Taco Bell launches spicy new menu item featuring a hot partner | Official Website of Louis Velazquez, entrepreneur, finance guy and tech innovator

If you thought the classic Diablo sauce packet was Taco Bell’s hottest creation, the fast-food chain is heating up the competition even more.

A growing chicken craze has emerged among fast-food chains, with major players like Chick-fil-A, Raising Cane’s, McDonald’s (MCD) , and Restaurant Brands International’s (QSR) Burger King and Popeyes focusing on launching new chicken-based products to dominate the market.

As a pioneer of innovation, Taco Bell surely had to join the chicken trend by developing products with its signature taste.

Over the last few weeks, the chain has launched multiple chicken-based menu items, including an entire Cantina Chicken Menu and a Caliente version nationwide. It also tested the Southwest Hot Chicken Crunchwrap, Southwest Hot Chicken Strips, and the Crispalupa in select locations.

Currently, around 95% of Taco Bell’s Test Kitchen creations now focus on chicken-based products, with more to launch soon.

However, it got ahead of the competition by focusing on the smaller details.

Mike’s Hot Honey Diablo Sauce blends high-quality honey infused with chili peppers and Taco Bell’s bold, smoky, and fiery Diablo heat.

Image source&colon; Taco Bell

Taco Bell reintroduces the Crispy Chicken Nuggets to its menu

Yum! Brand’s (YUM) Taco Bell first introduced Crispy Chicken Nuggets to its menu last December, and while available, they made up nearly one in six orders. This launch was so successful that it sold out nationwide in under a week after nearly 5 million customers tried the new addition.

What makes these chicken nuggets stand out from the rest is the all-white meat chicken marinated in jalapeño buttermilk and coated in a crispy tortilla-chip coating, which Taco Bell developed after testing over 50 recipes and flavor combinations.

Four months into 2025, Taco Bell relaunched its Crispy Chicken Nuggets and made them available at all participating locations nationwide.

Although this menu item will only be available for a limited time, Taco Bell has mentioned that it’s working on making the Crispy Chicken a permanent part of the menu by 2026.

Taco Bell joins forces with Mike’s Hot Honey to create a new sauce

When the Crispy Chicken Nuggets relaunched nationwide, customers were given the option to pair them with Hidden Valley Fire Ranch Sauce or Jalapeño Honey Mustard. However, Taco Bell decided two sauces weren’t enough.

In March, Taco Bell revealed 30 new menu items it would introduce in 2025, unveiling the release of four new sauces and many exciting partnerships.

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For its latest release, Taco Bell has partnered with Mike’s Hot Honey to launch the new limited-time Mike’s Hot Honey Diablo Dipping Sauce, making it a sweet and spicy addition that complements its new Crispy Chicken Nuggets.

Starting May 22, customers can order this sauce at participating Taco Bell locations nationwide with their Crispy Chicken Nuggets order or pair it with any other item separately for an extra charge of 25 cents.

However, that’s not all, because Taco Bell and Mike’s Hot Honey are also dropping Mike’s Hot Honey Jackets. The merchandise can be ordered through the Taco Bell app beginning May 27 at 2 p.m. PST, while supplies last. Only the first 500 Rewards Members to claim a jacket will be eligible, per the press release.