Chipotle just added Chicken al Pastor to their already delicious and fresh menu.
The spicy, lime-tinged protein is comprised of an adobo seasoning blend, seared morita peppers, ground achiote, and hints of pineapple. In typical Chipotle fashion, it's topped with a squeeze of fresh lime and chopped cilantro. Though al Pastor is most commonly associated with pork, Chipotle offers its own twist with chicken, and with curated spice blends and hot peppers at play in the restaurant's kitchen, you'll be in for a fiery ride with this new item.
#SpoonTip: Make sure to try the new fajita quesadilla while you're at Chipotle, too.
Here's What It Tastes Like:
As someone who does not handle heat well and rarely chooses a flavor spicier than Honey BBQ at a wing restaurant, this chicken made me continue to crave a spice blend with a smokey finish even after I finished my quesadilla. In fact, I gained the confidence to try more spice moving forward. Maybe I will even be confident enough to try a mild sauce next time I order wings. All this is to say, Chipotle's signature adobo seasoning is exquisitely enhanced by the ground achiote– a peppery seasoning made from Annatto seeds that also adds a reddish color to many Mexican dishes– striking an effortless balance.
I personally am a fan of taming down spice with a chill dollop of sour cream, or a spoonful of guac. Yes, I know it's extra, but it's so so worth it. If your palate craves the heat, this chicken would also love to be dipped in your preferred hot sauce to pack a fiery punch no matter if you're a burrito, quesadilla, salad, burrito bowl, or taco person.
#SpoonTip: Check out our guide to everything you need to know about Mexican food.
How Can I Get It Delivered For Free?
Chipotle fans can enjoy the new chicken offering at any location, including Canada, the UK, France, and Germany. If you're located in the U.S., you can deliver the new menu item to your doorstep with no delivery fees from March 16-26 when you order through the app or the website. All you need to do is include a Chicken al Pastor item in your cart and spend a minimum of $10 to qualify. Talk about a hot deal!
The Chicken al Pastor protein is only being offered for a limited time– so run, don't walk, to your nearest Chipotle to try it for yourself. Who knows, maybe it will become a restaurant mainstay in time.