Food

Taco Bell goes all in on chicken and crunch with new empanada

The Cheesy Chicken Crispanada rolls out nationwide Thursday for a limited time.
crispinada
The Cheesy Chicken Crispinada, nspired by a classic empanada, makes a handy portable snack. | Photo courtesy of Taco Bell.

Taco Bell rolls out the Cheesy Chicken Crispanada nationwide on Thursday after a successful test last year in Tennessee.

The LTO is inspired by a classic empanada and features a crispy, crunchy outer shell filled with melted Monterey pepper jack, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses combined with shredded chicken seasoned with Mexican spices. The Crispinada is designed to be portable, handheld and convenient for snacking on the go with a price tag of $3.49. But it's also positioned to be added to a combo meal.

The Cheesy Chicken Crispanada was unveiled at Taco Bell’s Live Más Live event in Las Vegas over the weekend, when the Irvine, Calif.-based chain revealed its full 2024 marketing calendar. Among the introductions was its Chicken Cantina Menu, a line of items based on oven-roasted shredded chicken spiced with chilies. Taco Bell is putting a big push behind chicken this year, developing tacos, quesadillas, bowls and burritos around the cost-effective protein.

The Cheesy Chicken Crispanada is the first out of the gate and “kicks off a full year of innovation to come,” according to a press release. “Taco Bell’s commitment to push the boundaries of food creativity and innovation is grounded in its fusion-first ethos, creating a synergy where beloved flavors and forms come together to produce something entirely new.”

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