Is the Cantina Chicken Menu a step up for Taco Bell?

If there's one perk of being a Taco Bell Rewards Member, it's getting to try things early including the Cantina Chicken Menu.

For those who don't know, TB Rewards Members were able to try some items early ahead of the nationwide release on March 21st. Since I was close to my local Taco Bell, I decided to try out the Cantina Chicken Crispy Taco and the Cantina Chicken Quesadilla.

While more items were released now, I could only try out these two at the time so I ended up grabbing those and frankly, I was blown away. If you've tried Taco Bell's grilled chicken, it can sometimes have a rubbery taste but the slow-roasted chicken was a much better option.

The chicken was flavorful and didn't have any of the unpleasantness that comes with the regular grilled chicken. Coupled with the cheese on the outside of both tortillas, it was a delicious and somewhat unexpected win from Taco Bell.

Is the Cantina Chicken Menu going to be Taco Bell's saving grace?

Before getting into why I think the Cantina Chicken Menu is a step up for the brand, I wanted to share one qualm I have with it. The price of certain items is just entirely too expensive as the Cantina Chicken Crispy Taco is priced at $3.19 while the Quesadilla is priced at $6.99 at my location. While I can justify the quesadilla, I cannot rightfully justify paying that much for a single taco.

Then again, maybe that's the price of quality when it comes to Taco Bell. Regardless, I will say that it's clear Taco Bell knew what the people wanted. They were able to give us an alternative to the grilled chicken that is simply better. While nothing will beat out the brand's shredded chicken, the slow-roasted chicken is a close second.

In addition, TB really branched out with this menu as you can get tacos, burritos, a quesadilla and even, a power bowl. It's clear the brand is really hoping for some great fan reaction and is going all-in on this being a success. Aside from the price, the Cantina Chicken Menu does feel like a winner for both Taco Bell and its fans.

Since the menu doesn't come out nationwide until March 21st, I'll be curious to see what the public's reaction is and if this will end up being a hit for Taco Bell. Until then, I can happily say that this new menu could be a turning point for Taco Bell and will hopefully give us a new chicken option. While it's not shredded chicken, it's still solid which is truly all we can ask for.