Taco Bell Debuts Crispy Chicken Items With Frank’s RedHot Diablo Sauce in Spicy New Collaboration

Taco Bell is turning up the heat this fall with a fiery new partnership. On October 14, the fast-food giant announced a lineup of new crispy chicken menu items created in collaboration with Frank’s RedHot, set to launch nationwide on October 16.

The new additions include a burrito, soft taco, nacho fries, and the return of crispy chicken strips — all featuring the bold new Frank’s RedHot Diablo Sauce. The move marks another step in Taco Bell’s plan to expand beyond its classic beef offerings and secure a lasting place in the chicken market.

Taco Bell’s New Crispy Chicken Lineup and Frank’s RedHot Diablo Sauce

The star of the new menu is the Frank’s RedHot Diablo Sauce, described as a remix of Taco Bell’s existing Diablo sauce infused with Frank’s signature buffalo flavor and spicy ranch. According to Valda Coryat, vice president of marketing at McCormick & Company, the collaboration “demonstrates the versatility of Frank’s RedHot” and brings “bold flavor and heat to ignite every bite.”

Here’s the full list of new items hitting menus October 16:

• Frank’s RedHot Diablo Crispy Chicken Burrito ($5.49): Crispy chicken strips wrapped with shredded lettuce, purple cabbage, pico de gallo, and cheddar cheese in a grilled flour tortilla, finished with either Frank’s RedHot Diablo or Avocado Ranch sauce.
• Frank’s RedHot Diablo Crispy Chicken Soft Taco ($2.99): A soft tortilla loaded with a crispy chicken strip, cabbage, lettuce, pico de gallo, and cheddar cheese, topped with Frank’s RedHot Diablo or Avocado Ranch.
• Frank’s RedHot Diablo Chicken Nacho Fries ($4.99): Seasoned Nacho Fries covered with slow-roasted chicken, nacho cheese sauce, a three-cheese blend, pico de gallo, and a drizzle of Frank’s RedHot Diablo sauce.
• Crispy Chicken Strips with Spicy Ranch ($6.99): Four chicken strips with a tortilla chip breading, served with Spicy Ranch or Frank’s RedHot Diablo sauce.

While Taco Bell has traditionally focused on beef, the company has made a clear pivot toward chicken over the past year, starting with the launch of its chicken nuggets earlier in 2025. Executives previously revealed plans to make crispy chicken a permanent fixture on the menu by 2026.

Image credit: Food & Wine

Inside Taco Bell’s Chicken Strategy and Why This Collaboration Matters

This partnership with Frank’s RedHot is more than just a seasonal promotion — it signals Taco Bell’s larger ambitions in the fast-food chicken wars. With chains like Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, and Wendy’s dominating the crispy chicken space, Taco Bell is betting on bold sauces and flavor innovation to stand out.

“Frank’s RedHot Diablo raises the bar, serving up a Buffalo sauce remix that proves crispy chicken isn’t just a fling — it’s here for the long haul,” Taco Bell said in a release. The company views this launch as another step toward expanding its menu and building long-term appeal among chicken lovers.

Industry analysts say collaborations like this also help legacy brands stay relevant with younger consumers who seek novelty and bold flavors. It’s a formula that’s worked for Taco Bell before — limited-time sauces and mashups often drive spikes in sales and social media buzz.

For now, the new menu items will only be available for a limited time. But if the rollout performs well, Taco Bell could fast-track its plan to make crispy chicken a core part of its offerings before 2026.

Taco Bell debuts crispy chicken items with Frank’s RedHot Diablo Sauce nationwide on October 16, marking the brand’s spiciest expansion yet — and possibly the start of a new era for its menu.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When will Taco Bell’s new crispy chicken items be available?

The new menu items will launch nationwide on October 16, 2025, but will be available for a limited time.

Q2: What is Frank’s RedHot Diablo Sauce?

It’s a blend of Taco Bell’s Diablo sauce and Frank’s classic buffalo flavor with spicy ranch, designed to bring bold heat and flavor.

Q3: Is Taco Bell planning more chicken items?

Yes, the company has stated that crispy chicken will become a permanent part of its menu by 2026.

Q4: How much do the new items cost?

Prices range from $2.99 for the soft taco to $6.99 for the chicken strips meal, depending on the item.

Q5: Will these items be permanent?

For now, they’re limited-time offers. However, strong sales could accelerate plans to make them permanent.