After fans petitioned, beg and pled for the return of the iconic Taco Bell Mexican Pizza, the popular quick service restaurant takes the beloved food item to the next level. The new Cantina Chicken Mexican Pizza is delicious, but it is nothing without Taco Bell’s Jalapeno Citrus Salsa.
Every week, restaurant brands reveal new menu items. While innovation and food trends get hyped, the riffs on iconic, fan favorite items get guests to make a special trip. Without overshadowing the classic food, twists are vital to keep people engaged.
The new Cantina Chicken Mexican Pizza with Jalapeno Citrus Salsa is a prime example. Not only does it capture Taco Bell’s chicken trend but it keeps the iconic Mexican Pizza fresh with new flavors.
Speaking about the new menu item, Liz Matthews, Taco Bell’s Global Chief Food Innovation Officer said, “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. 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.”
How Taco Bell’s Jalapeno Citrus Salsa Is Essential to the Cantina Chicken Mexican Pizza’s Success.
According to Taco Bell, the new Cantina Chicken Mexican Pizza is a complex build. It combines slow-roasted Cantina Chicken, black beans, green chile sauce and three cheese blend. All those ingredients are stacked in between crispy tortilla shells. The pizza is finished with purple cabbage and pico de gallo.
As the build shows, it is a celebration of flavor and texture. Crispy, crunchy contrasts creamy and tender. While each ingredient stands on its own, they all highlight the chicken’s nuanced flavor. It shows that Taco Bell understands the protein needs to be the star in every bite.
Adding a chicken Mexican pizza is smart for Taco Bell. Even though the chicken wars have reached a détente, many people prefer chicken over beef. This new menu item fills a gap on the menu and entices more people to order the iconic Mexican Pizza.
In addition, Taco Bell’s Jalapeno Citrus Salsa is crucial to the launch. The salsa combines red jalapenos and guajillo chiles. While the spice is bold, it is not scorching. With a subtle sweetness, the heat is tempered.
Also, the citrus notes add brightness, which helps to lighten any dish. As any cook appreciates, a touch of acid rounds out any dish.
Is Taco Bell’s Jalapeno Citrus Salsa Available to Buy Separately?
According to Taco Bell, the new Jalapeno Citrus Salsa is included with every Canina Chicken menu item. Additionally, it can be ordered a la carte for $0.20/each.
This salsa would be amazing with a classic bean and cheese burrito or even a Chalupa. Yes, it is well paired with chicken, but the salsa has versatility.
It can even be paired with other Taco Bell salsas and sauces. Who says that a QSR cannot plate a dish with multiple sauces. It might not be the next viral video, but it will be a statement on the plate.
The new Cantina Chicken Mexican Pizza and Jalapeno Citrus Salsa will be available for Rewards members via the Taco Bell app on May 19 and 20. It arrives at restaurants nationwide on May 21.
Be sure to check back with Taco Bell’s socials for more teases on upcoming food releases. Could another riff be coming for the Mexican Pizza? Given that Live Mas motto appreciates the “extra” in life, it seems likely.
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