Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Copycat Recipe: Easy Steps for Delicious Homemade Tacos

Missing Taco Bell’s Cantina Chicken? I totally get it. There’s nothing like that tender, flavorful chicken drenched in creamy sauce. That’s why I decided to bring this favorite right into my own kitchen.

With this copycat recipe, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of Taco Bell’s Cantina Chicken without leaving home. It’s surprisingly easy and uses ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or just craving a tasty takeout alternative, this dish has got you covered.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Sauce

• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder

Optional Toppings

• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sliced avocado
• Tortilla chips

For Serving

• Warm flour tortillas or your favorite taco shells

Tools and Equipment

To recreate Taco Bell’s Cantina Chicken at home, having the right tools and equipment makes the process seamless and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife

• Essential for chopping vegetables and slicing the chicken breasts evenly.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons

• For accurately measuring spices, liquids, and other ingredients.

• Mixing Bowls

• Use separate bowls for marinating the chicken and preparing the creamy sauce.

• Whisk

• Perfect for blending the sauce ingredients smoothly.

• Skillet or Large Frying Pan

• Ideal for grilling the chicken to tender perfection.

• Tongs

• Handy for flipping the chicken without piercing it, ensuring juices remain locked in.

• Aluminum Foil

• Useful for resting the chicken after cooking, keeping it juicy and flavorful.

• Spoon or Spatula

• For stirring the sauce and assembling the tacos with ease.
• To present your delicious Cantina Chicken tacos attractively.

Having these tools at your disposal will help you master the art of making this beloved dish, bringing the flavors of Taco Bell right into your kitchen.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing parts of the Taco Bell Cantina Chicken ahead of time can streamline your cooking process and ensure a delicious meal is ready when you need it. Here’s how I like to approach it:

Marinating the Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade:

• In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1 teaspoon chili powder.
• Add the juice of one lime and mix thoroughly.

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag.
• Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
• Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

Preparing the Creamy Sauce

1. Mix the Sauce Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and the juice of half a lime.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon cumin and 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, stirring until smooth.

1. Store the Sauce:

• Transfer the sauce to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before using.

Chopping and Prepping Toppings

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

• Shred 2 cups of lettuce.
• Dice 1 large tomato.
• Shred 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
• Slice 1 avocado.

1. Store the Toppings:

• Place each topping in separate airtight containers.
• Refrigerate up to 3 days. Avocado slices can be lightly tossed with lime juice to prevent browning.

Assembling Ahead

1. Cook the Chicken:

• When ready to serve, heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
• Let the chicken rest in aluminum foil for 5 minutes before slicing.

1. Warm the Tortillas:

• Wrap tortillas in aluminum foil.
• Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.

Storage Summary

By following these make-ahead steps, you can enjoy a stress-free cooking experience and savor the rich flavors of Taco Bell Cantina Chicken anytime you crave it.

Instructions

I’m thrilled to help you recreate Taco Bell’s Cantina Chicken at home. Follow these steps to achieve tender, flavorful chicken with a creamy, zesty sauce.

Prep

• Marinate the Chicken:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Add 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the marinade. Ensure each breast is thoroughly coated.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

• Prepare the Toppings:

• Shred 1 cup lettuce.
• Dice 1 cup tomatoes.
• Shred 1 cup cheddar cheese.
• Slice 1 avocado.
• Crush a handful of tortilla chips.

• Make the Creamy Sauce:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together:
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Cook

• Grill the Chicken:

• Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
• Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.

• Prepare the Tortillas:

• Warm flour tortillas or taco shells in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side or until pliable.

Assemble

• Build the Tacos:
• Spread a generous spoonful of the creamy sauce onto each warmed tortilla.
• Add sliced chicken evenly across each tortilla.
• Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, avocado slices, and crushed tortilla chips.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Cantina Chicken tacos!

Cooking Timeline

Serving Suggestions

Elevating your Taco Bell Cantina Chicken experience is all about the perfect pairings and presentation. Here’s how I like to serve this delicious dish to create a memorable meal.

Assemble Your Tacos

1. Warm the Tortillas

• Heat warm flour tortillas or crispy taco shells in a skillet until they’re soft and pliable or satisfyingly crunchy.

1. Add the Chicken

• Place a generous portion of the grilled Cantina Chicken onto each tortilla or taco shell.

1. Layer the Toppings

• Top the chicken with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and creamy avocado slices.

1. Drizzle the Creamy Sauce

• Finish with a drizzle of the signature creamy sauce to bind all the flavors together.

Perfect Side Dishes

Complement your tacos with these delightful sides:

• Mexican Rice
• Refried Beans
• Tortilla Chips with Salsa
• Grilled Vegetables such as bell peppers and onions

Beverage Pairings

Enhance your meal with the right beverages:

• Agua Fresca in flavors like lime or hibiscus
• Margaritas for a festive touch
• Iced Tea or Lemonade for refreshing non-alcoholic options

Presentation Tips

Make your meal visually appealing with these ideas:

• Colorful Platter

• Use a vibrant platter to showcase your tacos and sides.

• Garnishes

• Add lime wedges, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños for extra color and flavor.

• Layered Presentation

• Arrange the components separately on the table, allowing everyone to customize their own tacos.

Nutritional Information

By following these serving suggestions, you can create a vibrant and satisfying meal that rivals your favorite Taco Bell experience, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Storage Tips

As a chef dedicated to perfecting every aspect of a dish, I understand the importance of proper storage to maintain the vibrant flavors of our Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Copycat Recipe. Here are my top tips to ensure your meal stays fresh and delicious:

Refrigeration

• Marinated Chicken:

Store the marinated chicken in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in tender and juicy chicken.

• Creamy Sauce:

Place the creamy sauce in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Stir well before using, as ingredients may settle or separate slightly.

• Chopped Toppings:

Store shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced avocado in separate airtight containers or zip-top bags. Keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and texture.

Freezing

• Cooked Chicken:

If you’ve prepared extra chicken, allow it to cool completely. Transfer the cooked chicken to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• Creamy Sauce:

You can freeze the creamy sauce for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good stir before serving.

Assembled Tacos

• Best Served Fresh:

While it’s best to assemble tacos just before serving to enjoy the textures at their peak, you can prepare components in advance. Keep the tortillas, chicken, sauce, and toppings separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent sogginess.

Reheating Tips

• Chicken:

Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the meat.

• Tortillas:

Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or wrap them in foil and heat in the oven to keep them soft and pliable.

• Sauce:

Gently reheat the creamy sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain its creamy texture.

Quick Reference Table

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy the rich and creamy flavors of Taco Bell Cantina Chicken anytime, ensuring every meal is as delightful as the first.

Conclusion

Bringing Taco Bell’s Cantina Chicken into my kitchen has been a game changer for family dinners. It’s amazing how easy it is to recreate those beloved flavors at home. I love customizing the toppings to suit everyone’s taste which makes each meal unique. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out this recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire. Give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness without the need to order out