Sophie Bennett
Taco Bell has been making changes to its menu since 2019, removing fan favorites such as the Grilled Stuft Burrito and the Beefy Fritos Burrito. In 2020, the fast-food chain removed several more items, including the Shredded Chicken Burrito, which was discontinued in November of that year. The company explained that the decision to streamline its menu would make the chain's processes more efficient and innovative, creating room for new fan favorites and progress in categories such as plant-based diets. While some customers were upset by the removal of the Shredded Chicken Burrito, Taco Bell has been testing new items that include shredded chicken, including the Cheesy Street Chalupas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | November 5, 2020 |
| Reason | To streamline the menu and make the chain's processes more efficient |
| Person responsible for the decision | Taco Bell President Mike Grams |
| Other items removed at the same time | Mexican Pizza, Pico de Gallo, Shredded Chicken Soft Taco, and Shredded Chicken Quesadilla Melt |
| New items added | Chicken Chipotle Melt, Dragonfruit Freeze |
| Year the Shredded Chicken Burrito was first added to the menu | 2001 |
| Number of years the Shredded Chicken Burrito was on the menu | 19 |
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What You'll Learn
- Taco Bell removed shredded chicken from its menu in November 2020
- The removal was part of a menu streamlining process to improve efficiency
- The company also wanted to make room for new items, including plant-based options
- Fans were upset by the decision and started petitions for its return
- Shredded chicken has since made a brief comeback in select cities
Taco Bell removed shredded chicken from its menu in November 2020
The removal of shredded chicken left only two chicken entrees: the Chicken Quesadilla and the Chicken Chipotle Melt, along with the Chicken Chalupa combo. While some customers were disappointed by the change, Taco Bell stated that it would allow room for new fan favorites and continued progress in categories such as plant-based diets. The company also mentioned the possibility of bringing back some classics on a limited-time basis.
In recent years, Taco Bell has introduced more vegan-friendly options to its menu. In September 2022, they collaborated with Beyond Meat to offer the Beyond Carne Asada Steak in Dayton, Ohio, for a limited time. They also introduced vegan beef in the Detroit area in October 2021, as part of their Cravetarian menu, which included veggie versions of popular items.
While shredded chicken is no longer a permanent menu item, there have been hints of a potential comeback. In October 2023, Taco Bell locations in Indianapolis, Indiana, tested a Cheesy Street Chalupa that offered customers the choice of grilled steak or shredded chicken. Additionally, shredded chicken has made brief appearances in rolled chicken tacos and an empanada stuffed with shredded chicken and cheese.
Although there is no confirmation of shredded chicken's permanent return, Taco Bell has been listening to customer feedback and making changes to its menu accordingly. The company has invited fans to vote for the return of discontinued items, and some popular items, like the Beefy Crunch Burrito and Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes, have made limited-time comebacks.
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The removal was part of a menu streamlining process to improve efficiency
Taco Bell discontinued the Shredded Chicken Burrito in November 2020. The removal was part of a menu streamlining process to improve efficiency. The fast-food chain announced that it would be removing Mexican pizza, items with shredded chicken, and a dozen other items from its menu. The decision to streamline the menu was made to make the chain's processes more efficient, improve the dining experience for customers, and keep prices as low as possible.
Taco Bell President Mike Grams commented on the decision, explaining that the company wanted to make the dining experience faster and more pleasant for customers. In addition, the company wanted to make room for new fan favorites and continue to innovate its menu. This included progress in categories such as plant-based diets and opportunities for the return of some classics on a limited-time basis.
The Shredded Chicken Burrito was not the only item removed from the menu. Other items that were discontinued included the Shredded Chicken Soft Taco, Shredded Chicken Quesadilla Melt, Mexican Pizza, Pico de Gallo, Grilled Steak Soft Taco, 7-Layer Burrito, Quesarito, Nachos Supreme, Beefy Fritos Burrito, Spicy Tostada, Triple Layer Nachos, Spicy Potato Soft Taco, Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes, Loaded Grillers, Chips & Dips, and the Mini Skillet Bowl. Despite the removal of these items, Taco Bell assured customers that they could still order some of the discontinued items digitally via their mobile app.
The menu streamlining process was part of Taco Bell's plan to innovate its menu and keep up with changing consumer preferences. The company introduced new items such as the Chicken Chipotle Melt, Dragonfruit Freeze, and the Quesalupa, which was tested in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 2020. In addition, Taco Bell has also been working to make its menu more vegan-friendly by partnering with Beyond Meat to offer plant-based meat alternatives. The company has also introduced vegan beef in the Detroit area and made it free for customers to substitute meat with vegan meat options.
While the removal of the Shredded Chicken Burrito may have disappointed some customers, Taco Bell's menu streamlining process was done with the intention of improving efficiency, enhancing the customer experience, and making room for new and innovative menu items. The company has continued to listen to customer feedback and has even brought back some discontinued items for a limited time, such as the Beefy Crunch Burrito and Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes.
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The company also wanted to make room for new items, including plant-based options
Taco Bell's menu is extensive, and in 2020, the company decided to streamline it to make the chain's processes more efficient. The company wanted to make the dining experience faster and more pleasant for customers and keep the menu as affordable as possible. As a result, several items were removed from the menu, including the Shredded Chicken Burrito, which had been a menu item for 36 years.
Taco Bell has also been testing new items that could bring back shredded chicken. In October 2023, Taco Bell locations in Indianapolis, Indiana, began testing Cheesy Street Chalupas, which included the option of shredded chicken. The company has also briefly brought back shredded chicken in its rolled chicken tacos and tested an empanada stuffed with shredded chicken and cheese. While there are no guarantees, these tests could indicate a potential return of shredded chicken to the menu.
Taco Bell has a history of reviving discontinued items, often in response to fan requests. For example, the Beefy Crunch Burrito returned for a limited time in spring 2024, and the company brought back its potato offerings, such as the Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes, in 2021 after receiving numerous requests from fans. The company has also invited fans to vote for the return of other discontinued items, showing a willingness to listen to customer feedback and bring back old favourites.
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Fans were upset by the decision and started petitions for its return
Fans were devastated when Taco Bell discontinued the Shredded Chicken Burrito in November 2020. The burrito had been a menu staple for almost three decades, since its introduction in 2001. One fan reminisced about their fond memories of the dish, stating that it was the first item they ever ordered from Taco Bell, and that its discontinuation "felt like a personal attack".
Understandably, many customers were upset by the decision to remove the Shredded Chicken Burrito from the menu. Some even started a Change.org petition to bring back their beloved item, but their pleas went unanswered for almost three years. The removal of the Shredded Chicken Burrito was part of a larger menu revamp by Taco Bell, which also saw the discontinuation of other longtime favourites, including the Mexican Pizza, the 7-Layer Burrito, and the Nachos Supreme.
The fast-food chain explained that the streamlining of the menu was necessary to make their processes more efficient and to create room for new fan favourites, continued progress in plant-based options, and even the potential return of some classics on a limited-time basis. While some fans were disappointed by the loss of their favourite burrito, others saw the removal of shredded chicken as an opportunity for innovation and exploration of new menu items.
Despite the initial disappointment, there is now hope for fans of the Shredded Chicken Burrito. In October 2023, Taco Bell tested a new item: the Cheesy Street Chalupas, which included the option of shredded chicken. This test product, offered only in Indianapolis, Indiana, marked the return of shredded chicken to the Taco Bell menu, even if only briefly and in a single city. The test product was well-received, and many saw it as a sign that the chain was considering bringing back shredded chicken in a new form.
While there is no guarantee that the Shredded Chicken Burrito will make a comeback, Taco Bell has shown a willingness to listen to its customers and bring back discontinued items. In 2021, the chain revived its potato offerings, including the Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes, after receiving numerous requests from fans. With the positive response to the Cheesy Street Chalupas and the return of shredded chicken, even in a different format, there is a chance that the Shredded Chicken Burrito could make a return in the future, whether as a limited-time offering or a permanent menu item.
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Shredded chicken has since made a brief comeback in select cities
Fans of Taco Bell's Shredded Chicken Burrito were left disappointed when the fast-food chain discontinued the item in November 2020. The removal of the Shredded Chicken Burrito, along with other shredded chicken items like the Shredded Chicken Soft Taco and Shredded Chicken Quesadilla Melt, was part of the company's decision to streamline its menu and make room for new fan favorites. This change left only two chicken entrées on the menu for diners seeking poultry options: the Chicken Quesadilla and the Chicken Chipotle Melt, with the addition of the Chicken Chalupa combo.
While shredded chicken lovers were upset by this change, there may be reason for hope. In October 2023, Taco Bell locations in Indianapolis, Indiana, began testing a new item: the Cheesy Street Chalupa. This chalupa includes a cheesy shell, mozzarella and pepper jack cheeses, onion, cilantro, jalapeños, ranch sauce, and—most notably—the option of shredded chicken. This test product represents the return of shredded chicken to Taco Bell's menu, even if only briefly and in a single city.
Prior to the Cheesy Street Chalupas, Taco Bell had also briefly brought back shredded chicken in its rolled chicken tacos and tested an empanada stuffed with shredded chicken and cheese. These limited-time offerings suggest that the company may be exploring new ways to incorporate shredded chicken into their menu items. In the meantime, customers can still enjoy grilled chicken as a core ingredient in items like the Chicken Enchilada Burrito, Chicken Chipotle Melt, and Chicken Quesadilla, or as an add-on to other menu items.
The decision to test the Cheesy Street Chalupas in Indianapolis may indicate that Taco Bell is gauging customer interest and gathering feedback before making any permanent changes to their menu. It is unclear whether the company plans to expand the availability of shredded chicken beyond this limited test run, but the positive response to the Cheesy Street Chalupas could influence their future menu decisions. For now, fans of shredded chicken can take comfort in the fact that Taco Bell is listening to their requests and is willing to bring back popular items, even if only for a brief period.
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Frequently asked questions
Taco Bell discontinued the Shredded Chicken Burrito on November 5, 2020.
The chain removed the item from its menu to streamline its menu and make its processes more efficient.
Other items that were removed from the menu at the same time included the Mexican Pizza, Shredded Chicken Soft Taco, and Shredded Chicken Quesadilla Melt.
Shredded chicken has briefly returned to the Taco Bell menu in the form of rolled chicken tacos and an empanada stuffed with shredded chicken and cheese. These items were tested in certain cities, but it is unclear if they will be added to the permanent menu.
