The Spicy New Chicken Option You Can Get At Chipotle
Chipotle is adding to its menu once again. The popular Mexican chain is now adding a new kind of spicy chicken.
Over the past several years, Chipotle has tested all kinds of flavor combinations for its protein options. Now, it’s testing a grilled chicken recipe for all the chicken fans. If you live in Denver or Indianapolis, you’ll be able to try out the exclusive chicken al pastor menu.
94 locations around Denver and Indianapolis will be participating in Chipotle’s new grilled chicken recipe. The al pastor seasonings for the grilled chicken will give a spicier, flavorful taste for those who want their meal with a kick. The chicken is grilled and marinated with Chipotle’s signature adobo, Morita peppers, ground achiote, and pineapple juice. Though al pastor is usually made with pork, the restaurant chain is adding the traditional flavors to its most popular protein option.
Chipotle has been making many recent moves to experiment with new menu options and meat alternatives. It’s the second time this year that the restaurant chain is testing out menu items at exclusive spots around the country. In March, there was a nationwide launch of pollo asado, another grilled chicken option with garlic, fresh lime, guajillo peppers, and cilantro. The launch took place in all restaurants in the United States and Canada. Once the pollo asado was released, it was an instant success and attracted sales similar to Chipotle’s smoked brisket, the best-selling new-release item in the company’s history.
Since the success of Chipotle’s 2022 menu items, the company has vowed to release updated menu options two or three times each year. CEO Brian Niccol corroborated this statement on an earnings call in July. Though Chipotle is known for its condensed menu, under Niccol, menu expansion has been a top priority. The past few items released through Niccol’s business shift have been tremendously successful, which is pushing the company to test more new products for the stores. Before Chipotle, Niccol was the chief executive of Taco Bell, a restaurant chain known for its regularly updated menu options. Niccol has taken a page out of the Taco Bell playbook to up Chipotle’s sales and expand its food offerings.
Chipotle is already looking to release its next big menu item. The garlic guajillo steak, which was tested earlier in 2022, will likely have a release date before the end of the year. The steak is, of course, seasoned with garlic and cut into small strips for a better, richer grill. The company regards the new steak option as having a “bold” and “dynamic” flavor, perfect for any burrito or burrito bowl. The steak started its limited release in early May, with Chipotle testing the option in stores in Orange County, California, Denver, and Indianapolis.
Though Chipotle is a relatively successful chain, the fast-food enterprise still suffers from inflation and supply chain disruptions. Shares for the chain fell this year by 6%, dropping the market value to $45.5 billion. Unfortunately, inflation has increased the prices for Chipotle’s popular menu items, deterring many customers from the chain looking for cheaper food options. Chipotle hopes to regain its market value and overall revenue with different, exciting menu items.
