We Tried Taco Bell’s New Crispy Chicken Nuggets — Here's What We Thought

Taco Bell is putting its own flavorful spin on a beloved fast-food item.

The brand’s Crispy Chicken Nuggets land on the menu later this week, and PEOPLE got an early taste of the much-anticipated addition.

The new nuggets feature all-white meat chicken marinated in jalapeño buttermilk and coated with a blend of breadcrumbs and tortilla chips.

And nugget enthusiasts will have a trio of sauces to choose from: Taco Bell’s exclusive new Hidden Valley Fire Ranch Sauce (which the brand calls the “star” of the group), tangy, creamy Bell Sauce and sweet, hot Jalapeño Honey Mustard Sauce.

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The restaurant tested more than 100 sauces to find the perfect pairing, according to a press release.

"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. 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," said Taylor Montgomery, Taco Bell's chief marketing officer.

"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," Montgomery added.

The nuggets generated buzz when Taco Bell began testing them in Minneapolis last year and Houston in 2024.

Related: Taco Bell Revives 5 Retro Menu Items from the 1960s to the 2000s and They're All Less Than $3

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So, how were they?

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.

However, the sauces were each a welcome addition, prompting repeated dipping. The Hidden Valley Fire Ranch, which aims to add a "fiery twist" to the creamy classic; the Bell, which gets its kick from chili notes; and the Jalapeño Honey Mustard, which ups the spice on a familiar flavor, all complement the chicken nicely.

Crispy Chicken Nuggets are available in five-piece and 10-piece orders at Taco Bell locations nationwide starting Dec. 19. They'll also be available in a combo meal with Nacho Fries, nacho cheese sauce, and a large fountain drink.

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