Taco Bell will launch Crispy Chicken Nuggets nationwide beginning Dec. 19 for a limited time and after a little over a year in test. The chain’s nuggets feature white meat chicken bites marinated in a zesty jalapeño buttermilk flavor and coated with a crunchy tortilla chip breading. They come with the choice of three sauces, including the debut of Hidden Valley Fire Ranch Sauce, an all-new Taco Bell signature Bell sauce, and 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," chief marketing officer Taylor Montgomery said in a statement. "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."
During an interview at Taco Bell headquarters in July, vice president of product innovation Luis Restrepo said nuggets provide an opportunity for new occasions, while the tortilla chip coating and marinade, as well as the sauces, make the product “uniquely Taco Bell.”
“That is the lens we look through when we’re innovating – how can we add a Taco Bell twist to it?” he said.
Taco Bell tested more than 100 sauces to curate the three dip pairings. The new Hidden Valley Fire Ranch Sauce blends the signature flavors from both brands.
"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," Hidden Valley Ranch marketing director CC Ciafone said in a statement. "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."
Additionally, the new Bell Sauce features a rich, creamy, and tangy signature blend with subtle chile notes crafted with tomatoes, red chiles, and garlic. The Jalapeño Honey Mustard features honey mustard with a kick of jalapeño.
Taco Bell’s Crispy Chicken Nuggets are sold a la carte, as a 5-piece offering (plus one dipping sauce) for $3.99, or as a 10-piece offering with two dipping sauces for $6.99. Combos with regular Nacho Fries, nacho cheese sauce, and a large fountain drink are also available, with a 5-piece and one sauce for $5.99 and a 10-piece and two sauces for $8.99. Additionally, a Deluxe Meal, featuring 5-piece nuggets plus one dipping sauce, Crunchy Taco, Beef Chalupa, regular Nacho Fries, and a medium fountain drink, is available for $10.49.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]
