Taco Bell is giving its fan-favorite Mexican Pizza a fresh twist, replacing seasoned beef with slow-roasted chicken for the first time. The new Cantina Chicken Mexican Pizza will debut at U.S. restaurants starting May 21, priced at $6.49. Taco Bell Rewards Members can get early access by ordering via the company’s app from May 19.
What’s New in the Cantina Chicken Mexican Pizza
The original Mexican Pizza, launched in 1985, layers seasoned beef and warm refried beans between two crispy flour tortillas, topped with pizza sauce, a cheese blend, and diced tomatoes. The new version retains the beans and cheese but swaps beef for slow-roasted chicken. It features a green chile sauce and is topped with shredded purple cabbage and pico de gallo. Each pizza comes with a packet of Taco Bell’s new Jalapeño Citrus Salsa Sauce, made with red jalapeños and guajillo chiles for a sweet and spicy kick.
Innovation Philosophy
“The Mexican Pizza is iconic for a reason. It's that perfect layering of crispy, saucy, cheesy nostalgia that fans have loved for years, so we didn't want to reinvent it, we wanted to build on it,” said Liz Matthews, Taco Bell's Global Chief Food Innovation Officer. “And because we know our fans are serious about sauce, we made sure the Jalapeño Citrus Salsa brings the extra spark that complements the Cantina menu.”
More Menu Innovations on the Horizon
The Cantina Chicken Mexican Pizza is just one of many upcoming menu updates. Taco Bell has also announced Mexican Pizza Empanadas and Strawberry & Cream Mexican Pizza Bites. During its annual Live Más Live event in March, the company revealed 20 new items launching in the U.S. this year, including Cheesy G Sliders (a smaller Cheesy Gordita Crunch), Queso Cracked Cantina Bowl, and Firecracker Burrito. Dessert options include Crème Brûlée Crunchwrap Slider, Chocolate Fudge and Caramel Empanadas, and a Milk Bar Birthday Cake Empanada. Innovative drinks such as Salt & Straw Tacolate Chiller, Strawberry Horchata Refresca, and Cold Brew with Purple Horchata Foam are also being tested.
“The next chapter of the Mexican Pizza is on the horizon with more irresistible twists still on deck,” the press release stated. “With the debut of the Cantina Chicken Mexican Pizza, Taco Bell is building on a legend fans already love, bringing unapologetic energy, flavor and creativity to every layer.”
