Chipotle Mexican Grill is bringing Chicken al Pastor back to the menu Tuesday for a limited time.
The popular protein generated three times more requests on social media for its return than any other LTO, according to the Newport Beach, Calif.-based chain. Chicken al Pastor first debuted on the menu last March in the U.S., U.K., Canada, France and Germany, immediately winning a large fan base.
The popular prep is made with freshly grilled chicken marinated in seared morita peppers and ground achiote, balanced with a splash of pineapple and finished with fresh lime and chopped cilantro.
"About one in five transactions included Chicken al Pastor when it was featured on our menu last year," Chris Brandt, Chief Brand Officer, said 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.”
In 2023, the Chicken al Pastor burrito bowl was the most-ordered option featuring the protein. The bowl includes white rice, black beans, roasted chili-corn salsa, tomato salsa, cheese and guac. “The rich flavor of our Chicken al Pastor shines in the fan favorite bowl,” said VP of culinary Nevielle Panthaky in a statement. “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.”
The unofficial Chicken al Pastor fan club loudly voiced their discontent when the item was taken off the menu last August. When Chipotle asked on its Instagram feed “tell us what you’d do to have Chicken al Pastor back,” one follower posted “I’d name my first-born son Al Pastor,” while another said “Bout to run in there with a damn forklift since they don’t think we serious [sic] bout this Al pastor.”
Chipotle listened and is even celebrating the return of Chicken al Pastor with a $0 delivery fee offer on orders through its app from March 14-24.
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