We tried Taco Bell’s new crispy chicken nuggets — here’s what we thought

Taco Bell puts its own flavorful spin on a beloved fast food item.

The brand’s Crispy Chicken Nuggets are landing on the menu later this week, and PEOPLE got an early taste of the long-awaited addition.

The new nuggets contain all-white meat chicken marinated in jalapeño buttermilk and coated with a mixture of breadcrumbs and tortilla chips.

And nugget enthusiasts will have a trio of sauces to choose from: Taco Bell’s exclusive new Hidden Valley Fire Ranch Sauce (which the brand calls the “star” of the bunch), tangy, creamy Bell Sauce and sweet, hot Jalapeño Honey Mustard Sauce.

The restaurant tested more than 100 sauces to find the perfect pairing, according to a press release.

“As the inventors of Nacho Fries, Taco Bell is fully aware that reinventing an American classic with a Taco Bell twist is a responsibility we do not take lightly. But in a world dominated by chicken cravings, it was time to show the world , how Taco Bell makes chicken nuggets—unexpected and undeniably bold,” said Taylor Montgomery, Taco Bell’s chief marketing officer.

“The Crispy Chicken Nuggets deliver a crispier, more flavorful nugget experience, and combined with Hidden Valley Fire Ranch Sauce, we hope it will test people’s devotion to their favorite nuggets,” Montgomery added.

The nuggets created buzz when Taco Bell began testing them in Minneapolis last year and Houston in 2024.

Never miss a story – sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

So how were they?

The chicken was tender and juicy, while the tortilla coating added a delicious crunch to every bite. In fact, the breading packed so much flavor that the nuggets were tasty enough without sauce.

But the sauces were each a welcome addition, prompting repeated dipping. The Hidden Valley Fire Ranch, which aims to add a “flaming twist” to the creamy classic; the bell, which gets its kick from chili notes; and Jalapeño Honey Mustard, which enhances the spice with a familiar flavor, all complement the chicken nicely.

Crispy Chicken Nuggets are available in five- and 10-piece orders at Taco Bell locations nationwide beginning December 19. They will also be available in a combo meal with Nacho Fries, nacho cheese sauce and a large fountain drink.