Like many people, I’m a Taco Bell fan. The iconic fast food restaurant is a great spot for a quick snack or a speedy meal. Their iconic menu items—Baja Blast, Mexican pizzas, and my favorite, the classic Taco Bell Crunchwrap, keep fans coming back for more. For me, the Crunchwrap is the perfect blend of flavor, texture, and crunch in every bite. So, when I had the opportunity to be among the first to try Taco Bell’s new chef-inspired Crunchwrap creations, I was eager to see how these versions would compare to the original.
A few days after the Crunchwrap taste tests in New York, word started to pop up on social media (including over @stackbetch) about these new potential menu items and Taco Bell fans started begging for a nationwide release. Although you can’t get them at your local Taco Bell (at least not yet), we’re happy to share what we thought when we tried them.
Related: Yes, You Can Eat Keto at Taco Bell—Here Are 7 Nutritionist-Approved Options
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What Are The New Crunchwrap Supremes?
Taco Bell is elevating the beloved hexagonal menu item by collaborating with three chefs from the Taco Bell Test Kitchen: Reuben Asaram, Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin and Lawrence “LT” Smith. These culinary experts developed three new twists on the Crunchwrap: one that’s packed with Indian flavors, one that incorporates Thai-inspired noodles and a third that features spicy hot fried chicken.
Through the launch of the TBX program, Taco Bell aims to showcase emerging culinary talent by allowing chefs to co-create menu items that reflect a wide array of flavors and cultural influences.
Related: The Taco Bell Ordering Trick We Wish We’d Known About Sooner
Taco Bell
When Can You Buy the Remixed Crunchwrap Supremes?
Here’s the rub: these Crunchwraps were only available during a 2-day test in New York City on October 16 and 17, which is where we were lucky enough to try them. The test will help Taco Bell decide which flavor (or flavors) to bring to Taco Bell menus next year.
If you want to tap into your inner TBX chef, Taco Bell Rewards Members across the country can put their own creative twist on a Crunchwrap Supreme by adding $3 worth of their favorite ingredients and customizations for free to their order via the Taco Bell app. This customization opportunity is available from October 15th through October 21st and gives fans a taste of the creative process that goes into developing Taco Bell’s beloved dishes.
Related: The McDonald’s Ordering Trick We Wish We’d Known About Sooner
Remixed Crunchwrap Supremes Ranked
This was a really fun taste test and each remixed Crunchwrap had its high points, but here are our honest thoughts on these new options.
3. Indian Buffet Crunchwrap
Taco Bell
This Crunchwrap was created by chef Reuben Asaram, a Philadelphia-based chef known for his creative blend of Indian and Mexican cuisine. This Crunchwrap included marinated, slow-roasted chicken in a creamy tomato curry, Mexican-spiced rice, cucumber mint sauce, a crunchy corn tostada, lettuce, and pico de gallo. Vegetarians can swap in crispy potato bites for the chicken.
I thought the Indian Buffet Crunchwrap would be my favorite, given my love for curry chicken, and while it had great components, it ended up being a bit too saucy for me. I did think the chicken was tender and flavorful and the cucumber mint sauce added a refreshing burst of flavor. I give it a 4/5.
2. Crispy Thai Noodle Crunchwrap
Taco Bell
San Antonio chef Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin, a two-time James Beard nominee, created this Crunchwrap. The wrap was inspired by her Thai heritage and layers marinated grilled chicken, khao soi aioli, a crunchy wheat noodle nest, cool sour cream, fresh onions, cilantro and an avocado basil ranch for a South Texas twist.
This Crunchwrap completely surprised me. The crispy noodles added the perfect crunch, which is a Crunchwrap essential, of course. I loved the combination of crispy noodles, tangy sour cream and bright fresh herbs. I enjoyed this one so much that I finished it entirely—it was unexpected but absolutely delicious! This now was without a doubt 5/5.
1. Southwest Hot CHX Crunchwrap
Taco Bell
The third option was the Southwest Hot CHX Crunchwrap by Chef Lawrence “LT” Smith from Phoenix. Known for his innovative approach to Mexican cuisine, Chef LT put a modern Southwest spin on fried chicken for his creation. The Hot CHX Crunchwrap has fried chicken pieces tossed in spicy salsa macha, Oaxaca-style mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses, pickled purple cabbage slaw, fresh cilantro, apricot hot sauce and sour cream.
I was really excited to try this variation and it definitely lived up to my expectations. The chicken was juicy and crispy and had just the right amount of heat. The combination of the spicy salsa and cool sour cream balanced each other out and the pickled cabbage added a refreshing tang. And let’s not forget the cheese pull—it was absolutely amazing and added some IG-worthy visuals to this option. This Crunchwrap hit all the right notes and was also a 5/5.
After trying all three new Crunchwrap options I can’t wait to see which one (or ones) Taco Bell decides to roll out nationwide. Based on my taste test, any of the three would be an instant hit.
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