What is in a Cantina Power Bowl?

December 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritionists, the Cantina Chicken Bowl has become a dietitian favorite for its balance of protein and fiber. But what is in a Cantina Power Bowl, and how can you replicate this popular dish at home? This article breaks down the components of the Mexican-inspired bowl and provides a simple, customizable recipe for home cooks.

Quick Summary

A Cantina Power Bowl is a fast-food dish typically featuring seasoned rice, chicken, beans, fresh vegetables, cheese, and creamy sauces. It can be easily customized or made into a healthier, macro-balanced copycat version at home.

Key Points

Base Ingredients: A Cantina Power Bowl typically features seasoned rice and black beans as its hearty foundation.
Signature Protein: The standard version at Taco Bell uses slow-roasted Cantina chicken for its tender texture and deep flavor.
Fresh Toppings: Key fresh toppings include shredded lettuce, purple cabbage, pico de gallo, and guacamole, adding vibrant color and crunch.
Creamy Dressings: The bowl is finished with a zesty Avocado Ranch sauce and reduced-fat sour cream to tie the flavors together.
Easy Customization: Homemade versions allow for simple customization to fit various dietary needs, including vegetarian, keto, and low-calorie diets.
Healthier Option: Dietitians often recommend the Cantina Power Bowl as a balanced, macro-friendly fast-food choice due to its protein, fiber, and healthy fat content.

Deconstructing the Cantina Power Bowl: The Core Components

A Cantina Power Bowl is known for its hearty layers and vibrant mix of flavors. While specific ingredients can vary between fast-food chains like Taco Bell and homemade versions, the core structure remains consistent. This delicious meal starts with a foundational base, adds a protein, layers on fresh toppings, and finishes with creamy sauces.

The Base

The foundation of any power bowl provides the bulk of the meal and anchors the other ingredients. For a Cantina Power Bowl, this base is typically a savory grain and a type of bean.

Seasoned Rice: Often Spanish-style or Mexican rice, it is typically prepared with spices to give it a flavorful kick. It adds a satisfying carbohydrate component to the meal.
Black Beans: A key source of plant-based protein and fiber, black beans are a staple in most versions of the bowl. They are often seasoned before being added.

The Protein

The protein is the centerpiece of the Cantina Power Bowl, providing the substance that makes it a filling meal.

Slow-Roasted Cantina Chicken: The official Taco Bell version features slow-roasted chicken. This method of preparation ensures the chicken is tender and packed with flavor. For a homemade version, grilled chicken is a common substitute.
Vegetarian Options: Many can be made vegetarian by swapping the meat for extra beans, fajita vegetables, or plant-based alternatives like grilled tofu or chickpeas.

The Toppings

The toppings are where the bowl gets its signature vibrant color and fresh texture. They provide a cooling contrast to the warmer, seasoned base ingredients.

Lettuce and Purple Cabbage: Fresh, shredded lettuce provides a crisp base, while shredded purple cabbage adds a colorful crunch.
Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa, made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, offers a bright, acidic counterpoint to the richer ingredients.
Cheddar Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or a three-cheese Mexican blend adds a savory, salty dimension.
Guacamole: House-made or store-bought guacamole adds healthy fats, fiber, and a cool, creamy texture.

The Sauces

No power bowl is complete without a drizzle of flavorful sauce to tie everything together. These creamy additions are a hallmark of the dish.

Avocado Ranch Sauce: This zesty, creamy sauce is a key flavor driver.
Reduced-Fat Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a classic cooling tang.

Cantina Power Bowl vs. Classic Burrito Bowl

While similar in concept, the Cantina Power Bowl and a classic burrito bowl have distinct differences, particularly regarding the preparation of their main ingredients and the choice of fresh toppings. The table below highlights some of these variations.


Feature	Cantina Power Bowl (e.g., Taco Bell)	Classic Burrito Bowl
Protein	Specifically features tender, slow-roasted 'Cantina' chicken, though other options may be available.	Typically offers a wider selection of protein options, such as grilled chicken, steak, or seasoned ground beef.
Vegetables	Known for including fresh, crisp toppings like shredded purple cabbage and pico de gallo.	Can vary widely, often featuring grilled fajita vegetables, corn, or a simple salsa.
Sauces	Drizzled with a specific Avocado Ranch sauce and reduced-fat sour cream.	May offer a variety of sauces, from chipotle crema to different salsas.
Overall Texture	Offers a mix of soft rice and beans with crisp fresh vegetable toppings.	Texture can vary greatly depending on the choice of ingredients and toppings.
Flavor Profile	Characterized by the specific savory spices of the 'Cantina' chicken and the zesty avocado ranch.	Tends to have a more general Tex-Mex flavor profile based on the selected protein and salsa.

How to Assemble Your Own Cantina Power Bowl at Home

Creating a delicious and personalized Cantina Power Bowl in your own kitchen is a simple and rewarding process. You have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring freshness and nutritional value. For a detailed copycat recipe, you can refer to resources like The Girl on Bloor.

Prepare your base: Cook seasoned rice and heat up canned black beans. For a lighter or lower-carb option, swap the rice for cauliflower rice.
Cook your protein: Season and cook your choice of protein. For a Cantina-style flavor, use grilled chicken seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
Prep the fresh toppings: Shred lettuce and purple cabbage. Prepare a fresh pico de gallo by dicing tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Slice or mash fresh avocado for guacamole.
Create the dressing: Whisk together a simple avocado ranch using mashed avocado, Greek yogurt (for a healthier twist), lime juice, and ranch seasoning.
Assemble the bowl: Layer the rice and beans first, followed by the cooked protein. Add the fresh vegetables, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Drizzle with your homemade avocado ranch dressing. Add a final touch of fresh cilantro.

The Health and Customization Benefits

One of the main appeals of the Cantina Power Bowl is its potential as a balanced, macro-friendly meal. The bowl provides protein for satiety, fiber from the beans and vegetables, and carbohydrates from the rice. This makes it a filling and nutritious option compared to other fast-food items.

Control over calories: By making your own bowl, you can adjust portion sizes and choose healthier ingredients, like reduced-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt. You can also skip or add ingredients as needed.
Dietary-friendly: A homemade Cantina Power Bowl is easily adaptable for various dietary needs. For a keto version, omit the rice and beans. For a vegetarian or vegan version, remove the meat and dairy and substitute them with plant-based alternatives.

Conclusion

The Cantina Power Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful meal that combines seasoned rice, protein, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauces for a satisfying experience. Whether you grab one from a fast-food chain or make a customized, healthier version at home, its balanced ingredients and bold flavors make it a favorite for many. The ability to control ingredients, portion sizes, and adapt the recipe to different dietary needs makes the homemade Cantina Power Bowl an excellent option for a delicious and nutritious meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference lies in the specific ingredients used. The Cantina Power Bowl is distinguished by its use of slow-roasted Cantina chicken, avocado ranch sauce, and shredded purple cabbage, while a regular burrito bowl might use a different type of grilled chicken and a variety of other sauces and toppings.

Yes, it can be a relatively healthy meal option, especially when compared to other fast-food choices. Its balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats is appealing to dietitians and health-conscious consumers. Nutritional value can be further enhanced or adjusted by customizing toppings and portions, especially when making it at home.

Absolutely. To make a Cantina Power Bowl vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add extra black beans, or include grilled fajita vegetables, chickpeas, or tofu for a satisfying and flavorful alternative.

For a low-carb version, skip the seasoned rice and add extra lettuce and vegetables as a base. You can also replace the rice with cauliflower rice. This customization helps significantly reduce the carbohydrate count while maintaining flavor and protein.

The Cantina Power Bowl typically features tender, slow-roasted Cantina chicken. The cooking method gives the chicken a distinct, rich flavor and a more succulent texture compared to standard grilled chicken.

The creamy, zesty dressing that distinguishes the bowl is an Avocado Ranch sauce. This dressing, combined with a dollop of reduced-fat sour cream, provides a cool, tangy contrast to the warm and savory ingredients.

Yes, the Cantina Chicken menu, which includes the Cantina Power Bowl, became a permanent addition to Taco Bell's menu starting in March 2024.