toasted Cheddar Street Chalupas, featuring a cheddar-infused shell and Chile Lime Crema Sauce.
