I tried Taco Bell’s chicken nuggets so you don’t have to. Here is my review.

Everyone knows the heartbreaking feeling when you find out your friend threw a party and didn’t invite you. Now imagine that feeling…if the “friend” was Taco Bell.

That’s how I felt earlier this week when I heard that Taco Bell was hosting a preview event for its new chicken nuggets in New York City. How could they forget me? I’ve been reviewing Taco Bell’s menu items for years. Heck, I even ate Taco Bell for 30 days! My invitation must have gotten lost in the mail, I told myself. Then I remembered that Taco Bell certainly has my email address – I’m a rewards member.

But no test will break my love for Taco Bell. Consider this the Cheesy Gordita Job book.

Humiliated by my fast food masters, I went to my local Taco Bell on Thursday – the first day the chicken nuggets were available nationwide. The nuggets, which feature all-white chicken meat marinated in jalapeño buttermilk and breaded with tortilla chips, may sound outside of Taco Bell’s wheelhouse. However, this isn’t the chain’s first foray into fried chicken. Last year they brought chicken wings back to the menu and they were pretty solid!

Chicken nuggets are far less demanding than wings, so I had no reason to think they wouldn’t be tasty. A five-piece order with one dipping sauce costs $3.99 and a 10-piece order with two dipping sauces costs $6.99. After waiting over 15 minutes (Downtown Jersey City Taco Bell, you are the bane of my existence), I got my nugs. They were hot and fresh – and one bite convinced me the wait was worth it.

Taco Bell’s chicken nuggets passed the eye test with flying colors, with a thick brown, crispy breading on each piece of poultry. While I thought the jalapeño buttermilk was just lip service, there was a noticeable (but not overwhelming) kick. The exterior was crispy – although I can’t say it reminded me of tortilla chips. The inside was also tender and aromatic.

But the best part of this new dish is the dipping sauces. I got all three and was impressed with the quantity. The Hidden Valley Fire Ranch sauce was a pretty typical spicy ranch dressing and the jalapeño honey mustard definitely had a nice kick. My personal favorite was the Bell sauce, which was both creamy and spicy and reminded me of the creamy jalapeño sauce that makes their quesadilla the unsung hero of their menu.

Do we need chicken nuggets from Taco Bell? Absolutely not. I come to Taco Bell for everything But Chicken nuggets. I’d much rather see the chain innovate on its signature menu items — when are we going to get a Crunchwrap Supreme with a Doritos tostada, people? But it’s pretty crazy that Taco Bell was able to get into the nugget game and create something better than what McDonald’s is known for. Yes, I said it. Taco Bell’s chicken nuggets are better than McNuggets!

So yeah, I’m a little upset that Taco Bell didn’t invite me to their preview event. Well, a lot salty – I just ate 10 chicken nuggets from a Mexican fast food chain. But I am a man of the people and am happy to wait with the other customers who want Live Mas.

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