How Can It Be? A Chicken Sandwich That’s A Taco, Too

Taco Bell owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. has joined the chain competitive cash grab known as the "chicken sandwich wars" with its own twist on the popular meal - a chicken sandwich taco.

"Is this disruptive, delicious new item a sandwich or a taco, you ask?" Taco Bell's news release says. "Well, it's a sandwich and a taco. And it doesn't have to explain itself to be this delicious."

Made of crisp chicken and chipotle sauce cupped in folded flatbread, the "taco" will be tested at selected locations in Nashville, Tennessee, and Charlotte, North Carolina, beginning March 11. A nationwide release is expected in late 2021.

Taco Bell has also launched a spicy version topped with jalapeno slices, the restaurant said.

The Crispy Chicken Sandwich Taco is the newest in a series of menu additions after Taco Bell slashed many items from its menu last year. They will cost $2.49 each.

Taco Bell wanted to simplify its menu and develop a "faster and more seamless restaurant experience" during the coronavirus pandemic.

In January, Taco Bell revealed its American Vegetarian Association-certified vegan potatoes had officially returned to the menu as a bean replacement and two dishes - Spicy Potato Soft Taco and Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes - are expected to return March 11.

Taco Bell also briefly brought back the popular Nacho Fries in December.

The Crispy Chicken Sandwich Taco places Taco Bell in the company of chains that launched chicken sandwiches in the months following the release by Popeyes.

The chain caused a stir in 2019 when it took down the Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich with its own version. 

This sparked what has since been dubbed "chicken sandwich wars."

Chains, including KFC and Wendy's, have added chicken sandwiches to their menus and other fast food companies, including McDonald's and Burger King, are expected to introduce them this year. McDonald's is introducing three items Feb. 24 and Burger King's offering is set to come later in 2021.

Chicken sandwiches are a popular fast food item owing, in part, to their versatility - customers are eager for chicken and the sandwich offers value, taste and portable choices for on-the-go diners.

Chains also saw the success of Popeyes with its chicken sandwich - which proved to be one of the most popular menu additions in fast food.