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Taco Bell is making a big move this week by adding a new item to its menu—chicken nuggets. This comes as the fast-food chain aims to tap into the world of "chicken nugget loyalty" that runs deep among fast-food lovers, whether they’re fans of McDonald's, Wendy's, or Chick-fil-A. In its press release, Taco Bell acknowledges the powerful cravings people have for chicken nuggets, calling it a "world dominated by chicken cravings."
Earlier this year, Taco Bell's global chief food innovation officer, Liz Matthews, hinted at the chain's plans for more chicken on its menu. She noted that fans were asking for more chicken options, and Taco Bell decided to deliver. The highly anticipated chicken nuggets will be available starting December 19, 2024, and will be sold while supplies last.
Taco Bell's chicken nuggets are marinated in a bold jalapeño buttermilk flavor, then breaded with a special blend of breadcrumbs and crunchy tortilla chips. This unique coating aims to set Taco Bell's version of the fast-food favorite apart from its competitors. To accompany the nuggets, Taco Bell is offering three dipping sauces: a tangy jalapeño honey mustard, a spicy ranch sauce created in collaboration with Hidden Valley, and Taco Bell's signature "Bell sauce."
For those who are eager to try the new item, Taco Bell is offering a range of meal options. The 5-piece meal, complete with one dipping sauce, will be priced at $3.99, while the 10-piece meal with one sauce will cost $6.99. If you're looking for more, the combo meals offer a 5-piece or 10-piece serving of chicken nuggets with a side of nacho fries and a drink. These combo meals are priced at $5.99 for the 5-piece and $8.99 for the 10-piece. For a full-value meal, Taco Bell is offering a package that includes five chicken nuggets, one dipping sauce, a crunchy taco, a beef chalupa, nacho fries, and a drink for $10.49.
Taco Bell has already conducted taste tests of its new chicken nuggets in Minneapolis in 2023 and again in Houston earlier this year. Based on those tests and customer feedback, the chain is confident that the nuggets will be a hit nationwide. However, it will only be available for a limited time, and once the supplies run out, so will the offer.
In addition to the chicken nuggets, Taco Bell is also expanding its Cantina Chicken menu with new items such as the Cantina Chicken burrito, quesadilla, bowl, and tacos. This launch aligns with the chain’s continued effort to offer more chicken-based options for its fans, answering the call for variety.
Taco Bell's new chicken nuggets and the expanded Cantina Chicken menu are likely to bring excitement to fans craving more chicken options, especially during the holiday season. These new items bring a fresh twist to the fast-food scene and are sure to satisfy those chicken cravings.
