Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Recipe

Taco Bell’s Cantina Chicken has long been a favorite among fans of the fast-food chain, known for its tasty mix of crunchy coating and juicy chicken. Many have wondered why this dish is so special, and now, the secret behind this loved recipe is finally out.

With a mix of bold spices and unique ingredients, the Cantina Chicken offers a taste experience that is both satisfying and memorable. Whether you’re a fan of Taco Bell’s innovative twists or simply a lover of all things chicken, mastering this recipe will add a delicious new dish to your cooking skills.

So without wasting any more time, let’s jump into the simple ingredients and steps to make your own homemade version of Taco Bell’s Cantina Chicken.

What is Taco Bell Cantina Chicken and Why is it Special?

Taco Bell’s Cantina Chicken is special because of its unique mix of textures and tastes. It’s made with carefully chosen ingredients and cooking methods. The chicken is soaked in a secret spice mix that makes every bite full of delicious flavor.

This blend generally includes familiar spices like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, combined with a touch of cayenne for a hint of heat. The marinating process not only infuses the chicken with these bold flavors but also keeps it incredibly juicy during cooking.

Next, the chicken is coated in a spiced flour mix that adds a satisfying crunch once fried to golden perfection. By integrating these elements, Taco Bell has successfully made a chicken dish that’s tasty and feels good to eat, making it a favorite on their menu.

Ingredients Needed for Taco Bell Cantina Chicken

To create your own Cantina Chicken at home, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups of buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• Vegetable oil for frying

Mix these ingredients for a flavorful and memorable homemade version of Taco Bell’s Cantina Chicken.

Nutritional Information of Cantina Chicken

This table shows what nutrients are in the Cantina Chicken, helping readers understand its health benefits.

Equipment Needed

Before you jump into cooking, make sure you have the necessary equipment on hand:

• Mixing bowls
• Shallow dishes for dredging
• A large skillet or deep fryer
• Tongs or a slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• A meat thermometer (optional but recommended)

Using a meat thermometer helps make sure the chicken is fully cooked, reaching 165°F inside. This step is important for good taste and safety.

Recipe for Taco Bell Cantina Chicken

Okay, now that you know what the Cantina Chicken is and what ingredients and equipment you’ll need, here’s a simple recipe to follow:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken breasts into a large mixing bowl. Pour the buttermilk over them, ensuring they are fully submerged. Add the paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to the bowl. Mix everything well so that the spices are evenly distributed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge. Let the chicken sit for at least 2 hours, or better yet, overnight, so it soaks up all the flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the coating. In a separate shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cornstarch. Stir until these dry ingredients are well blended. This mixture will give the chicken its signature crispy texture. Set this aside until the chicken has finished marinating.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. One by one, remove each piece from the buttermilk, let the extra drip off, and coat it well with flour. Do this for all the chicken breasts and place them on a plate for frying.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep fryer, filling it with enough oil to cover the chicken pieces fully. Heat the oil until it reaches 350°F. Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil and cook them in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding. Fry until they’re golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

When each batch of chicken is ready, use tongs or a slotted spoon to take the pieces out of the oil. Put them on a plate with paper towels to soak up any extra oil. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked to 165°F inside.

Once it’s drained and ready, serve the Cantina Chicken hot and enjoy its crispy, tasty flavor, just like Taco Bell’s popular dish.

Are you a fan of Taco Bell’s delicious dishes? If you love Cantina Chicken, you definitely won’t want to miss out on trying our copycat recipe for Taco Bell Refried Beans. With a creamy texture and savory flavor, these beans are the perfect side dish to elevate your homemade Taco Bell experience.

Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Recipe

Usman Malik

Taco Bell’s Cantina Chicken is special because of its unique mix of textures and tastes. It’s made with carefully chosen ingredients and cooking methods. The chicken is soaked in a secret spice mix that makes every bite full of delicious flavor.

5 from 16 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Mexican, Tex-Mex

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Shallow dishes for dredging
• A large skillet or deep fryer
• Tongs or a slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• A meat thermometer (optional but recommended)

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups of buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

 

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• Start by placing the chicken breasts into a large mixing bowl. Pour the buttermilk over them, ensuring they are fully submerged. Add the paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to the bowl. Mix everything well so that the spices are evenly distributed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge. Let the chicken sit for at least 2 hours, or better yet, overnight, so it soaks up all the flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

• While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the coating. In a separate shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cornstarch. Stir until these dry ingredients are well blended. This mixture will give the chicken its signature crispy texture. Set this aside until the chicken has finished marinating.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

• Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. One by one, remove each piece from the buttermilk, let the extra drip off, and coat it well with flour. Do this for all the chicken breasts and place them on a plate for frying.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

• Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep fryer, filling it with enough oil to cover the chicken pieces fully. Heat the oil until it reaches 350°F. Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil and cook them in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding. Fry until they’re golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

• When each batch of chicken is ready, use tongs or a slotted spoon to take the pieces out of the oil. Put them on a plate with paper towels to soak up any extra oil. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked to 165°F inside.
• Once it’s drained and ready, serve the Cantina Chicken hot and enjoy its crispy, tasty flavor, just like Taco Bell’s popular dish.

Notes

For longer storage, wrap each piece of Cantina Chicken separately in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label and date the package, keeping it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Keyword Taco Bell Cantina chicken Bowl recipe, Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Recipe, Taco bell cantina chicken recipe easy, Taco bell cantina chicken recipe slow cooker

Creative Ways to Serve Taco Bell Cantina Chicken

If you want to put a personal touch on this recipe, try these creative ideas:

• Taco Night Fun: Make your Cantina Chicken the highlight of taco night by cutting the fried chicken breasts and putting them in soft tortillas. Add lettuce, cheese, chopped tomatoes, and a spoonful of sour cream or your favorite salsa for a tasty twist on regular tacos.
• Chicken Sandwich Supreme: Create a delectable chicken sandwich by placing a fried chicken breast on a toasted bun with lettuce, pickles, and a tangy mayo or spicy aioli spread. Add some sliced jalapeños for an extra taste.
• Salad Sensation: For a lighter option, slice Cantina Chicken over a bed of mixed greens. Add avocado, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese, then drizzle with a creamy ranch or zesty vinaigrette for a delicious salad.
• Loaded Nachos: Upgrade your nachos by adding pieces of Cantina Chicken atop tortilla chips. Sprinkle with melted cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole for a cheesy, hearty snack.
• Rice Bowl Booster: Combine the Cantina Chicken with seasoned rice, black beans, corn, and avocado for a hearty rice bowl. Top with fresh salsa and a sprinkle of cilantro for vibrant flavors.
• Pita Pocket Perfection: Stuff warm pita bread with strips of Cantina Chicken, cucumber, red onion, and tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s both tasty and easy to handle.

These ideas show how flexible Cantina Chicken is and how easily it can fit into different meals for various tastes.

One more thing: for an added burst of flavor, you simply must try pairing the Cantina Chicken with our Cava Garlic Dressing and a homemade version of Domino’s Garlic Parmesan Sauce. These sauces elevate the dish to a whole new level, complementing the crispy chicken perfectly.

Storage Suggestions

If you find yourself with leftovers, proper storage methods will keep your Cantina Chicken tasting fresh:

• Refrigeration: Place the leftover Cantina Chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Consume within 3-4 days to ensure freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap each piece of Cantina Chicken separately in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label and date the package, keeping it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To warm up refrigerated or frozen chicken, set your oven to 350°F. Arrange the chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This will ensure it stays crispy.
• Avoiding Soggy Texture: Reheating in the oven instead of the microwave helps retain the chicken’s crispiness, preventing it from becoming soggy.

Tips for Making Perfect Taco Bell Cantina Chicken

Sometimes the recipe is not only about the ingredients and instructions but also some helpful tips that make all the difference. And these small tweaks can make your cooking experience more enjoyable and your dish even better. Here are some tips to help you perfect your Cantina Chicken:

• Marination Time: Letting the chicken marinate overnight boosts its flavor and keeps it tender, so it’s definitely worth the wait.
• Oil Temperature: Make sure to heat the oil to 350°F before frying. This helps the chicken cook evenly and get a nice golden-brown crust.
• Batch Frying: Fry the chicken in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil’s temperature and result in a soggy coating.
• Internal Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, confirming it is fully cooked.
• Drain Properly: After frying, put the chicken on paper towels right away to soak up extra oil and keep it crispy.
• Herbs and Garnishes: Finish the chicken with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an added layer of flavor and color.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our recipe for homemade Taco Bell Cantina Chicken offers a delicious way to enjoy this beloved dish from the comfort of your kitchen. With versatile serving ideas and proper storage methods, you can savor its crispy, flavorful goodness for multiple meals.

By following our cooking tips, you make sure the chicken stays soft and yummy. Whether you eat it with fun sides or on its own, this Cantina Chicken will satisfy your cravings and make your homemade fast-food better.

FAQ

Can I bake the Cantina Chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the Cantina Chicken for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For added crispiness, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time.

What can I serve with Cantina Chicken for a complete meal?

Cantina Chicken pairs great with different sides for a full meal. Try it with soft Mexican rice, smooth refried beans, or a fresh corn and black bean salad. Chips with guacamole or a tangy coleslaw can also match the flavors well, adding different textures and tastes to the dish.

Is it possible to make Cantina Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, to make Cantina Chicken gluten-free, substitute traditional flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for the coating. Also, make sure that any other ingredients and sauces used are clearly labeled gluten-free, to avoid any cross-contamination and maintain dietary requirements

Can I use an air fryer to cook Cantina Chicken?

Sure, cooking Cantina Chicken in an air fryer is a great healthier alternative to traditional frying. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reads 165°F.

Can I make the Cantina Chicken spicier?

Yes, just add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños to increase the spice. Serve with hot sauces or spicy salsas for extra heat.

What cheese works best with Cantina Chicken dishes?

Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are excellent options for topping Cantina Chicken dishes. These cheeses melt nicely and go well with the chicken’s taste. For a stronger flavor, try using pepper jack cheese, which has a little spice.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to Cantina Chicken?

Yes, you can use tofu or cauliflower as vegetarian substitutes for Cantina Chicken. Just marinate your substitute with the same spices, then cook it by frying or baking to enjoy a similar taste.