Taco Bell Will Finally Release Its Fried Chicken Shells Nationwide

Coming in 2017

Taco Bell first teased its fans on the West Coast, and then did the same in the Heartland. Now, the fast food chain is rolling out another over-the-top menu item across the country. Taco Bell's "Naked Crispy Chicken Shell Chalupa" will see a national debut sometime next year, according to Brand Eating. That's right, you'll soon be able to enjoy chalupa fillings tucked inside fried chicken that's been molded into a taco shell.

The chain began testing a fried chicken shell taco at select locations in Bakersfield, Calif., last September. It followed that up with the chalupa variety in a few Kansas markets in April. The initial run featured fried chicken stuffed with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, and an avocado ranch sauce. Brand Eating reports the chalupa version contains the same fillings, and it sounds like it might be pretty good: "The chicken shell had a substantial crunch as well as a solid kick of spicy heat; much more so than any other current Taco Bell meat option."

The proud company that first transformed Doritos into taco shells has been building on that legacy of bold flavors lately. This summer alone, Taco Bell has revealed a giant "Triple Double Crunchwrap," a burrito stuffed with Cheetos, and something called "Walking Nachos": seasoned tortilla chips and nacho toppings, all conveniently packaged in a foil pouch for consumption on the go.

• Taco Bell's Fried Chicken Shell Tacos Launch Nationally Next Year [BE]

• Taco Bell Hops on Chicken Trend, Unleashes Fried Chicken Taco Shell [E]

• Taco Bell Tests Fried Chicken Shell Chalupas [E]