When I'm craving nuggets, the usual suspects that come to mind are Chick-fil-A, Popeye's, Wendy's, and, to a lesser extent, McDonald's (seriously, they should keep that one-dollar McNuggets coupon code). But one spot I never expected to see serving nuggets was Taco Bell — and yet, here we are in the final stretch of 2024.
Taco Bell's take on nuggets is a welcomed surprise
Let’s call it what it is: 2024 is the year of the nugget. From saucy debuts by KFC and Wendy’s to Popeyes rolling out nuggets of their own, the poultry world has been buzzing. And now Taco Bell has entered the chat, delivering a nugget experience I didn’t see coming.
Typically, when I visit Taco Bell, I’m all about quesadillas, tacos, or nachos. But for the first time, I found myself ordering nuggets. I visited my local Taco Bell around 5:30 p.m. — the ideal time to ensure a fresh batch with the fryers being readied up for people getting off work — and went for the five-piece à la carte option. After one bite, I knew these nuggets were a solid new contender for snacking or even a meal.
The tortilla chip breading gives them a satisfying crunch while a slight kick of spice stays true to Taco Bell’s signature flavors, which we have come to know and love for so long. For dipping, I chose the Jalapeño Honey Mustard sauce, which features the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. Even if you’re sensitive to heat, this sauce should be manageable, but there are also two other options: Hidden Valley Fire Ranch Sauce and Bell Sauce.
Overall, Taco Bell’s Nuggets were a definite win as 2024 comes to a close. I highly recommend giving them a try! Here’s to hoping they become a permanent menu item. But the real question remains: what trends in the fast food realm will 2025 bring to the table?