Taco Bell is reintroducing its Crispy Chicken Nuggets to menus nationwide starting April 24, following a brief and sold-out run in December 2024. This upcoming launch marks the longest availability to date, with the company signaling intentions to make the item a permanent fixture by 2026.
The nuggets feature all-white meat chicken marinated in jalapeño buttermilk, coated in a breading blend that includes tortilla chips and breadcrumbs. The item was developed after testing over 50 recipes and combinations, with Taco Bell aiming to carve out a space in the fast food chicken category. During the previous launch, the nuggets reportedly accounted for about one in six orders and were in high demand, selling out within a week.
Taylor Montgomery, Chief Marketing Officer at Taco Bell, said, “The demand for our nuggets was off the charts, which is why we’re looking at making crispy chicken permanent to give our fans what they are telling us they want.”
The nuggets will be available in five- and ten-piece servings, with prices starting at $3.99. Combo options include fries, nacho cheese sauce, and a large drink. Dipping sauces include the returning Hidden Valley Fire Ranch, Jalapeño Honey Mustard, and Bell Sauce.
Taco Bell also indicated that this relaunch is part of a larger plan to focus on chicken-based items. Upcoming releases include a collaboration with Mike’s Hot Honey, and continued development of chicken offerings across formats and flavors. With over 95% of the chain’s test kitchen innovation now centered on chicken, Taco Bell is positioning itself as a contender in the crispy chicken space.