If you’re a Taco Bell’s Cantina Chicken fan, you’re in for a treat—because today, we will show you how to make this delicious, flavor-packed dish right in the comfort of your kitchen. Taco Bell’s Cantina Chicken is known for its juicy, slow-roasted Chicken seasoned with bold spices, making it the perfect addition to any taco, bowl, or burrito.
Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or want to recreate your favorite Taco Bell Cantina Chicken tacos at home, this recipe has got you covered. Let’s start and bring those mouthwatering Cantina chicken flavors to your table! If you’re looking for other Taco Bell-inspired recipes, make sure to check out our Copycat Taco Bell Refried Beans Recipe.
What is Taco Bell Cantina Chicken?
Taco Bell’s Cantina Chicken is a popular menu item. The Chicken is slow-roasted and packed with bold flavors. It’s tender and juicy, perfect for tacos, bowls, and burritos. You can enjoy it in many ways, such as Cantina crispy chicken tacos or a Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl.
The Chicken is special because it’s seasoned with a unique mix of spices. It’s served with fresh toppings like pico de gallo, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Taco Bell also adds its famous Lava Sauce for extra flavor. You can make this at home and recreate catalina chicken taco bell with the same great taste.
Want it spicier? Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Cantina chicken is versatile so that you can use it in tacos, bowls, or burritos. It’s easy to enjoy a Taco Bell-style meal in your kitchen!
Specialty of Taco Bell Cantina Chicken
Taco Bell’s Cantina Chicken stands out because of its unique combination of flavors and textures. The Chicken is slow-roasted to tender perfection, giving it a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth quality. It’s seasoned with bold spices, creating a deep, savory flavor profile.
What really makes it special is its versatility—you can enjoy it in tacos, bowls, quesadillas, or burritos. It’s topped with fresh ingredients like Pico de Gallo, guacamole, cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of Taco Bell’s Lava Sauce. This mix of fresh veggies, creamy sauces, and perfectly grilled Chicken makes it a crowd-pleaser for any meal! And for a fresh side, try our Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad Recipe that pairs perfectly with this dish.
Ingredients for the Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Recipe
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment and Tools
- Cutting board and Knife
- Mixing bowl
- Grill or grill pan
Cook Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 2 people
How to Make Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix lime juice, cilantro, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder to make the Cantina chicken seasoning. Coat the boneless chicken breasts in the marinade and let them sit in an airtight container for at least 30 minutes. The longer the margination, the better the flavor!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated Chicken for 6-8 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish: For Cantina chicken tacos, warm your tortillas and fill them with the grilled Chicken. Top with Pico de Gallo, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and guacamole. You can also add a drizzle of Taco Bell Lava Sauce for extra flavor!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy: Your Cantina chicken tacos are ready to serve! Pair them with a side of tortilla chips and chips and salsa for a complete meal. If you prefer a Cantina chicken bowl, layer your Chicken on top of Mexican rice, refried beans, and lettuce for a hearty dish.
Watch How to Make
Serving Idea for Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken
- Taco Night: Serve your Cantina chicken tacos with a side of tortilla chips and chips and salsa for a perfect meal.
- Complete Meal: Pair your tacos with a hearty, flavorful Cantina chicken bowl featuring Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, and salsa.
- Quick Weeknight Meal: This recipe is ideal for a quick weeknight meal—you can have a delicious catalina chicken taco bell dinner ready in no time.
- Perfect for Taco Night: Whether it’s a casual meal or a fun taco night with family, Cantina chicken tacos will surely impress.
Tips for a Successful Taco Bell Chicken Recipe
Here are some tips to help you recreate taco bell chicken at home with the same delicious taste and quality!
- Warm the Tortillas: Before assembling your tacos, warm your tortillas for that soft and fluffy texture. You can hear them on the grill, in a skillet, or the microwave—whichever works best!
- Use Shredded Cheese for Meatiness: For a perfect melt, shredded cheddar cheese. It’ll add creaminess and flavor to your Cantina chicken tacos.
- Remove the Chicken at 165°F: To avoid overcooking, make sure you remove the Chicken from the grill once it reaches 165°F. This ensures the Chicken stays juicy and tender.
- Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover Cantina chicken, it’s excellent for burritos or a fresh salad. You can even store it in the fridge for up to 3 days for easy meals later.
- Adjust the Chili Powder: To get the perfect spice level, experiment with the amount of chili powder in the seasoning. Add more if you like it spicier or less if you prefer a milder flavor.
FAQs on Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken
Is Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Spicy?
Taco Bell’s Cantina Chicken is mildly spicy with a bold flavor, thanks to the seasoning blend. However, if you prefer more heat, you can easily adjust the chili powder in the recipe to make it spicier.
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Grilling?
Yes, you can swap grilled Chicken with rotisserie chicken for convenience. Just shred it and mix it with cantina chicken seasoning to achieve a similar flavor.
How Do I Reheat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken?
To reheat, place the Chicken in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes but do not overheat to avoid dryness.
Can I Make It Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can make a vegetarian version by replacing the Chicken with grilled vegetables, tofu, or black beans. Use the same cantina chicken seasoning to maintain the flavor.
What Goes in a Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl?
A Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl consists of Mexican rice, refried beans, sliced Chicken, guacamole, lettuce, and salsa. Feel free to top it off with pico de gallo, cheddar cheese, or sour cream.
Can I Use Tortilla Chips as a Side?
Yes! Serve your Cantina chicken tacos with tortilla chips for a perfect side. You can pair it with chips and salsa for added flavor and crunch.
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the Chicken for at least 30 minutes. However, marinating it longer (up to 4 hours) will allow the seasoning to soak into the Chicken, making it even more flavorful.
Can I Make the Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the Chicken by marinating it and storing it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready, cook it as instructed, and your meal will be prepared quickly.
Can I Make Catalina Chicken Taco Bell Without a Grill?
Absolutely! You can use a grill pan or a regular skillet if you don’t have a grill. Just make sure to cook the Chicken over medium-high heat and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
How Can I Adjust the Flavor of Taco Bell Cantina Chicken?
To adjust the flavor, tweak the chili powder and smoked paprika for more spice. Add a little Taco Bell lava sauce or extra lime juice to give the Chicken more tangy or smoky notes.
Final Thoughts on Taco Bell Cantina Chicken
I hope you’re excited to try this copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken recipe at home! It’s easy to make and full of bold flavors. You’ll get the juicy, tasty Chicken just like Taco Bell. Whether you want to make Cantina chicken tacos or a Cantina chicken bowl, this recipe will bring the same great taste.
Don’t forget to save this recipe so you can enjoy it again. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or taco night with friends. If you try this Cantina chicken copycat recipe, I’d love to see how it turns out! Share your version of Cantina Chicken Tacos with me!
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