Go Back
Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Mexican Pizza
Anna Piazza

Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Mexican Pizza

Make Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Mexican Pizza at home with crispy shells, juicy chicken, and fresh toppings. Tastes better and costs less than the drive-thru!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Additional Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Drink
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

For the Cantina Chicken
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
For the Crispy Shells
  • 4 medium flour tortillas 6-inch
  • Vegetable oil for frying
For the Mexican Pizza Sauce
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Layers and Toppings
  • ½ cup refried beans
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 2 tablespoons diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons pico de gallo
  • 2 tablespoons shredded purple cabbage
For the Jalapeño Citrus Salsa
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

  1. Mix shredded chicken with lime juice, cumin, garlic powder, dried cilantro, chili powder, and salt in a bowl. Let it sit for 20 minutes to soak up the flavors. Heat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until it is hot and slightly golden.
  2. If you use rotisserie chicken, mix it with the seasoning and heat it through. This step enhances the chicken's flavor.
  3. For crispy tortillas, frying works best. Heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F. Fry each tortilla for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, then drain and sprinkle with salt. For an easier method, brush the tortillas with oil and air-fry at 375°F for 4 to 5 minutes.
  4. In a small saucepan, mix tomato sauce, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring often. Taste and adjust the seasoning. The sauce should be thick and not runny. For a green chile version, add 2 tablespoons of canned diced green chiles.
  5. Place one crispy tortilla shell on a baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of refried beans on top, then add half the seasoned chicken. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the chicken and sprinkle half the shredded cheese.
  6. Put the second tortilla shell on top, spread more pizza sauce, and add the remaining cheese. Keep the layers thin and even to prevent the pizza from collapsing.
  7. Bake the pizza in a 375°F oven on the center rack for 6 to 8 minutes, until the cheese melts and the edges are crispy. Avoid the top rack to prevent the cheese from burning. After baking, add fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, pico de gallo, shredded purple cabbage, and a drizzle of jalapeño citrus salsa.
  8. Don't add fresh toppings before baking, as they may become watery.