Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Recipe

Whether you’re recreating a Taco Bell classic or whipping up a meal for a party, this Taco Bell Cantina Chicken recipe is the perfect blend of smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors.

With a simple marinade and grilling technique, you’ll have a dish that pairs beautifully with Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos or Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl, it stands strong as the star of your meal.

What Does Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Taste Like?

Taco Bell Cantina Chicken is a flavor-packed delight with a smoky, tangy, and mildly spicy profile. The marinade, infused with lime juice, garlic, and a blend of spices like cumin and smoked paprika, gives the chicken a zesty kick and a subtle earthiness.

Grilling adds a charred, smoky depth, while the juicy, tender texture makes it irresistible. Pair it with Taco Bell’s Lava Sauce, and you’ll experience an extra layer of heat and creaminess. It’s the perfect balance of bold and savory, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite!

Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Ingredients

Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this copycat taco bell cantina chicken

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp of Cantina Chicken Seasoning

Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need

1. A sharp knife and cutting board
2. Large mixing bowl
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Grill or grill pan
5. Tongs
6. Meat thermometer

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Marination Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Copycat Recipe

Simply follow the steps given below to make your cantina chicken taco bell at home

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by selecting a medium-sized chicken. Remove and clean the breasts, making sure to debone them with care (always handle knives safely!). If you prefer convenience, purchase boneless chicken breasts directly from the market.

Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp. olive oil, Juice of 1 lime, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, Mix everything well to create a flavorful marinade.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes. For a deeper flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for up to 2 hours.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 5: Rest and Slice
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. Slice the chicken into thin strips for serving.

To elevate your Cantina Chicken, drizzle it with Taco Bell Lava Sauce or Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Sauce for an extra kick of heat.

Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Taco Bell Cantina Chicken

1. Loaded Tacos
Slice the chicken into strips and tuck them into warm corn or flour tortillas. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a drizzle of Taco Bell Lava Sauce. Add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for extra creaminess.

2. Burrito Bonanza
Wrap the Cantina Chicken in a large tortilla along with seasoned rice, refried beans, pico de gallo, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Don’t forget a generous spoonful of sour cream or queso for added indulgence.

3. Protein-Packed Salad
Top a bed of mixed greens with thinly sliced Cantina Chicken, black beans, roasted corn, diced avocado, and crunchy tortilla strips. Drizzle with cilantro lime dressing or a spicy chipotle ranch for a refreshing, healthy meal.

4. Cheesy Quesadillas
Sandwich the chicken strips and shredded Mexican blend cheese between two flour tortillas. Cook on a skillet until the cheese melts and the tortillas turn golden and crispy. Slice into wedges and serve with salsa or sour cream.

5. Street-Style Nachos
Spread tortilla chips on a platter and layer with sliced Cantina Chicken, melted nacho cheese, jalapeños, diced onions, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Finish with a drizzle of Taco Bell Lava Sauce or sour cream for a shareable snack.

6. Rice Bowl Delight
Combine grilled chicken with Taco Bell Black Beans and Rice. Add Taco Bell Black Beans, sautéed peppers, and onions, then top with fresh salsa, guacamole, and shredded cheese. Serve with a side of tortilla chips for crunch.

7. Crunchy Wrap Supreme
Recreate Taco Bell’s iconic Crunchwrap Supreme by layering Cantina Chicken, lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and cheese on a large tortilla. Place a tostada shell on top for crunch, fold into a hexagon, and grill until crispy.

8. Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Turn your Cantina Chicken into a spicy sandwich! Place a chicken breast on a toasted brioche bun with lettuce, pickles, and a smear of Lava Sauce. Add a slice of pepper jack cheese for a fiery twist.

9. Loaded Baked Potatoes
Top a baked potato with shredded Cantina Chicken, sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, and a dash of hot sauce. This hearty option is perfect for comfort food lovers.

10. Party-Ready Sliders
Thinly slice the chicken and serve it on mini slider buns with lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of chipotle mayo or Taco Bell’s signature Baja sauce. These bite-sized treats are perfect for entertaining!

Some Tips on This Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Recipe

Choose Fresh Chicken:
Use fresh, boneless chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor. If you buy pre-packaged chicken, check the expiry date and ensure there’s no strong odor.

Pound the Chicken:
For even cooking, use a meat mallet to lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This prevents overcooking thinner parts while thicker parts remain undercooked.

Use Fresh Lime Juice:
Freshly squeezed lime juice enhances the flavor of the marinade. Bottled lime juice can work in a pinch but lacks the zestiness of fresh limes.

Marinate Longer for More Flavor:
While 30 minutes is sufficient, marinating for up to 2 hours allows the spices and lime juice to penetrate the chicken for a deeper, richer taste. Avoid marinating for more than 4 hours, as the acid can make the chicken mushy.

Preheat the Grill:
Always preheat your grill or grill pan for at least 5 minutes before cooking. This ensures the chicken sears properly, locking in the juices and creating those beautiful grill marks.

Oil the Grill Grates:
To prevent the chicken from sticking, brush the grill grates with a thin layer of oil or spray with non-stick cooking spray before placing the chicken on the grill.

Monitor the Temperature:
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Overcooking can make the chicken dry, while undercooking is unsafe.

Rest the Chicken:
Let the grilled chicken rest for 5-7 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken tender and juicy.

Customize the Spice Level:
Adjust the amount of chili powder and smoked paprika to suit your spice tolerance. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.

Double the Recipe for Meal Prep:
Grill extra chicken breasts to use in salads, wraps, or rice bowls throughout the week. The flavorful marinade ensures the chicken stays delicious, even when reheated.

How to Store and Reheat Cantina Chicken Properly?

Store leftover Cantina Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the chicken tender and juicy.

Common Queries on how to make taco bell cantina chicken?

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the taco bell cantina chicken that people often ask.

1. What are the ingredients in Taco Bell Cantina Chicken?

The main ingredients for Taco Bell Cantina Chicken include:

Boneless chicken breasts, Olive oil, Lime juice, Garlic, Ground cumin, Smoked paprika, Chili powder, Onion powder, Oregano, Salt and pepper. These combine to create a flavorful marinade that makes the chicken juicy and delicious.

2. How is Cantina Chicken cooked?

Cantina Chicken is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and lime juice, then grilled over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Each side is cooked for about 6-8 minutes, and the chicken is rested before slicing into strips.

3. Can I bake the Cantina Chicken instead of grilling?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

4. What are the ingredients in Taco Bell Chicken Rolled Tacos?

Taco Bell Chicken Rolled Tacos typically include:

Shredded seasoned chicken
Corn tortillas
Spices like chili powder and cumin
The tacos are rolled tightly, fried until crispy, and served with dipping sauces like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.

5. What can I pair with Cantina Chicken?

Cantina Chicken pairs perfectly with Taco Bell’s 5-Layer or 7-Layer Burrito, nachos, rice bowls, or a side of black beans. You can also serve it in tacos, salads, or wraps for a complete meal.

6. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well. Adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook thoroughly.

7. How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate it for up to 2 hours. Avoid marinating for longer than 12 hours, as the acid in lime juice can break down the chicken’s texture.

8. What grill temperature is best for cooking Cantina Chicken?

Set your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F or 190°C to 200°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly without burning.

9. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and refrigerate it up to a day in advance. Cooked Cantina Chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave before serving.

10. How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust the heat level?

The spice level is moderate due to chili powder and smoked paprika. To increase the heat, add cayenne pepper or drizzle with Taco Bell Lava Sauce. For a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder or skip the spicy sauce.

This Taco Bell Cantina Chicken recipe is versatile and easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or meal prepping for the week, this dish brings bold flavors to the table. Plus, pairing it with Taco Bell’s iconic Lava Sauce and burritos makes for a restaurant-quality experience at home!

Enjoy your Cantina Chicken with friends, family, or all to yourself—you’ve earned it!

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