Taco Bell’s Crispy Chicken Nuggets, introduced just last month, have already been removed from menus, leaving a trail of disappointed fans in their wake. A Taco Bell representative confirmed to PEOPLE that the nuggets were only available for a “limited time.”
The nuggets, launched in December, marked Taco Bell’s first nationwide venture into the chicken nugget market. They were accompanied by a trio of dipping sauces: Hidden Valley Fire Ranch, Bell and Jalepeño Honey Mustard. Prior to the national launch, Taco Bell tested the nuggets in Minneapolis in 2023 and Houston in 2024.
While the initial press release stated that the nuggets would be available “while supplies last,” fans are expressing their frustration online.
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On Reddit, one user lamented, “I miss the chicken nuggets. They were so good!! It disappeared so fast…” Another user responded, “Yeah. These tasted better over any other fast food nuggets.” This sentiment echoes the positive reviews from PEOPLE, who sampled the nuggets before their release and praised their tender, juicy chicken and crunchy tortilla coating, along with the flavorful dipping sauces.
Taco Bell explained to Allrecipes that offering limited-time items allows them to introduce new creations. However, the company added, “But we never say never when it comes to the chance of a permanent spot on menus.”
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This isn’t the first time Taco Bell has revived popular menu items. In October, they brought back several retro items for under $3. Earlier that same month, the Double Decker Taco was reinstated after online pressure, including a tweet from user @scottinthe503 calling the company “cowards” for removing it.
The power of fan demand is evident in the case of the Mexican Pizza. In 2022, Doja Cat’s viral TikTok jingle praising the dish, later remixed into a musical by TikTok creator Victor Kunda, led to its triumphant return in May 2022.
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Doja Cat even announced the Mexican Pizza’s comeback during her Coachella performance, declaring, “I brought back the Mexican Pizza, by the way.” Taco Bell acknowledged her influence in a press release, stating, “She literally dropped the mic with the HOT news of the Mexican Pizza’s return this May.” Perhaps a similar outpouring of support could bring back the Crispy Chicken Nuggets.
