Taco Bell’s New Chicken Nuggets Receive Rave Reviews, Especially With Hidden Valley Dipping Sauce

While Taco Bell’s new Crispy Chicken Nuggets have been teased for some time, the timing of their release is imminent.

According to ABC News, the highly anticipated snack is set to hit menus nationwide on Dec. 19. That hasn’t stopped a few enterprising individuals from seeking out a sneak peek — or rather, taste test — of the rather unique nuggets.

Taco Bell’s New Crispy Chicken Nuggets Are a Hit By Themselves, But Even Better With Dipping Sauce

Writing for PEOPLE, staff editor Erin Clements weighed in on the merits of Taco Bell’s take on an American classic food staple.

“The chicken was tender and juicy, while the tortilla coating brought a delicious crunch to every bite. In fact, the breading packed so much flavor that the nuggets were tasty enough without sauce,” Clements wrote.

Clements then went on to describe the three sauces available to complement the tortilla-coated nuggets: the Hidden Valley Fire Ranch, Bell Sauce, and Jalapeno Honey Mustard. Each of the three earned high marks from Clements.

Clements was joined in her praise of Taco Bell’s Tex-Mex nuggets by Allrecipes writer Courtney Kassel, who was equally enthusiastic about the taste profile of the chain’s latest menu addition.

“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,” Kassel wrote.

Saying that the sauces “might just steal the show,” Kassel concluded by calling the entire package a smash hit.

Taco Bell Offering App Deals and Promotions on Crispy Chicken Nuggets

Those looking to nab a deal on Taco Bell’s new chicken nuggets will be pleased to know that they’re relatively affordable at regular price, coming in at $3.99 for a five-piece order with one dipping sauce, or at $6.99 for a 10-piece order with two sauces. Combos start at $5.99 for a five-piece order, one dipping sauce, and a side of regular Nacho Fries as well as a large soft drink, and move up to $8.99 for a 10-piece order with two dipping sauces and the same sides.

Taco Bell Rewards members will be able to enjoy a special discount early in the new year, as ABC News reported, with the first 20,000 users being able to claim a five-piece order on Jan. 21, 2025, for just $1.

Finally, to kick off the launch of the Crispy Chicken Nuggets, those who order through DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates, or Grubhub from Dec. 19 through Dec. 31 will receive a free soft drink or Freeze of any size when they order a five-piece nuggets a la carte.