Exciting times are upon us in the fast-food universe, especially if your go-to order involves crispy, delicious chicken! Two major players are making big moves right now, bringing back fan favorites and introducing brand-new items that are sure to get your taste buds buzzing.
First up, let’s talk about Taco Bell. Remember those Crispy Chicken Nuggets that absolutely took the internet by storm and sold out in less than a week when they debuted in December 2024? Well, get ready to rejoice because they’re officially coming back! Mark your calendars for April 24, because that’s when these highly sought-after bites will hit menus again, according to Nation’s Restaurant News.
What’s even better than their return? Taco Bell is making crispy chicken a permanent part of its menu by 2026! That’s right, the demand was so intense that the chain is committing to keeping these nuggets around for the long haul. Taco Bell’s chief marketing officer, Taylor Montgomery, didn’t hold back about their success, stating, “The demand for our nuggets was off the charts, which is why we’re looking at making crispy chicken permanent to give our fans what they’re telling us they want.”
Montgomery added, “We know we’re not the usual name in crispy chicken, but our nuggets speak for themselves—they’re bold, different, and unmistakably Taco Bell.” And different they are! Taco Bell didn’t just phone it in; they tested over 45 recipe combinations before landing on that signature tortilla breading, giving the nuggets that distinct Taco Bell flair. They’re marinated in jalapeno buttermilk and breaded with breadcrumbs and crushed tortilla chips, offering a unique twist on a classic.
These mouthwatering nuggets will be available in multiple configurations, catering to different appetites and budgets. You can grab a five-piece with one dipping sauceor 3.99 or a ten-piece with two dipping sauces for 6.99 à la carte. If you want a whole meal deal, the Crispy Chicken Nuggets Combo includes regular nacho fries, nacho cheese sauce, and a large fountain drink. The five-piece combo is priced at 5.99,whiletheten−piececombois8.99. With prices like these, they’re definitely poised to be a home run again!
Speaking of home runs, guess what else is back at Taco Bell right now? The popular Nacho Fries! What goes better with crispy chicken nuggets than everyone’s favorite seasoned fries served with nacho cheese sauce? It’s a perfect pairing that fans have been clamoring for, and now you can get both iconic items during this exciting menu moment.
But the chicken news doesn’t stop there! Over at McDonald’s, a major new permanent item is arriving. They’re wading deeper into the chicken wars with the introduction of McCrispy Strips. Available at all locations sometime before May 5, these strips feature 100 percent white meat chicken coated in a breading with a hint of black pepper flavor, sold in three- and four-piece options.
Chicken Nuggets
Equipment
- 1 Plastic Bag For flour coating
- 2 Mixing Bowls For egg wash and breadcrumbs
- 1 Large Skillet For frying
- 1 Paper Towels For draining
- 1 Tongs For handling chicken in hot oil
Ingredients
Main
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 chicken breasts cut into small pieces
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Ketchup for serving
Instructions
- In a plastic bag, mix the flour, seasoned salt and some salt and pepper. In a bowl, mix the eggs with 2 tablespoons water. In a separate bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
- Shake the chicken pieces in the bag to coat. In batches, dip them in the egg wash, then in the breadcrumbs.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until a few breadcrumbs dropped in the oil start to sizzle immediately. Fry the chicken, in batches if needed, until golden brown and cooked through, a couple minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel and serve with ketchup.
Notes
McDonald’s Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, Alussa Buetikofer, highlighted the driving force behind this addition: “The demand for chicken strips has been remarkable to see across the industry, so we knew we had to deliver something so craveable it was worth the wait.” And to accompany those new strips, McDonald’s is also rolling out a brand-new dipping sauce that’s here to stay: the Creamy Chili Dip.
Crispy Chicken Strips
Equipment
- 2 Mixing Bowls One for buttermilk soak, one for flour mixture
- 1 Large Skillet For pan-frying
- 1 Slotted Spoon or Tongs For handling chicken in hot oil
- 1 Plate Lined with Paper Towels For draining fried chicken
Ingredients
Main
- 3 pounds raw chicken breast tenders
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 to 3 teaspoons seasoned salt such as Lawry's Seasoned Salt, or spices of your choosing
- Vegetable oil
- Dipping sauce for serving
Instructions
- Submerge the chicken strips in the buttermilk for 15 to 20 minutes (or longer if you'd like).
- In another bowl, combine the flour and seasoning salt (or other seasonings if you prefer). Mix this together well. Next, gradually drizzle 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the buttermilk into the flour mixture and stir lightly with a fork as you add it to achieve clumps.
- Heat about 1 inch vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-low to medium heat.
- Remove a few of the buttermilk-soaked chicken strips and place them in the flour mixture, turning them over to coat thoroughly. Place them on a plate. Continue coating the chicken strips until they are all ready to cook.
- When the oil is sufficiently heated, begin cooking the strips a few at a time. Cook them for about a minute and a half or so on each side. When golden and crispy and the chicken is done, remove them to a paper-towel-lined plate. Do not allow them to burn.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Yum!
Notes
Related posts:
Out Burger’s Menu Changes To Support Healthier Eating
Taco Bell Is Bringing a Back Menu Item That Sold Out Last Year
McDonald’s to Make First Permanent Menu Change in Four Years
