I tried Taco Bell's new chicken nuggets and think McDonald's and Chick-fil-A should be worried

I went to Taco Bell's headquarters in Irvine, California, for a visit to the chain's secret test kitchen, where I've previously tried everything from the Volcano Menu to the chain's 7-Layer Nacho Fries.

Taco Bell is currently testing its crispy chicken nuggets in Minneapolis to see if there's potential for a national launch. The nuggets feature all-white chicken breast meat that has been marinated in spiced jalapeño buttermilk and coated with a special crispy breading. 

"This is truly a very premium nugget," Taco Bell spokesperson Jessica Perri told us during a tasting at the secret test kitchen. "It's not a chicken nugget patty you might get at some fast-food restaurants. This is very much more elevated." 

"This is real chicken," added chef Brett Pluskalowski, who works on Taco Bell's food innovation team. "When you go to McDonald's, that's not what you see." 

While the move might surprise some, this actually isn't Taco Bell's first attempt at a chicken nugget. In 2017, the chain launched Naked Chicken Chips nationwide — but only for a limited time. They never made it to the permanent menu, despite petitions from fans. 

The chain developed two new dipping sauces for the nuggets. The Jalapeño Honey Mustard combines honey and hot mustard for a sweet and tangy dipping sauce, while Bell Sauce features red chilies mixed with tomatoes, garlic, and onions. 

Chicken nuggets were my favorite thing to eat as a kid (groundbreaking, I know), and I've tried dozens of iterations from different chains and restaurants — many of them soggy, bland, or just forgettable, in my experience. 

Taco Bell's chicken nuggets are none of the above. The meat tasted juicy and fresh and was clearly premium. The breading was true to the "crispy" name, providing a super satisfying crunch that gave way to the tender meat underneath. There was actually texture, which is more than I can say for some other very popular chains' nuggets. 

I tried these nuggets during a tasting that featured six different menu items, and I still couldn't resist finishing the entire box. They were really that good. 

I was a fan of both the Bell Sauce and the Jalapeño Honey Mustard, which had very different flavor profiles. The Bell Sauce carried a smokiness that reminded me of barbecue sauce, while the Jalapeño Honey Mustard was deliciously creamy with a zingy kick. 

It's been years since the fast-food chains were embroiled in the chicken-sandwich wars. But what they should really be worried about now is Taco Bell coming for their nugget crown. 

The crispy chicken nuggets and their new sauces truly taste elevated, and are proof that Taco Bell's big swings and risks are paying off. The menu continues to feel fresh and exciting at a time when so many other chains are sticking to the norm. During the tasting, one of Taco Bell's representatives explained that the nuggets were also designed for people who don't like tacos but are along for the drive-thru ride — which is an extremely smart strategy move.

People might think Taco Bell has no place in the nugget space, but it's been delivering delicious chicken for a long time. 

I can't wait for Taco Bell's crispy chicken nuggets to become available nationwide. Until then, does anyone want to come to Minneapolis?