Taco Bell Chicken Nuggets Pull a Grand Opening, Grand Closing as Controversial Item Disappears From Menu

Taco Bell raised eyebrows and headlines when it announced it was introducing chicken nuggets to its menu. However, the controversial menu item pulled a “grand opening, grand closing,” with the chain taking the item off the menu only a month after arrival.

PEOPLE confirmed that the nuggets, originally set to be offered for only a “limited time,” are no longer available on the nationwide menus. However, a representative for Taco Bell told the outlet that they could always return at a later date.

“Offering menu items for a limited time allows us to create room for even more craveable creations for fans,” the representative said. “But we never say never when it comes to the chance of a permanent spot on menus.”

Despite their controversial nature, the nuggets received rave reviews from various outlets, including PEOPLE. The outlet said that it had a chance to review the nuggets before they became widely available to fans, and it confirmed that “the chicken was tender and juicy with a delicious and crunchy tortilla coating. The sauces welcomed repeated dipping and complemented the chicken.”

Allrecipes also echoed the positive sentiment of the Taco Bell chicken nuggets: “The chicken bites are very crispy, with a coating that is definitely closer to Popeye’s breading than the McNugget batter. The little bits of tortilla chip are barely perceptible in the breading, but add a subtle toasty corn flavor and textural dimension. The inside is juicy and super tender (likely from the buttermilk bath it takes before getting breaded), with real chunks of white meat — no reconstituted chicken here. They weren’t too greasy or heavy, and within minutes I had quickly eaten more nuggets than I planned to, so that’s saying something.”

Taco Bell Chicken Nuggets Were Very Affordable

While they were on the menu, the Taco Bell chicken nuggets were very affordable for fans. They were priced at $3.99 for five pieces with one dipping sauce or $6.99 for 10 pieces with two sauces. Combos ranged from $5.99 for a five-piece order with one dipping sauce, a side of standard Nacho Fries, and a large soft drink to $8.99 for a 10-piece order with two dipping sauces and the same sides.

Taco Bell Rewards members received an additional discount. On Jan. 21, 2025, the first 20,000 users were able to grab a five-piece order for only $1.