#United States #Chipotle #Newport Beach #Chicken al Pastor #Menu Innovation

Chipotle Welcomes Back Chicken al Pastor

In a move that's sure to excite fans, Chipotle Mexican Grill has announced the highly anticipated return of Chicken al Pastor, launching on February 10, 2026. This fan-favorite dish is infused with bold ingredients, including adobo, morita peppers, and ground achiote, paired perfectly with fresh lime and cilantro, bringing a unique flavor to the table.

A Craveable Combination

Chicken al Pastor was first introduced three years ago and quickly gained a following for its unique flavor profile and wholesome ingredients. Made from freshly grilled chicken, marinated with a blend of delicious spices and a dash of pineapple, this dish is a celebration of both taste and quality. As an added bonus, fans can enjoy it as part of Chipotle's new High Protein Cup for the first time.

To commemorate the return, Chipotle is also enhancing its menu innovation strategy for 2026, planning to introduce several limited-time offerings alongside new side dishes and dips. The excitement doesn’t stop there—on February 9, the day before the official launch, Chipotle Rewards members will get exclusive early access to order Chicken al Pastor through the Chipotle app.

Responding to Customer Demand

The return of Chicken al Pastor comes in response to overwhelming demand from customers. Social media channels have been flooded with requests from fans eager to see this beloved item back on the menu, more than double the requests for any other limited-time offerings in Chipotle's history. "Chicken al Pastor built a passionate following, so we had to bring it back to the menu for our fans," says Stephanie Perdue, Interim Chief Marketing Officer of Chipotle. The popularity of this dish emphasizes its place in the hearts of Chipotle's diverse customer base.

Menu Innovation on the Horizon

As Chipotle gears up for an exciting year ahead, 2026 will see a faster pace of menu innovation, with the introduction of three to four protein offerings at a time. According to internal data, introducing limited-time proteins effectively boosts transaction rates and increases frequency of visitation within the year for both new and returning customers.

Nevielle Panthaky, Vice President of Culinary at Chipotle, expresses the company’s commitment to delivering delectable flavor experiences and maintaining operational consistency for their restaurant teams. He notes that the comeback of Chicken al Pastor is just a teaser of what's to come.

For those who haven't yet experienced the joy of Chicken al Pastor, Panthaky suggests ordering a Chicken al Pastor burrito filled with white rice, black beans, roasted chili-corn salsa, fresh tomato salsa, cheese, and guacamole on the side. This delightful combination boasts an impressive 54 grams of protein and 22 grams of fiber!

Special Delivery Offer

To celebrate the return of Chicken al Pastor, Chipotle is rolling out a special promotion: customers will enjoy a $0 delivery fee on all Chicken al Pastor orders placed through the Chipotle app and website between February 14 and February 28. However, this offer is limited to select locations and requires a minimum order amount, making it a special treat for fans craving their Chicken al Pastor fix.

About Chipotle

Chipotle Mexican Grill has been at the forefront of the fast-casual dining concept by focusing on providing responsibly sourced, high-quality food without artificial ingredients. With over 3,900 restaurants across the world, Chipotle employs more than 130,000 individuals dedicated to creating exceptional dining experiences while emphasizing sustainability and digital advancements in the food industry. As the brand continues to innovate, it remains committed to fulfilling its mission of serving real food for a better world.

For more details or to place your order, visit CHIPOTLE.COM. Don't miss out on getting your hands on one of the boldest flavors of 2026, Chicken al Pastor—available soon!