Taco Bell challenges McDonald's with major menu addition for a limited time
Taco Bell is challenging McDonald's by adding chicken nuggets to its menu for the first time.
The Mexican-inspired chain will begin selling the item for a limited time at restaurants nationwide from Thursday.
The company will put its own spin on the fast food staple, however, marinating the meat in a zesty jalapeño buttermilk flavor, and then covering the nuggets with a blend of breadcrumbs and tortilla chips.
In a press release, Taco Bell said it is aware that it is entering into a world where 'chicken nugget loyalty runs deep,' and that reinventing an American classic is a 'responsibility' it 'does not take lightly.'
While the menu at Taco Bell is mainly focused on red meat, the chicken fast food world in the US is dominated by McDonald's, Wendy's and Chick-Fil-A.
The move is part of the chain's plan to expand into poultry, as many young Americans prefer it to red meat.
Taco Bell's former CEO Mark King said last year that a 'large percentage of our business is beef, and the Gen Z consumer wants chicken,' CNN reported.
In March, the chain released a 'Cantina Chicken Menu,' which included tacos and salads with oven-roasted, shredded chicken.
Taco Bell is challenging McDonald's by adding chicken nuggets to its menu for the first time
Chicken is becoming an increasingly popular category at fast food restaurants.
In October, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski described it as a 'massive category worldwide that's twice the size of beef and growing much faster,' Fox Business reported.
Alongside the crispy chicken nuggets, Taco Bell is also introducing a trio of dipping sauces.
This includes a Hidden Valley Fire Ranch sauce, a new signature Bell Sauce, and a sweet and hot Jalapeno Honey Mustard Sauce.
The new chicken menu addition, as well as the sauces, were tested in Minneapolis in 2023 and in Houston earlier this year, according to the company.
'As the inventors of Nacho Fries, Taco Bell is fully aware that reinventing an American classic with a Taco Bell twist is a responsibility we don't take lightly,' said Taylor Montgomery, Taco Bell's chief marketing officer.
'But in a world dominated by chicken cravings, it was time to show the world how Taco Bell does chicken nuggets – unexpected and undeniably bold.
'The Crispy Chicken Nuggets deliver a crispier, more flavorful nugget experience, and combined with the Hidden Valley™ Fire Ranch Sauce, we hope it will test people's devotion to their favorite nuggets.'
While the menu at Taco Bell is mainly focused on red meat, the chicken fast food world in the US is dominated by McDonald's, Wendy's and Chick-Fil-A (Pictured: Chicken McNuggets)
Prices will vary by city, and the company did not specify how long the new menu addition would be available.
Taco Bell suggested a retail price of $3.99 for five nuggets with one sauce and $6.99 for 10 nuggets with two sauces, according to CNN.
A $10.49 value meal will also be available, including five nuggets, one sauce, a crunchy taco, a beef chalupa, nacho fries and a medium soda.
The last time Americans could buy an item resembling a chicken nugget at Taco Bell was in 2017, when the chain offered 'Naked Chicken Chips' for a limited time.
The chicken 'chips' came in the shape of a tortilla chip, and were covered with Mexican spices.
They also came with a cup of nacho cheese for dipping.
