Taco Bell is giving its beloved Mexican Pizza a fresh twist by introducing the Cantina Chicken Mexican Pizza, set to launch in U.S. restaurants on May 21. The original Mexican Pizza, first introduced in 1985, features seasoned beef and warm refried beans between two crispy flour tortillas, topped with pizza sauce, a cheese blend, and diced tomatoes. For the first time, the chain has replaced the seasoned beef with slow-roasted chicken to create this new variation.
What's New in the Cantina Chicken Mexican Pizza
The Cantina Chicken Mexican Pizza retains the same beans and cheese blend as the original but adds a green chile sauce and is topped with shredded purple cabbage and pico de gallo. It will be priced at $6.49. Taco Bell Rewards Members can get early access by ordering through the company's app starting May 19.
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 flavor. Liz Matthews, Taco Bell's Global Chief Food Innovation Officer, stated, "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." She added, "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 Ahead
The Cantina Chicken Mexican Pizza is just one of several upcoming menu upgrades. During its Live Más Live event in March, Taco Bell announced 20 new items for 2026, including Mexican Pizza Empanadas and Strawberry & Cream Mexican Pizza Bites. Other highlights include Cheesy G Sliders, a smaller version of the Cheesy Gordita Crunch; the Queso Cracked Cantina Bowl; and the spicy Firecracker Burrito. Dessert options feature a Crème Brûlée Crunchwrap Slider, Chocolate Fudge and Caramel Empanadas, and a Milk Bar Birthday Cake Empanada. Innovative drinks like the Salt & Straw Tacolate Chiller, Strawberry Horchata Refresca, and a Cold Brew with Purple Horchata Foam are also being tested.
The press release noted, "The next chapter of the Mexican Pizza is on the horizon with more irresistible twists still on deck. 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."
