Chipotle Answers Demand to Bring Back a Fan Favorite Protein

Chipotle has given in to fan pressure to bring back its beloved Chicken al Pastor for a limited time, less than a year after it left the menu. The company says it has gotten three times more requests for the Chicken al Pastor on social media than any other limited-time offering in the history of the brand.

The fan favorite menu item, which consists of grilled chicken marinated with adobo morita peppers and ground achiote seasoning, with a splash of pineapple, fresh lime, and cilantro, was first introduced in March 2023 and ran through August of last year.

Before announcing its return, Chipotle teased fans on social media, asking what they'd do to bring it back. The answers ranged from naming their first son after the dish to "literally getting it tattooed on their forehead."

"About one in five transactions included Chicken al Pastor when it was featured on our menu last year," said Chipotle Chief Brand Officer Chris Brandt in a statement. "Given the performance and the fans wanting its return so enthusiastically, we are thrilled to make this the fastest item to ever come back to Chipotle."

To celebrate the return of the Chicken al Pastor, Chipotle is offering a $0 delivery fee on all Chicken al Pastor orders placed through the Chipotle app or website in the U.S. and Canada from March 14 through March 24. The "Most Ordered Chicken al Pastor Bowl" will likewise be available for convenient one-tap digital ordering. The fan favorite entree features white rice, black beans, fresh tomato salsa, roasted chili-corn salsa, cheese, and guacamole.

"The rich flavor of our Chicken al Pastor shines in the fan favorite bowl," added Vice President of Culinary Nevielle Panthaky. "Each ingredient layers for the perfectly balanced bite with the right level of sweetness, acidity, and heat. It is simple, flavorful, unbelievably delicious, and has everything you crave."