Chipotle Is Bringing Its 'Most-Requested' Protein Back for a Limited Time

Chipotle is returning one of its most beloved proteins to menus in America and other select countries, according to a press release issued by the fast-Mexican chain on Tuesday, Jan. 27. But it will only be for a limited time.

Chipotle Is Bringing Back Chicken al Pastor

Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 10, Chipotle is returning Chicken al Pastor to locations in the U.S., U.K., Canada, France, and Germany. The dish is the first in a line of limited-time proteins and sides that Chipotle plans to roll out throughout the year to boost sales and customer satisfaction.

Per the press release, Chipotle’s Chicken al Pastor is “prepared daily in small batches” and “made with freshly grilled chicken [and] a rich marinade featuring seared morita peppers and ground achiote.” The dish is then “balanced with a splash of pineapple for the right amount of heat, and finished with fresh lime and hand-chopped cilantro.”

'Passionate Following' Precipitated Return

"Chicken al Pastor built a passionate following, so we had to bring it back to the menu for our fans," said Stephanie Perdue, Interim Chief Marketing Officer of Chipotle. "We've seen thousands of comments asking for its return because the unique, bold flavor goes perfectly with their favorite Chipotle order."

Chicken al Pastor debuted for a limited time three years ago. Ever since it departed menus shortly after its introduction, Chipotle fans have been clamoring for its return. The chain says that people have requested the chain “bring back Chicken al Pastor” more than any other limited-time menu item, providing several links to (seemingly little seen) social media posts to prove the veracity of that claim.

Chicken al pastor at Chipotle is the top top limited time menu item at any chain.

— Christian Hardy (@ByHardy) August 16, 2024

Just bring the Al pastor back please

— Loiugee ???????????????? (@chillda6od) December 17, 2024

chipotle, bring back the chicken al pastor

— harb (@harbizard) September 30, 2024

Chipotle Rewards Members Can Get It One Day Early

As a sincere thank you to those who brought about Chicken al Pastor’s return, Chipotle is offering Chipotle Rewards members a chance to sample the dish one day before it officially returns to restaurants. Chipotle Rewards members can order Chicken al Pastor beginning on Monday, Feb. 9, exclusively on the Chipotle app, Chipotle.com, or Chipotle.ca. 

"Our team is focused on delivering new flavor experiences that are delicious, on-trend, on-brand, and operationally consistent for our restaurant teams to execute for our guests," said Nevielle Panthaky, Vice President of Culinary at Chipotle. "Chicken al Pastor's comeback is a preview of what's in store this year at Chipotle."

For those trying Chicken al Pastor for the very first time, Panthaky advises customers to order themselves “a Chicken al Pastor burrito with white rice, black beans, roasted chili-corn salsa, fresh tomato salsa, cheese, and guac on the side.” The dish features 54 grams of protein and 22 grams of fiber.

The news comes just after Chipotle rolled out its new high-protein menu, which features items with higher protein and fiber content, and even a high-protein cup that is, as Men's Journal put it, quite literally just a cup of meat. If you're a true fan of the Chicken al Pastor, there may be no better way to enjoy it than a la carte.