Taco Bell is famous for its innovative and flavorful menu items, and one dish that has garnered a lot of attention is their Cantina Chicken. This dish is a delicious, crispy, and juicy chicken that adds a satisfying crunch to your favorite Taco Bell classics, such as tacos, burritos, or bowls. The Cantina Chicken is marinated in a bold combination of Mexican-inspired seasonings and fried to perfection, delivering the ideal balance of flavor, texture, and spice.

If you love Taco Bell’s Cantina Chicken but want to enjoy it from the comfort of your own home, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll show you how to recreate this crave-worthy dish with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. Whether you’re planning a fun taco night or just looking to spice up your dinner routine, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

1. What Is Cantina Chicken?

Cantina Chicken at Taco Bell is known for its crunchy exterior and tender, juicy inside, with a flavor profile that’s slightly spicy, savory, and smoky. It’s typically served in tacos, burritos, or bowls, and is often paired with fresh toppings like lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and sauces such as their signature Creamy Avocado Ranch or Chipotle Sauce.

2. Ingredients for Homemade Taco Bell Cantina Chicken

Recreating Taco Bell’s Cantina Chicken at home requires a simple blend of spices and ingredients for the marinade and breading. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into thin strips or bite-sized pieces)

For the Marinade:

  • ½ cup buttermilk (or use plain yogurt if preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Breading:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Frying:

  • Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill a skillet about 1 inch deep)

Optional Toppings and Fillings:

  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • Creamy Avocado Ranch dressing (or sour cream)
  • Soft tortillas (for tacos or burritos)
  • Rice and beans (for bowls)

Equipment Needed:

  • Large skillet or deep fryer
  • Mixing bowls for the marinade and breading
  • Tongs or a slotted spoon for frying
  • Paper towels (for draining excess oil)

2. How to Make Taco Bell Cantina Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk until all the ingredients are well combined.

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 2-4 hours. Marinating the chicken helps to tenderize the meat and infuses it with bold, flavorful spices.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

The cornstarch in the breading mixture helps create that extra crispy texture, similar to what you’d find in Taco Bell’s Cantina Chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Working in batches, take each piece of chicken from the marinade and dredge it in the breading mixture, making sure each piece is fully coated. Press the breading onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well.

Place the breaded chicken pieces on a wire rack or plate and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes. This resting time helps the breading adhere to the chicken, making it crispier when fried.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (or in a deep fryer) until it reaches 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small bit of breading into the oil—if it sizzles and floats to the top, it’s ready.

Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil, frying them in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Once all the chicken is fried and crispy, you can start assembling your tacos, burritos, or bowls.

For tacos, warm your tortillas and fill them with the crispy Cantina Chicken. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a drizzle of Creamy Avocado Ranch or your favorite Taco Bell sauce.

For burritos, wrap the chicken with rice, beans, cheese, and your choice of toppings in a large tortilla.

For bowls, layer the chicken over a bed of rice and beans, and add your favorite toppings like guacamole, salsa, and shredded lettuce.

For a lighter option, serve the Cantina Chicken over a fresh green salad with avocado, corn, black beans, and a zesty lime dressing.

You can also turn the Cantina Chicken into a crispy chicken sandwich by serving it on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of Chipotle Mayo or Ranch dressing.

4. Tips for Perfect Cantina Chicken

Don’t Skip the Marinade: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk and spices is key to achieving that tender, flavorful interior. The acidity of the buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, while the spices add depth of flavor.

Use Cornstarch for Extra Crispiness: Adding cornstarch to the breading mixture helps create a super crispy coating that stays crunchy even after frying.

Maintain the Right Oil Temperature: It’s important to keep the oil at a consistent temperature of around 350°F to ensure the chicken fries evenly and doesn’t absorb too much oil. If the oil is too cool, the breading may become soggy; if it’s too hot, the chicken may burn before cooking through.

Let the Chicken Rest Before Frying: After breading the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes before frying. This helps the breading adhere better and ensures a crispier coating.

Customize the Heat: If you love spicy food, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade and breading. You can also drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the chicken for extra heat.

5. How to Store and Reheat Leftover Cantina Chicken

Storing:

Store any leftover Cantina Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat it in an air fryer for extra crispiness.

Making Taco Bell’s Cantina Chicken at home is easier than you might think, and with this recipe, you can enjoy the same crispy, flavorful chicken in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving it in tacos, burritos, bowls, or salads, this Cantina Chicken will add a delicious crunch and spice to any dish.

So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy a homemade version of one of Taco Bell’s fan-favorite menu items. With its crispy exterior and bold flavors, this dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation!

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Julia Jane is a home cook inspired by her mother's cooking. With the desire to share my cooking experiences with everyone, she created this website

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