Taco Bell is expanding territory with a new menu item — chicken nuggets.
“In a world where chicken nugget loyalty runs deep, Taco Bell is daring to push the boundaries of innovation yet again with the introduction of Crispy Chicken Nuggets,” the restaurant announced in a press release.
Taco Bell’s crispy chicken nuggets are breaded with crunchy tortilla chips and can be dipped in the consumer’s choice of three sauces: Hidden Valley fire ranch sauce, an all-new Taco Bell signature Bell sauce or jalapeño honey mustard.
“As the inventors of Nacho Fries, Taco Bell is fully aware that reinventing an American classic with a Taco Bell twist is a responsibility we don’t take lightly. But in a world dominated by chicken cravings, it was time to show the world how Taco Bell does chicken nuggets — unexpected and undeniably bold,” Taylor Montgomery, Taco Bell’s Chief Marketing Officer, said in a press release.
“The Crispy Chicken Nuggets deliver a crispier, more flavorful nugget experience, and combined with the Hidden Valley Fire Ranch Sauce, we hope it will test people’s devotion to their favorite nuggets,” the statement continues.
Following successful testing in Minneapolis in 2023 and Houston this year, Taco Bell’s chicken nuggets are now available at all locations nationwide. Nuggets are available in two sizes, a 5-piece for $3.99 or a 10-piece for $6.99.
The nuggets can also be purchased as a combo or deluxe meal package, announced the restaurant.
For a limited time, Hidden Valley fire ranch sauce will be available to order with Taco Bell’s chicken nuggets, the sauce will stay on the menu while supplies last.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Taco Bell on the new Hidden Valley™ Fire Ranch Sauce, combining the bold flavors of Hidden Valley Ranch with Taco Bell’s signature heat,” CC Ciafone, Marketing Director at Hidden Valley Ranch, said in a press release. “Ranch and chicken nuggets are an iconic pairing, so it just made sense to create a ranch perfectly designed for Taco Bell’s unique twist on nuggets.”
Are the Taco Bell chicken nuggets good?
Reviews of Taco Bell’s crispy chicken nuggets are here.
“The exterior was crispy — though I can’t say it reminded me of tortilla chips. The interior was tender and flavorful, as well,” New Jersey’s local news outlet wrote in a review. “But the best part of this new dish is the dipping sauces. I got all three and was impressed by the lot.”
“Taco Bell’s chicken nuggets are better than McNuggets!”
A TikTok reviewer noted that the chicken nugget’s tortilla breading was “a little bland,” but called the chicken inside “juicy and cooked pretty well.”
YouTube food reviewer Reed Napier said the chicken nuggets were “pretty good” and said he was “impressed.”
“The jalapeño mustard is good. It’s a little bit hot but nothing bad, and it gives it a unique flavor. They’ve got their own special for their nuggets.” He continued, “I hate to say this but these are better than Kentucky Fried Chicken’s new chicken strips ... and these are way better than the KFC nuggets.”
“I’m not going to lie that is one of the best chicken nuggets you can get. Flavor wise it is top tier,” said Instagram food reviewer Thanh Dang. “The chicken is so tender, juicy, seasoned right.”