Taco Bell Ventures into New Territory with Chicken Nuggets
Taco Bell is shaking up its menu with an unexpected addition: chicken nuggets. Known for its Mexican-inspired offerings, the fast-food chain is taking a more American approach with this limited-time item, launching Thursday.
Putting a unique spin on the classic fast-food staple, Taco Bell’s chicken nuggets feature all-white meat marinated in a zesty jalapeño buttermilk blend. The nuggets are then coated with tortilla chips and breadcrumbs, creating a crunchy, flavour-packed twist that sets them apart.
In a press release, Taco Bell acknowledged it’s entering a “chicken nugget loyalty” market long dominated by fast-food giants like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Chick-fil-A. However, the move is part of the brand’s broader strategy to expand its chicken offerings, driven by the preferences of younger consumers.
Former CEO Mark King previously highlighted this shift, stating that “a large percentage of our business is beef, and the Gen Z consumer wants chicken.” Earlier this year, Taco Bell debuted its Cantina Chicken Menu, featuring shredded oven-roasted chicken in tacos and salads. That launch proved successful, boosting same-store sales by 5% and seeing one in four orders include Cantina Chicken items.
The new nuggets also come with a trio of dips designed to entice adventurous Gen Z eaters. Taco Bell has introduced its tangy Bell Sauce, a jalapeño-infused honey mustard, and a spicy ranch created in collaboration with Hidden Valley.
Pricing will vary by location, but Taco Bell suggests a starting price of $3.99 for five nuggets with one sauce and $6.99 for ten nuggets with two sauces. A value meal priced at $10.49 will also be available, including five nuggets, one sauce, a crunchy taco, a beef chalupa, nacho fries, and a medium drink.
The last time Taco Bell offered a similar menu item was in 2017 with its Naked Chicken Chips, which were also a limited-time release.
This new foray signals Taco Bell’s continued efforts to adapt to changing tastes, expanding its poultry portfolio and offering something familiar yet uniquely bold for its loyal fans.
