Taco Bell and Big Chicken Unveil Exciting New Chicken Creations for Football Season

Chicken lovers have reason to celebrate this football season as Taco Bell and Big Chicken introduce exciting new menu items. Taco Bell is testing Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas, while Big Chicken debuts their signature Dunks and wings, offering bold flavors for game-day cravings.

Taco Bell and Big Chicken Introduce Bold New Chicken Creations, Expanding Menus Beyond Wings

For chicken wing lovers, there’s good news this football season—chicken menu items are taking center stage. While chicken wings still play a significant role, the food offerings have expanded beyond the classic favorite, now featuring other popular items like pizza and burgers. Even Buffalo Wild Wings, known for its signature wings, has incorporated bacon into its seasonal football menu.

But it’s not just about wings anymore. According to Fast Food Club, Taco Bell and Big Chicken, two fan-favorite chains, have introduced new chicken items to their menus that satisfy cravings, whether you’re watching the game or tailgating. One chain is testing a new menu item, while the other is rolling out exciting new chicken offerings. Get ready to indulge in some irresistible chicken creations.

First up is Taco Bell, which is conducting a test release for a brand-new food item. This test follows previous trials like the Mountain Dew Baja Blast treats and the Cantina Chicken menu from earlier in the year. The latest addition? The Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas will debut in Minneapolis on October 31, 2024. This new dish features Cantina Slow-Roasted Chicken marinated in a blend of pineapple and chiles al pastor, served in two street-sized Quesalupa shells, and topped with onions and cilantro. Priced at $4.99 for two, the limited-time item may see a nationwide release in 2025, as Taco Bell plans to expand its al pastor-inspired offerings.

David Gibbs, CEO of Yum Brands, Taco Bell’s parent company, shared that the Cantina Chicken menu boosted sales in the year's second quarter, surpassing expectations. The chain hopes for similar success with the Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas, and if you’re near Minneapolis, you’re among the lucky few who can try them first.

Big Chicken, founded by NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, is also upping its game this fall with the national release of two new menu items: Dunks and flavor-packed wings. The Dunks, Big Chicken’s take on classic chicken nuggets, are more significant than traditional nuggets but smaller than tenders. Available in portions of 10-12 pieces, the Dunks have six signature dipping sauces, including Big Chicken Sauce, Carolina BBQ, Memphis BBQ, Chipotle BBQ, Buffalo, and Ranch. According to CEO Josh Halpern, the Dunks are part of the brand’s “Big Chicken 2.0” vision, offering fun, customizable options that stand out.

Big Chicken Launches New Wings and Deluxe Sandwiches, Adding Exciting Options to Its Football Menu

In addition to the Dunks, Big Chicken has launched traditional chicken wings, available in five or ten-piece servings with flavor coatings such as Buffalo, Lemon Pepper, Memphis BBQ, and Thai Chili Sauce. Chef Robert Ryan, the executive behind the brand’s menu innovations, shared that the wings were perfected at their Las Vegas locations before receiving nationwide approval. With such positive feedback, more menu innovations from Big Chicken are on the horizon.

Big Chicken is introducing a deluxe version of The Original Chicken Sandwich for sandwich lovers, now featuring lettuce, mayo, tomato, and bacon. The highly-requested Crispy Chicken Grilled Cheese has also returned to the menu. Big Chicken offers a new strawberry shake, topped with whipped cream and strawberries, alongside the limited-time Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes Shake.

Whether you’re in the mood for Taco Bell’s new Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas or Big Chicken’s Dunks and Wings, this football season has no shortage of exciting chicken offerings.