Introduction to Crispy Chicken at Taco Bell
Crispy chicken strips will be returning to Taco Bell on Thursday, Oct. 16. This time around, the Irvine-based fast food giant is partnering with Frank’s RedHot, a hot sauce brand that dates from 1920 and takes credit for being used in the first Buffalo hot wings recipe.
Taco Bell describes the new Frank’s RedHot Diablo Sauce as a mashup of Frank’s original Buffalo flavor, its own Diablo sauce and spicy ranch dressing.
New Menu Items
The sauce will be included in four limited-time items at participating locations, according to a news release.
Frank’s RedHot Diablo Crispy Chicken Burrito
Frank’s RedHot Diablo Crispy Chicken Burrito is served in a flour tortilla with lettuce, purple cabbage, pico de gallo and cheddar cheese for about $5.49. Taco Bell prices vary by location.
Frank’s RedHot Diablo Crispy Chicken Soft Taco
Frank’s RedHot Diablo Crispy Chicken Soft Taco comes in a soft flour tortilla for $2.99.
Frank’s RedHot Diablo Chicken Nacho Fries
Frank’s RedHot Diablo Chicken Nacho Fries features slow-roasted chicken and nacho cheese sauce for $4.99.
Crispy Chicken Strips with Spicy Ranch
Crispy Chicken Strips with Spicy Ranch costs $6.99. The sauce can be upgraded to Frank’s RedHot Diablo.
History of Crispy Chicken at Taco Bell
Taco Bell has been flirting with crispy chicken strips and nuggets throughout 2025 as it faces a looming goal to make crispy chicken a permanent part of its menu in 2026. Slow-roasted chicken is currently featured in tacos, burritos and quesadillas on the chain’s Cantina Chicken Menu.
The last time Taco Bell brought back crispy chicken was in July, when it introduced Sweet Chipotle BBQ Sauce.
Taco Bell’s previous limited time offer, called the Decades Y2K menu, is running its course but most items are available while supplies last, which varies by location according to representatives, and were still listed on the chain’s website. A spot check of Southern California locations showed the Caramel Apple Empanada is no longer being offered at many of them.
Conclusion
Taco Bell is bringing back crispy chicken strips with a new hot sauce, Frank’s RedHot Diablo Sauce, as part of its limited-time menu items. The new sauce is a mashup of Frank’s original Buffalo flavor, Taco Bell’s own Diablo sauce, and spicy ranch dressing. The crispy chicken strips will be available in four limited-time items at participating locations, starting Thursday, Oct. 16.
FAQs
What is the new hot sauce at Taco Bell?
The new hot sauce at Taco Bell is Frank’s RedHot Diablo Sauce, a mashup of Frank’s original Buffalo flavor, Taco Bell’s own Diablo sauce, and spicy ranch dressing.
When will crispy chicken strips be available at Taco Bell?
Crispy chicken strips will be available at Taco Bell starting Thursday, Oct. 16.
How much do the limited-time menu items cost?
The prices of the limited-time menu items vary, with the Frank’s RedHot Diablo Crispy Chicken Burrito costing about $5.49, the Frank’s RedHot Diablo Crispy Chicken Soft Taco costing $2.99, the Frank’s RedHot Diablo Chicken Nacho Fries costing $4.99, and the Crispy Chicken Strips with Spicy Ranch costing $6.99.
Where can I find more information about Taco Bell’s menu items?
You can find more information about Taco Bell’s menu items on their website at tacobell.com.
