Taco Bell Joins the Chicken Nugget Party Along With McDonald’s, KFC, and Others

When most fast-food aficionados think about Taco Bell, what immediately comes to mind?

Most likely, tacos — hard shell or soft — burritos, taco bowls, quesadillas, chalupas, those delicious cinnamon twists, and other Mexican-inspired menu items in this vein.

Now, according to NYC-based food blogger Markie Devo, Taco Bell is stepping into new territory in a crowded culinary arena to promote a perennial favorite: the chicken nugget.

Taco Bell’s New Crispy Chicken Nuggets: Too Hot To Handle or Just Right?

With Taco Bell’s Crispy Chicken Nuggets being “made with all-white meat chicken, marinated in a mild jalapeño buttermilk, and breaded in a coating that features crunchy tortilla bits,” according to Devo, there’s little doubt that they’ll hold mass appeal for nugget lovers of all spice-sensitivity levels.

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Fans and followers of Devo’s account certainly seem excited for this new snack:

“I’ve been craving them for MONTHS I’m so glad they’re coming back,” a user named planetvante wrote.

“Any time Taco Bell has fried chicken it’s always fire so I’m hyped,” q_scarbrough added.

Will Taco Bell’s New Crispy Chicken Nuggets Actually Sell in Such a Crowded Market?

As The Takeout outlined, these “new” chicken nuggets from Taco Bell were actually tested earlier this year, though only in select markets and for a limited time.

While the reaction to these nuggets was obviously positive enough — particularly on Reddit, where the nuggets received broad praise, despite some complaints about a high price point — to merit a nationwide launch this December, the question remains as to whether or not Taco Bell can really push a product into such a crowded market.

After all, McDonald’s sells perhaps the most iconic fast-food chicken of all time in the McNugget, and KFC is famous for its finger-lickin’ good chicken of all varieties. In fact, McDonald’s was recently rated the most popular choice when it comes to chicken nuggets across the nation, leading the way in 21 states.

The sauces accompanying the Taco Bell nuggets may be even more of a selling point. According to The Parade, two sauces — a “signature Bell sauce, which is crafted with tomatoes, red chiles, onion, and garlic, or the hot and sweet Jalapeño Honey Mustard, said to combine ‘sweet honey mustard with a kick of jalapeño’” — will be available to pair with the meaty treat.

Despite the hype on social media, whether or not Taco Bell’s chicken nugget gamble will pay off remains a mystery as the product is expected to hit menu boards on Dec. 19 for a limited time.