Taco Bell is no stranger to shaking up the fast food scene with bold, innovative moves, and their latest creation is no exception. Crispy Chicken Nuggets, but not just any nuggets—these are tortilla chip-breaded, marinated in jalapeño buttermilk, and served with three unforgettable dipping sauces. Yes, you heard that right. Taco Bell has reinvented the classic chicken nugget experience, and they’ve teamed up with none other than Hidden Valley Ranch to make it even more iconic. Available nationwide starting December 19, 2024, these crispy bites of joy come with a spicy twist that will have nugget enthusiasts ditching their old favorites.
The magic is in the sauce
Let’s start with the obvious: Taco Bell’s new Crispy Chicken Nuggets are far from your standard fast food fare. They’re made with tender, all-white meat chicken, marinated in a jalapeño buttermilk flavor to deliver that signature Taco Bell spice a tortilla chip breading. Forget the usual breadcrumb coating—Taco Bell’s tortilla-chip crust gives these nuggets an extra crunch and a hint of flavor that’s unique.
“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 Taco Bell’s Chief Marketing Officer, Taylor Montgomery. “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.”
Of course, a nugget is only as good as the sauce you pair it with. And Taco Bell didn’t just throw any old sauces on these nuggets. In their quest to create the ultimate nugget experience, Taco Bell tested over 100 sauces before landing on the perfect trio. These aren’t just your basic dipping sauces, either. Taco Bell’s partnership with Hidden Valley Ranch led to the creation of the Hidden Valley™ Fire Ranch Sauce, which is a fiery, creamy ranch sauce blending Taco Bell Fire Sauce with Hidden Valley Ranch—a flavor combination that’s bold, spicy, and addictively good. Tacos are bringing the new stuff!
And because Taco Bell knows that variety is the spice of life, they also created two other epic sauces:
- Bell Sauce: A tangy, creamy signature sauce that pairs perfectly with just about anything.
- Jalapeño Honey Mustard: A sweet and spicy combo that’ll make your taste buds tingle with the perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
These sauces come in custom dip cups, perfect for dunking your crispy, crunchy nuggets in maximum style.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Taco Bell on the new Hidden Valley™ Fire Ranch Sauce, combining the bold flavors of Hidden Valley Ranch with Taco Bell’s signature heat” said CC Ciafone, Marketing Director at Hidden Valley Ranch. “Ranch and chicken nuggets are an iconic pairing, so it just made sense to create a ranch perfectly designed for Taco Bell’s unique twist on nuggets.”
A meal for every craving
Whether you’re craving a light snack or a full meal, Taco Bell has you covered. The Crispy Chicken Nuggets are available in several configurations to suit your hunger level:
A la carte:
- 5-piece nugget with 1 dipping sauce: $3.99
- 10-piece nugget with 2 dipping sauces: $6.99
Combo Meals (complete with Nacho Fries and a drink):
- 5-piece nugget combo with 1 dipping sauce: $5.99
- 10-piece nugget combo with 2 dipping sauces: $8.99
Deluxe Meal (take it up a notch with more Taco Bell faves like a Beef Chalupa or Crunchy Taco):
- 5-piece nugget, 1 dipping sauce, Crunchy Taco, Beef Chalupa, Nacho Fries, and a drink: $10.49
Fans of Taco Bell’s Cravings Menu will appreciate how seamlessly these crispy nuggets fit into their fast food routines, providing a perfect snack or meal option for any time of day. Taco Bell never stops bringing the heat!
Digital deals and nugget exclusives
Taco Bell is no stranger to rewarding its loyal customers, and this launch is no exception. Starting December 19, the brand is offering some sweet deals via the Taco Bell app and popular delivery platforms. For example:
- December 19–31: Get a free fountain drink or freeze with the purchase of any 5-piece nugget a la carte (via delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates, or Grubhub).
- January 1–22: Get $1 regular Nacho Fries with the purchase of any a la carte nugget order (5-piece or 10-piece).
- January 10: Enjoy a 5-piece nugget for just $1 on select delivery platforms.
- Taco Bell Rewards: For the first 20,000 users, enjoy 5-piece crispy chicken nuggets for just $1 on January 21, 2025, starting at 2 p.m. PT.
If you’re a fan of recycling (and who isn’t?), Taco Bell has partnered with TerraCycle to help collect and recycle used dipping cups. Mail your used cups back throughout December and earn 80 bonus Taco Bell Rewards points.
Why brand partnerships matter
In today’s competitive fast-food market, staying relevant is crucial for brands, and one of the best ways to do that is through strategic partnerships. Taco Bell’s collaboration with Hidden Valley Ranch is a prime example of how two brands can come together to create something entirely new and exciting. Co-branding like this not only attracts attention but also draws in fans of both brands, expanding reach and building excitement around a product. By teaming up with an established favorite like Hidden Valley Ranch, Taco Bell taps into a whole new audience of ranch lovers, while Hidden Valley benefits from the sheer creativity and buzz Taco Bell generates. It’s a win-win for both brands and most importantly, for the customers, who get to enjoy a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.
Wanna know more? Talk to our team!
