Taco Bell is unleashing a full-flavored and full-sized – yet just as craveable – version of crispy chicken in its boldest move yet. Starting June 17, the brand is loading its Crispy Chicken Strips into its most iconic formats with the debut of Crispy Chicken Tacos and Burritos, available nationwide for a limited time. It’s the same signature recipe fans loved in the sell-out Nuggets and the latest step in what’s quickly becoming a full-on crispy chicken era for Taco Bell.
“Crispy chicken is having a moment, but our fans made it a movement,” said Taylor Montgomery, Chief Marketing Officer at Taco Bell. “So, we decided to bring our sell-out Nuggets recipe to the formats that defined our brand because true innovation means elevating the icons, not replacing them. We’re not like every other chicken spot out there, we’re doing crispy chicken the only way we know how: full of flavor and unmistakably Taco Bell.”
Crispy Chicken… The Taco Bell Way
After the breakout success of Crispy Chicken Nuggets, the next move was obvious: take the craveable, tortilla-coated crunch fans loved and pack it into the formats that made Taco Bell famous — Tacos and Burritos.
At the center is the new Crispy Chicken Strip, all-white meat chicken, marinated in fan- favorite, zesty jalapeño buttermilk flavor and breaded with crispy tortilla chips and breadcrumbs. Then it’s loaded into bold builds with layers of texture, familiar favorites like shredded cheddar and pico de gallo, and the choice of all-new Spicy Ranchero Sauce or Avocado Ranch Sauce. No need to pick sides — tacos or burritos, creamy or spicy.
The line-up includes:
- Crispy Chicken Taco ($2.79)*: A harmonious combination of one perfectly crisped Crispy Chicken Strip layered with purple cabbage, crisp lettuce, pico de gallo and shredded cheddar cheese with the choice of the all-new Spicy Ranchero Sauce or Avocado Ranch Sauce.
- CrispyChicken Burrito ($5.49)*:A full-sized burrito that won’t leave fans hungry for more featuring two Crispy Chicken Strips surrounded by a bed of purple cabbage, crisp lettuce, pico de gallo, cheddar cheese with the choice of the all-new Spicy Ranchero Sauce or Avocado Ranch Sauce.
- CrispyChickenStrips(2for$3.99)*:The fan-favorite formula from Crispy Chicken Nuggets is back and bigger than ever. Each Crispy Chicken Strip is specifically designed for extra crispy and crunchy goodness.
- Spicy Ranchero Sauce: The new Spicy Ranchero is a creamy sauce made with Anaheim and jalapeño chiles, tomatoes, garlic, and onion, offering a hint of spice that’s perfect for dunking or drizzling.
- AvocadoRanchSauce:Enjoy your crispy chicken with the classic Avocado Ranch Sauce, a creamy and zesty ranch with a hint of avocado.
Add an ala carte side of either sauce for $.60 or add to any menu item for $.30, prices vary by location
“The craving for crispy chicken is growing every single day and our fans told us loud and clear: give us more. We listened, continued to innovate and have now delivered,” said Liz Matthews, Taco Bell’s Global Chief Food Innovation Officer. “From our viral Crispy Chicken Nuggets to now with Crispy Chicken Tacos and Burritos, we’re not just jumping on a trend – we’re redesigning it completely with the signature flavor of Taco Bell. Reinventing what crispy chicken can be is a challenge we’ve fully embraced and executed, and these menu additions are just the beginning.”
So Obsessed, Taco Bell Couldn’t Pick A Spokesperson
The obsession with perfecting the crispy chicken recipe — the sauce, the coating, the flavor — runs deep. So deep, Taco Bell couldn’t pick just one person to help launch it. Because if Crispy Chicken Nuggets proved anything, it’s that everyone’s into crispy chicken done the Taco Bell way.
So, a full-on crispy chicken Cameo casting call was unleashed, tapping unexpected icons and devoted fans from every corner of culture to taste the crispy, bold greatness for themselves. With comedic nods from Kate Flannery to surprise voices like GaTa and expert taste makers like Christian Petroni, this wide array of Cameos is all about shared obsession — because when the chicken hits this hard, everyone’s got something to say.
What’s Next on the Crispy Chicken Frontier
With tacos, burritos and strips out in the wild, the next wave of crispy chicken is already cooking in the Taco Bell Test Kitchen. What’s coming next? Fans will just have to wait and see what fiery flavor mashups and unexpected partnerships that only Taco Bell could bring to life are in the works. Crispy chicken is the future, and it’s set to land on Taco Bell menus for good in 2026.
Follow @TacoBell to stay up to date on the latest.
*At participating U.S. locations for a limited time only, while supplies last. Contact restaurant for prices, hours and participation, which vary. Taxes extra. Prices higher with delivery. In combos, meals and boxes, drinks exclude freezes and specialty beverages.
