Cantina Chicken Burrito Recipe

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Packed with juicy, marinated chicken, fresh veggies, creamy sauces, and that irresistible blend of flavors, this Cantina Chicken Burrito combines indulgence and freshness. But let’s be honest—there’s something truly satisfying about recreating your favorite fast-food dish right in your kitchen. Not only does it give you full control over the ingredients, but it also feels like you’re unlocking the secret to a culinary masterpiece.

How to make Cantina Chicken Burrito

The Cantina Chicken Burrito is a menu item at Taco Bell featuring their signature Cantina Chicken—slow-roasted, shredded chicken seasoned with Mexican-inspired spices.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauces:

Avocado Ranch Sauce:

• 1/2 avocado (mashed)
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Salt to taste

Creamy Chipotle Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from canned chipotle peppers)
• 1 tsp lime juice
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

Burrito Fillings:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 1/2 cup fresh pico de gallo
• Combine diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, salt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• Avocado Verde Salsa (store-bought or homemade for dipping).

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

1. Preheat your skillet or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Rub the chicken with olive oil and season it generously with smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook the chicken on the skillet for about 3-4 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes and then slice or shred it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Make the Avocado Ranch Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, mash the avocado until smooth. Combine it with ranch dressing, garlic, lime juice, and salt. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.

3. Prepare the Creamy Chipotle Sauce:

1. Whisk together mayonnaise, adobo sauce, lime juice, and smoked paprika in a separate bowl. Adjust the spiciness to your liking by adding more adobo sauce.

4. Assemble the Burrito:

1. Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them pliable.
2. Spread a layer of Avocado Ranch Sauce and Creamy Chipotle Sauce onto the tortilla.
3. Add shredded lettuce, purple cabbage, pico de gallo, and shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Place a generous portion of the sliced or shredded chicken in the center.

5. Wrap the Burrito:

1. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward and roll it tightly from the bottom up, ensuring all the fillings are secured inside.

Tips for Perfect Burritos

• Use fresh tortillas: If possible, opt for freshly made tortillas or warm store-bought ones for better flavor and texture.
• Marinate the chicken: For an extra depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lime juice, and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Overstuff carefully: While tempting, overstuffing can make wrapping the burrito difficult. Balance the portion sizes to avoid ripping the tortilla.
• Customizable fillings: Feel free to add extras like black beans, corn, or rice if you want a heartier burrito.
• Grill the burrito: For a crispy exterior, lightly grill the assembled burrito in the skillet for about 1-2 minutes on each side.

What to serve with

The Cantina Chicken Burrito is already bursting with flavor, but pairing it with complementary side dishes and drinks makes it a complete meal. Consider options that balance textures, flavors, and nutritional content to enhance the burrito’s zesty, spicy, and creamy elements.

1. Mexican Rice

Why? A classic accompaniment to Cantina Chicken Burrito, Mexican rice adds a fluffy, mildly spiced grain to balance the bold flavors of the chicken and sauces.

How to Make:

• Sauté white rice in olive oil until slightly golden.
• Add tomato sauce, chicken broth, minced garlic, diced onions, cumin, and chili powder.
• Simmer until the rice is tender and fluffy. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

2. Refried Beans or Black Beans

Why? Beans make an excellent protein-packed addition that complements the Cantina Chicken Burrito flavors without overpowering them.

How to Prepare:

• Heat canned refried beans (or mash boiled black beans with olive oil, garlic, and cumin).
• Serve as-is or sprinkle with cheese and bake for a creamy side dish.
• For black beans, toss them with lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of chili powder for a refreshing twist.

3. Tortilla Chips & Salsa

Why? Chips and salsa provide crunch and are perfect as finger foods for a relaxed Cantina-style meal.

How to Prepare:

• Serve warm tortilla chips with homemade pico de gallo, roasted tomato salsa, or avocado verde salsa.
• Add a bowl of guacamole or queso dip if you want extra decadence.

4. Grilled Street Corn (Elote)

Why? Grilled corn on the cob coated with bold flavors pairs well with the burrito and adds a vibrant, irresistible smoky dimension.

How to Prepare: Grill sweet corn and slather it with a mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, cotija cheese (or Parmesan), and chili powder. Sprinkle with cilantro before serving.

5. Roasted Vegetables

Why? Roasted vegetables bring a healthy and savory option to the meal that complements the burrito’s flavor.

How to Prepare: Roast zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and broccoli with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a dash of smoked paprika.

Ingredients Substitutes

A Cantina Chicken Burrito is a flavorful dish that combines shredded chicken, rice, beans, cheese, and other delicious ingredients typically wrapped in a tortilla. If you find yourself missing certain ingredients or want to modify the recipe to suit your dietary preferences, substitutes can help recreate the flavors while accommodating your needs.

1. Chicken

Original Ingredient: Shredded seasoned chicken is the star protein in the dish.

Substitutes:

• Rotisserie Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient alternative and can be seasoned as needed.
• Ground Meat: Ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground beef can be used, seasoned with similar spices (like cumin, chili powder, and paprika).
• Plant-Based Protein: For vegetarians or vegans, opt for jackfruit (shredded and seasoned) or pre-packaged plant-based chicken alternatives.
• Tofu: Firm tofu can be crumbled and seasoned for a softer texture or grilled for a firmer texture.

2. Rice

Original Ingredient: White or Mexican-style rice.

Substitutes:

• Brown Rice: A healthier, whole-grain option that adds nuttiness to the dish.
• Cauliflower Rice: Low-carb substitute for those following keto or paleo diets.
• Quinoa: High in protein and fiber, quinoa is a great alternative for a unique flavor and texture.
• Couscous: A softer grain option that pairs well with burrito fillings.

3. Beans

Original Ingredient: Black beans or pinto beans.

Substitutes:

• Chickpeas: Slightly nutty in flavor, they blend well with burrito spices.
• Refried Beans: A creamy option, typically made from pinto or black beans, but also suitable for a smoother texture.
• Lentils: Cooked lentils can be seasoned and used as a substitute for beans while adding protein and fiber.
• Vegetables: If you prefer a bean-free version, substitute beans with sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or eggplant.

4. Cheese

Original Ingredient: Shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend (Monterey jack, queso fresco, etc.).

Substitutes:

• Dairy-Free Cheese: Vegan cheddar or mozzarella-style cheese works well as an alternative.
• Nutritional Yeast: A cheesy flavor enhancer for those avoiding processed cheese altogether.
• Avocado: While not a direct substitute for cheese, mashed avocado adds creaminess to offset the absence of cheese.

5. Tortilla

Original Ingredient: Large flour tortillas.

Substitutes:

• Corn Tortillas: Smaller, gluten-free alternative that’s closer to traditional Mexican recipes.
• Whole Wheat Tortillas: A healthier alternative with added fiber.
• Low-Carb Wraps: Ideal for keto or low-carb diets.
• Collard Greens or Lettuce Wrap: A fresh, gluten-free, low-carb substitute for a tortilla wrap.

6. Salsa or Sauce

Original Ingredient: Tomato-based salsa or chipotle sauce.

Substitutes:

• Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato, onion, and cilantro mix for a lighter topping.
• Guacamole: Creamy avocado-based condiment that can replace salsa or sauce entirely.
• Greek Yogurt: For creamy sauces, substitute sour cream or chipotle mayo with plain Greek yogurt (which can be flavored with spices).
• Hot Sauce/Chimichurri: Use hot sauce or a tangy chimichurri for a bold flavor.
• Coconut Milk Yogurt: As a vegan alternative for creamy sauces.

7. Vegetable Fillings

Original Ingredient: Bell peppers, onions, lettuce, or optional additions like corn.

Substitutes:

• Spinach or Kale: Add greens for enhanced nutrition; both pair well with burrito spices.
• Roasted Vegetables: Sweet potato, eggplant, squash, or zucchini can replace traditional vegetable fillings.
• Grilled Mushrooms: Meaty and flavorful mushrooms are a satisfying addition.

8. Seasonings

Original Seasonings: Typically used are chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.

Substitutes:

• Taco Seasoning Mix: Pre-made blends can save time and approximate similar flavors.
• Curry Powder: Adds a different spice profile for a unique burrito twist.
• Adobo Sauce: Smoky and rich, this can be used to season chicken or any substitute.

Final Thoughts

Making a Cantina Chicken Burrito at home is a rewarding experience and a great way to recreate Taco Bell goodness with fresh, wholesome ingredients.

More Chicken Recipes:

• Homemade Wingstop Louisiana Voodoo Fries Recipe
• Copycat Wingstop Spicy Korean Q Recipe
• Copycat Wingstop Hot Honey Rub Recipe
• Homemade Taco Bell Chicken Nuggets Recipe