NEW YORK — Taco Bell is making waves by adding chicken nuggets to its menu, diverting slightly from its Mexican-inspired cuisine to introduce this all-American favorite. Starting Thursday, December 19, the fast-food chain will roll out chicken nuggets for the first time since 2017, marking its entry to the competitive chicken nugget market dominated by well-known rivals such as McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Chick-fil-A.
The chain's new offering features tender, all-white meat chicken marinated with zesty jalapeño buttermilk, coated not just with breadcrumbs but with crunchy tortilla chips for added flavor and texture. Taco Bell calls these nuggets its "signature crispy chicken nuggets, which defy traditional nugget norms." This creative twist reflects Taco Bell's continuous effort to innovate within its menu.
Along with their chicken nuggets, Taco Bell is launching three new dipping sauces aimed at enticing adventurous eaters, particularly from the Gen Z demographic, which has shown a growing preference for poultry over red meat. The dips include the new signature Bell Sauce, jalapeño-infused honey mustard, and Hidden Valley’s spicy ranch sauce. The release of these sauces complements the nuggets, adding another layer of flavor.
Taco Bell's former CEO, Mark King, addressed the shift, explaining the need to respond to changing consumer preferences. At last year’s Yum Brands investor day, King remarked, "A large percentage of our business is beef, and the Gen Z consumer wants chicken." This insight informed Taco Bell’s earlier introduction of the Cantina Chicken Menu, which had boosted sales by 5% during its launch quarter, with one out of every four orders including items from this poultry lineup.
The pricing of Taco Bell's chicken nuggets varies slightly depending on location. Typically, customers can enjoy five nuggets for approximately $3.99, or ten for $6.99, which includes the option of one or two dipping sauces respectively. For those seeking more value, the chain is offering combo meals featuring different meal components. The 5-piece meal combines nuggets with nacho fries, cheese sauce, and a drink for around $5.99, whereas the 10-piece combo, which includes additional sauce, will cost $8.99. A deluxe meal containing five nuggets, one sauce, along with nacho fries, a crunchy taco, and beef chalupa, will be priced at about $10.49.
This new initiative is part of Taco Bell's larger strategy to keep pace with current food trends and customer preferences. While chicken has been increasingly popular among younger generations for its perceived health benefits and versatility, Taco Bell’s introduction of chicken nuggets is not just about adding another item to the menu; it’s about creating buzz and excitement around the brand.
Historically, Taco Bell has explored items like their Naked Chicken Chips, which offered another rendition of chicken products when they were introduced back in 2017. With this new chicken nugget launch, Taco Bell will once again gauge consumer interest and loyalty toward its chicken offerings.
Taco Bell previously conducted taste tests for the chicken nuggets, gathering input from customers first during trials held earlier this year in locations such as Minneapolis and Houston. The positive feedback from those trials saluted the nuggets’ unique flavor profile and laid the foundation for the nationwide launch.
Marking Taco Bell’s entry to the chicken nugget scene is expected to resonate particularly well with customers seeking bold flavors and innovative preparations. The potential for success is promising as the chain ramps up its foray beyond traditional Tex-Mex offerings, catering to various consumer tastes.
This exciting addition to the Taco Bell menu is expected to energize both loyal customers and newcomers eager to try the unique twist on the classic chicken nugget. With the holiday season approaching, the decision to debut this item looks timely, as it offers fast food lovers another enticing option for festive gatherings or simple, satisfying meals.
For more information, customers are urged to check their local Taco Bell availability and get ready to indulge when the chicken nuggets hit the menu.