In an exciting announcement today, Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) revealed the return of the beloved Chicken al Pastor to its menu.
This limited-time offering, available across North America, the UK, and Europe, comes after a wave of demand from fans who have eagerly awaited its comeback. Featuring a rich blend of adobo, morita peppers, ground achiote, with a zesty touch of pineapple, fresh lime, and cilantro, Chicken al Pastor promises to elevate the Chipotle dining experience with its bold and sophisticated flavors.
A Culinary Delight Reimagined
Chicken al Pastor first made its appearance on the Chipotle menu in March 2023, marking the brand’s inaugural global menu innovation. It quickly captivated diners in the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, and Germany, establishing itself as a fan favorite.
Prepared fresh daily in small batches, this craveable protein option combines the tenderness of freshly grilled chicken with a vibrant marinade of seared morita peppers and ground achiote.
A splash of pineapple adds a sweet heat, balanced perfectly with the zest of fresh lime and the herbal freshness of hand-chopped cilantro. Its disappearance from the menu last August led to a flood of social media requests for its return, demonstrating its popularity and the strong connection fans had developed with this unique offering.
Fans of Chipotle Respond with Enthusiasm
“The demand for Chicken al Pastor’s return has been overwhelming, with social media requests tripling those of any other limited-time offering in our history,” said Chris Brandt, Chief Brand Officer of Chipotle. “Its inclusion in one in five transactions during its initial run is a testament to its popularity. We’re thrilled to bring it back so quickly, marking it as the fastest return of an item in Chipotle’s history.”
The Most Ordered Chicken al Pastor Entrée
In response to fan enthusiasm, Chipotle is also highlighting the “Most Ordered Chicken al Pastor Bowl” from 2023. According to Nevielle Panthaky, Vice President of Culinary at Chipotle, this fan-favorite combination features White Rice, Black Beans, Fresh Tomato Salsa, Roasted Chili-Corn Salsa, Cheese, and Guac. “It’s the perfect showcase for the rich and bold flavors of our Chicken al Pastor, delivering the ideal mix of sweetness, acidity, and heat,” said Panthaky.
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Limited-Time Offer with a Bonus
To celebrate the return of Chicken al Pastor, Chipotle is offering a $0 delivery fee* for a limited time, making it even easier for fans to enjoy their favorite flavors. Orders can be placed through the Chipotle app, Chipotle.com, and Chipotle.ca, where customers can conveniently select the “Most Ordered Chicken al Pastor Bowl” with just one tap.
As Chipotle continues to grow, now boasting over 3,400 restaurants as of December 31, 2023, it remains committed to innovation and excellence in the culinary world. Recognized on Fortune’s Most Admired Companies 2024 list and Time Magazine’s Most Influential Companies, Chipotle’s passion for providing a great guest experience shines through its dedicated workforce of over 115,000 employees.
