Jack in the Box Introduces 2 New Menu Items, All in ‘Nashville Hot’ Seasoning. Here Are the Details

Jack in the Box is turning up the heat with its new menu items. These two new additions are all coated in “Nashville Hot” seasoning, making them the perfect complement to a spicy dinner. Let’s take a look at what we know about these new offerings.

Jack in the Box and Nashville Hot: A Spicy Partnership

Per an official company press release, Nashville Hot has officially joined the menu with two exciting new items: Nashville Hot Popcorn Chicken and Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks, which are now available at Jack in the Box locations worldwide.

• Nashville Hot Popcorn Chicken: Crafted from 100% all-white meat chicken, this new take on popcorn chicken is tossed in Jack’s signature blend of sweet and spicy Nashville Hot seasoning. Available in small, big, or mega box sizes, customers can also enjoy it as part of a combo with seasoned curly fries and a drink, starting at $5.99. For those who prefer the classic version, the original Popcorn Chicken is still on the menu, served with Jack’s signature Buttermilk Ranch dipping sauce.
• Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks: Jack’s beloved Mozzarella Sticks get a spicy twist with a crispy, golden coating infused with bold Nashville Hot seasoning. Inside, the same gooey, melty mozzarella cheese delivers a familiar comfort, complemented by a side of marinara sauce for dipping. These fiery sticks bring a new level of heat to a fan-favorite snack.

In addition to the new Nashville Hot products, Jack in the Box is running a limited-time promotion on its Jumbo Breakfast Platter, which is available all day. For just $3.99, guests can enjoy three golden French toast sticks, scrambled eggs, and their choice of bacon or sausage.

Fans who want a spicy start to their day (or night) have to get to their local Jack in the Box quickly because they will all only be on the menu for a limited time.

Chicago-Land Openings

Soon, too, fans of the fast-food chain will be able to get their favorite items in Chicago, as the company has announced its return to the area after a nearly four-decade absence.

After numerous delays and false alarms, NBC 5 Chicago reported that up to 10 stores will open over the next two years in Chicago, Countryside, Tinley Park, New Lenox, Plainfield, Naperville, Carol Stream, and Lake in the Hills. The first suburban facility is slated to debut in July 2025.

The restaurant had previously announced that the Chicago locations would be open 24 hours a day, offer dine-in, drive-thru, and mobile ordering, and serve the chain’s well-known late-night “24/7 cravable menu.” Other popular Jack in the Box menu items include breakfast, milkshakes, chicken sandwiches, tacos, and hamburgers.

The iconic fast-food chain initially hinted about an expansion to the Windy City during its Q3 results call last August.

The chain will be returning to Chicago for the first time in 40 years, which suggests that, following a period of contraction, the fast-food industry is expanding again, and it’s bigger and better than ever.

CMO Ryan Ostrom attributed this achievement to marketing initiatives and social media’s capacity to build brand awareness, which is allowing the fast-food industry to expand into new markets. During the company’s January “Investor Day” presentation last year, Ostrom told analysts: “We have 80% brand awareness. The excitement we’re seeing across the United States about our brand, the demand in the U.S., and now socially, is something I’ve never seen.”

“I’m not sure I’m knowledgeable of any other restaurant chains that have such scale and proof of concept that still has such tremendous white space across the United States for growth,” said Darin Harris — the CEO of Jack in the Box, who took over in 2020 following dissatisfaction among franchisees — at the time.