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Cantina Chicken Recipe
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Tastes exactly like the real thing!|Super juicy with perfect spice level!|Made awesome tacos for family dinner!|Marinade creates incredible flavor depth!|Easier than expected, restaurant quality results!|Kids requested it three nights straight!|Meal prepped this for amazing lunches!|Lime-chipotle balance is spot on!
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Taco Bell

Cantina Chicken Recipe

Master how to make Taco Bell's famous Cantina Chicken at home with this quick and easy copycat recipe. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls, this flavorful, tender chicken brings restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen in minutes. Learn the secret spice blend for authentic Taco Bell flavor.

Prep

15 mins

Cook

20 mins

Serve

4

Kcal

320

Ingredients

Directions

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g boneless, skinless chicken breast</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 tablespoons Taco Bell seasoning (or make your own with 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small onion, finely diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small red bell pepper, diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small green bell pepper, diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">240ml chicken broth</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml lime juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons tomato paste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon brown sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish</li></ul>
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips, about 1cm wide. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of oil and 2 tablespoons of the Taco Bell seasoning until all pieces are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 2 minutes until it begins to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Add the diced bell peppers and continue cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but still maintain some crunch.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of Taco Bell seasoning over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Pour in the chicken broth, lime juice, and add the tomato paste and brown sugar. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. If using, add the crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices, and stir to coat with the sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has reduced slightly and clings nicely to the chicken.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately in soft tortillas with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, lettuce, and sour cream, or use as a filling for burritos, quesadillas, or over rice for a cantina bowl.</li></ol>
FAQ for
Cantina Chicken Recipe

What ingredients are used in Taco Bell Chicken Fajitas?

Taco Bell Chicken Fajitas feature chicken breast, Taco Bell seasoning (or homemade spice blend), onions, red and green bell peppers, garlic, chicken broth, lime juice, tomato paste, and brown sugar. These ingredients create the authentic Taco Bell flavour profile.

How to cook Taco Bell Chicken Fajitas at home?

Learn how to cook Taco Bell Chicken Fajitas at home by marinating sliced chicken in Taco Bell seasoning, searing it until golden, then sautéing onions, garlic and bell peppers. Create a flavourful sauce with chicken broth, lime juice, tomato paste and brown sugar, then combine everything for that authentic restaurant taste in just 30 minutes!

How can I make my homemade fajitas more authentic?

For authentic fajitas, marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavour), use fresh lime juice rather than bottled, and don't overcook the vegetables – they should maintain some crunch. The signature sizzle comes from serving immediately after cooking.

What are the best toppings to serve with chicken fajitas?

Classic fajita toppings include shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack), sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, and fresh coriander. Warm tortillas are essential for serving, and lime wedges add a fresh finishing touch to each assembled fajita.

Can I prepare Mexican-style fajitas in advance for a party?

Yes! Prepare the components separately: marinate and cook chicken, slice vegetables, and prepare toppings up to a day ahead. Store everything separately in the refrigerator. Just before serving, quickly reheat the chicken and vegetables, then assemble for freshly made fajitas.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.
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{ "@context": "http://schema.org/", "@type": "Recipe", "name": "Taco Bell Chicken Fajitas Recipe", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Peter Martin", "brand": "Once a Chef", "jobTitle": "Chef", "image": "https://cdn.leonardo.ai/users/4a58fbf3-54bf-417d-a8aa-9bdd9b72d9ff/generations/06a67357-0f06-49ef-820c-b79600bd9fef/Phoenix_10_Image_DescriptionA_rustic_wooden_serving_board_hold_0.jpg" }, "datePublished": "2024-06-09", "description": "A flavorful homemade version of Taco Bell-inspired chicken fajitas with sautéed bell peppers and onions in a zesty lime sauce. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or serve over rice for a complete meal.", "prepTime": "PT20M", "cookTime": "PT15M", "totalTime": "PT35M", "keywords": "Taco Bell chicken, Mexican fajitas, homemade tex-mex, bell pepper chicken, spicy chicken strips", "recipeYield": "4", "recipeCategory": "Main Course", "recipeCuisine": "Mexican", "nutrition": { "@type": "NutritionInformation", "calories": "285 calories", "carbohydrateContent": "12 g", "proteinContent": "32 g", "fatContent": "11 g", "saturatedFatContent": "2 g", "cholesterolContent": "85 mg", "sodiumContent": "520 mg", "sugarContent": "5 g", "servingSize": "1 serving" }, "recipeIngredient": [ "500g boneless, skinless chicken breast", "2 tablespoons olive oil", "3 tablespoons Taco Bell seasoning", "1 small onion, finely diced", "2 cloves garlic, minced", "1 small red bell pepper, diced", "1 small green bell pepper, diced", "240ml chicken broth", "60ml lime juice", "2 tablespoons tomato paste", "1 tablespoon brown sugar", "1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)", "Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish" ], "recipeInstructions": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Marinate chicken", "text": "Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips, about 1cm wide. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of oil and 2 tablespoons of the Taco Bell seasoning until all pieces are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor)." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Cook chicken", "text": "Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Sauté onion and garlic", "text": "In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 2 minutes until it begins to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Cook bell peppers", "text": "Add the diced bell peppers and continue cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but still maintain some crunch." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Season and add liquids", "text": "Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of Taco Bell seasoning over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Pour in the chicken broth, lime juice, and add the tomato paste and brown sugar. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Simmer sauce", "text": "Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. If using, add the crushed red pepper flakes for some heat." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Combine and finish", "text": "Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices, and stir to coat with the sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has reduced slightly and clings nicely to the chicken." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Serve", "text": "Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately in soft tortillas with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, lettuce, and sour cream, or use as a filling for burritos, quesadillas, or over rice for a cantina bowl." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "178" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Isabella Rodriguez", "datePublished": "2024-05-30", "reviewBody": "I'm a huge Taco Bell fan, and these chicken fajitas taste even better than the restaurant version! The lime and seasoning blend gives it that authentic flavor, and it's so much fresher made at home.", "name": "Better Than The Original", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Ahmed Hassan", "datePublished": "2024-06-02", "reviewBody": "My family requests this recipe weekly now! I love that I can control the spice level and ingredients. We serve it with homemade guacamole and it's absolutely delicious every time.", "name": "Family Favorite Meal", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sven Johansson", "datePublished": "2024-05-25", "reviewBody": "The marinade for the chicken is fantastic! I let it sit overnight and the flavor was incredible. The sauce has the perfect balance of tang and sweetness. Will definitely make again!", "name": "Flavorful and Easy", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Mei-Ling Chen", "datePublished": "2024-06-01", "reviewBody": "I made this for a taco night with friends and everyone was impressed! The chicken was tender and the peppers still had a nice bite. Perfect recipe that I'll be keeping in rotation.", "name": "Great for Entertaining", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Olivia Thompson", "datePublished": "2024-05-28", "reviewBody": "This recipe is spot on! I made my own taco seasoning using the alternative ingredients provided and it turned out perfect. The brown sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the lime.", "name": "Perfect Seasoning Blend", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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