Taco Bell just fired a flavor-packed shot straight across the fast-food battlefield, and it’s aimed directly at the golden arches. This June, the brand is making it crystal clear—they’re not just dabbling in chicken anymore. They’re going full-throttle.
With the launch of their brand-new Crispy Chicken Strips, Crispy Chicken Taco, and Crispy Chicken Burrito, Taco Bell is entering the crispy chicken game with bold confidence. And while McDonald’s might be known for their nuggets and McCrispy sandwiches, Taco Bell’s latest creations bring a whole new energy, combining their signature style with the crunchy, juicy appeal that chicken fans crave.
Meet the Star: Taco Bell’s Crispy Chicken Strips
At the heart of this flavor revolution is the Crispy Chicken Strip. But don’t expect some generic fried chicken piece.
Taco Bell’s version starts with all-white meat chicken marinated in a jalapeño-buttermilk blend that already packs a punch before it hits the fryer. But the real magic happens in the coating—it’s made with crushed tortilla chips, creating a one-of-a-kind crunch that’s both audibly satisfying and loaded with flavor.
This isn’t a copycat chicken strip trying to match McDonald’s. It’s something entirely different, and unapologetically Taco Bell.
You can order the strips solo with dipping sauces like Spicy Ranchero or Avocado Ranch. The Spicy Ranchero brings heat without overwhelming the palate, while the Avocado Ranch is creamy, cool, and rich enough to be a standout on its own. These aren’t just sauces—they’re part of the experience, and they elevate each bite beyond basic fast food.
Bold Builds: Crispy Chicken Taco and Burrito
If you want to ease into the crispy chicken craze, start with the Crispy Chicken Taco. This item features one chicken strip wrapped in a warm flour tortilla with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, and creamy jalapeño sauce. It may sound simple, but it’s deliberately balanced—the bold marinade, crunchy coating, and soft tortilla all work in harmony, while the jalapeño sauce adds just the right amount of kick.
But for those who want to go all-in, the Crispy Chicken Burrito is where Taco Bell takes things to the next level. It includes two chicken strips, giving it serious weight and presence. The burrito version keeps the same toppings—lettuce, cheddar, and sauce—but in more generous proportions. The result? A messy, flavor-packed wrap that delivers on both substance and satisfaction.
Each bite offers the satisfying contrast of crispy chicken with creamy sauce and soft tortilla. It’s indulgent, yes—but never overwhelming. The flavors complement each other without competing, and that signature Taco Bell crunch is present from the first bite to the last.
Why This Isn’t Just Another Chicken Launch
What makes these new items more than just a seasonal gimmick is the attention to texture and flavor. Rather than playing it safe, Taco Bell embraced its roots—infusing tortilla chips into the chicken’s breading and opting for a jalapeño-buttermilk marinade that brings both flavor and heat.
Unlike other fast food chicken strips, which often taste bland or overly processed, Taco Bell’s version has personality. It’s a bold, confident move that matches the energy of their brand. Instead of trying to mimic McDonald’s or Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell leaned into what they do best: create crave-worthy food with flair.
Even the rollout of these items was smart. Earlier this year, Taco Bell tested the Crispy Chicken Taco and Burrito in select markets through their app. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Customers raved on social media, and the buzz proved these weren’t just another limited-time offer—they were destined for something bigger.
Now, the national launch makes it official: Taco Bell is entering the chicken game for real. And the timing is perfect. Consumers are more adventurous than ever, eager to try fast food that feels new, bold, and exciting. Taco Bell knows that, and they’re ready to give McDonald’s a run for its money.
Is This the Future of Taco Bell?
There’s more going on here than just chicken strips. These new items signal a bigger strategy—Taco Bell has already hinted at expanding its chicken menu through 2026, which means this is likely just the beginning.
For now, the Crispy Chicken Strip, Crispy Chicken Taco, and Crispy Chicken Burrito are more than enough to get excited about. They’re crunchy, juicy, packed with flavor, and completely on-brand for Taco Bell. Whether you’re a fan of their classics or a newcomer looking for something different from the usual chicken options, these items are worth the trip.
It’s clear Taco Bell isn’t playing anymore—they’re evolving. And if these crispy creations are any indication, the chain is ready to dominate more than just tacos and burritos. They’re making chicken their next conquest, and based on the flavor, they just might pull it off.
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