Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Recipe

If there’s one thing Taco Bell fans can agree on, it’s their knack for delivering bold, crave-worthy flavors. But there’s something about the Taco Bell Cantina Chicken lineup that takes the experience to a whole new level. The shredded chicken is seasoned to perfection, paired with that irresistible avocado verde salsa—every bite feels like a celebration of authentic Mexican-inspired cooking. Trust me, as a longtime Taco Bell lover, I know the magic this dish brings to the table!

How to make Taco Bell Cantina Chicken

Taco Bell Cantina Chicken is a premium protein option introduced to enhance the flavor and quality of their menu offerings. This chicken is slow-roasted and seasoned with a blend of Mexican-inspired spices, including garlic, onion, and various chiles, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Avocado Verde Salsa:

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• Soft or crispy taco shells (your preference)
• Fresh pico de gallo (optional)
• Shredded cheese (optional)
• Sour cream (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
3. Rub the marinade evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring full coverage.
4. Place the chicken on a lightly oiled baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Once cooked, let the chicken cool slightly before shredding it with two forks.

2. Make the Avocado Verde Salsa:

1. Cut the avocados and remove the pits. Scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor.
2. Add cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
3. Blend until the salsa is smooth and creamy. Adjust lime juice and salt to taste.

3. Assemble the Cantina Chicken Tacos:

1. Warm the taco shells according to package instructions.
2. Fill each shell with a generous amount of shredded chicken.
3. Top with Avocado Verde Salsa; if desired, add pico de gallo, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.

Tips for Success

• Chicken Variations: If you prefer a smoky flavor, consider grilling the chicken or generously using smoked paprika. You can also substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
• Salsa Adjustments: For extra heat, keep the jalapeño seeds or add a touch more chili powder. If you prefer a milder salsa, use less jalapeño or add a bit of cream to soften the spice.
• Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avocado salsa should be consumed within a day or stored with plastic wrap pressed directly onto its surface to prevent browning.
• Customization: To enhance the flavor of your tacos, feel free to add lettuce, diced onions, or your favorite hot sauce.

What to serve with

Taco Bell Cantina Chicken is bold, flavorful, and completely satisfying, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal into a feast.

1. Mexican Rice: A warm and flavorful Mexican rice is a classic pairing for Cantina Chicken. The fluffy rice, cooked with tomatoes, chicken broth, chili powder, and a hint of cumin, acts as a great backdrop, balancing the spicy chicken and tangy salsa.

Tip: You can also add chopped cilantro and lime zest for a refreshing twist.

2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans on the side are a staple in Mexican-inspired meals. Serve them in a bowl as a dip or dollop them next to the chicken tacos for a hearty addition.

Pro Tip: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the beans and broil until bubbly for extra indulgence.

3. Chips and Guacamole: Chips and guacamole are a crowd-pleaser. They’re perfect for snacking alongside your tacos. The creamy avocado dip pairs wonderfully with Cantina Chicken’s bold spices.

Make it Better: Pair corn tortilla chips with guac, or try adding diced tomatoes and a hint of garlic to elevate the guacamole’s flavor.

4. Street Corn (Elote): Mexican-style street corn is hard to resist with tacos! Grill fresh corn, slather it in mayo or crema, sprinkle chili powder, cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice. The smoky sweetness of the corn balances the heat of the chicken beautifully.

Tip: If you’re short on time, transform elote into esquites (Mexican corn salad) by cutting the kernels off the cob and mixing them with the toppings.

5. Fresh Salad: A crunchy salad adds a refreshing contrast to the warm flavors of Cantina Chicken. Try a simple mix of romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onions with a zesty lime-cilantro vinaigrette or honey chipotle dressing.

Optional Add-On: Top the salad with avocado slices or roasted pepitas for extra texture.

Ingredients Substitutes

You may not always have access to the exact ingredients used by Taco Bell to make a homemade version of Taco Bell Cantina Chicken or a comparable dish.

1. Chicken:

The foundation of the Taco Bell Cantina Chicken is tender marinated chicken, which is usually grilled or sautéed.

Substitutes:

• Chicken thighs: Instead of chicken breast, you can use chicken thighs, which are juicier and more tender.
• Rotisserie chicken: A pre-cooked rotisserie chicken shredded and seasoned can work as a quick alternative.
• Turkey breast: For a slightly leaner option, turkey can be marinated similarly and used as a substitute.

2. Marinade/Seasonings:

The secret to the Cantina Chicken lies in the flavorful marinade, often infused with bold Mexican spices.

Substitutes:

• Generic taco seasoning: If you don’t have Taco Bell’s proprietary seasonings, use a store-bought taco seasoning mix or make your own blend with chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and oregano.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: To create a smoky, spicy flavor, blend chipotle peppers with lime juice and garlic.
• Fresh lime juice: If unavailable, lemon juice can be used for acidity in the marinade.
• Fresh garlic: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
• Olive oil or avocado oil: Any neutral oil like vegetable oil or sunflower oil will work for the marinade.

3. Corn Tortillas:

Taco Bell serves its chicken in soft tortillas. If you don’t have soft corn tortillas, you can opt for these alternatives:

Substitutes:

• Flour tortillas: These have a softer and more pliable texture, commonly found in stores.
• Whole wheat tortillas: A healthier option with fiber.
• Pita bread or flatbread: If tortillas aren’t available, pita or flatbread can work similarly for wraps.

4. Cheese:

Taco Bell typically uses a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese in their dishes.

Substitutes:

• Colby Jack cheese: A mild alternative with a similar flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: Can be used for its melty texture, though it lacks the sharpness of cheddar.
• Mexican cheese blends: Pre-shredded blends found in grocery stores work perfectly, including queso blanco or queso fresco.

5. Vegetables:

The Cantina Chicken features fresh diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and sometimes red onions.

Substitutes:

• Iceberg or romaine lettuce: Any crisp leafy greens like spinach can replace lettuce.
• Salsa: Opt for a fresh tomato salsa as a substitute for diced tomatoes.
• Bell peppers: Thinly sliced peppers can add another layer of crunch.

Final Thoughts

With this recipe, you can recreate the vibrant and flavorful experience of Taco Bell Cantina Chicken at home. Each bite will surely delight your taste buds, delivering the rich spices and creamy texture reminiscent of your favorite fast-food indulgence. 

More Taco Bell Recipes:

• Copycat Taco Bell Chicken Flatbread Recipe