NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Chipotle Mexican Grill is listening to the fans. On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the fast-casual giant announced the return of one of its most requested menu items: Chicken al Pastor. The sweet and spicy protein will be available at participating restaurants in the U.S., Canada, the UK, France, and Germany starting February 10.
This re-launch marks the beginning of an aggressive “menu innovation schedule” for 2026, which the company promises will include three to four limited-time protein offerings, plus new sides and dips.
The Details
- Availability:
- Early Access: Chipotle Rewards members can order it via the app starting Monday, February 9.
- General Availability: In-store and digital orders open to everyone on Tuesday, February 10.
- The Flavor: Prepared fresh daily, the chicken is marinated in adobo, morita peppers, and ground achiote, then balanced with a splash of pineapple and finished with fresh lime and cilantro.
- New Format: For the first time, the protein will be available in Chipotle’s High Protein Cup format.
Stephanie Perdue, Interim Chief Marketing Officer, highlighted the social media demand:
“We’ve seen thousands of comments asking for its return… Chicken al Pastor built a passionate following, so we had to bring it back to the menu for our fans.”
Why It Matters
This is the third time Chicken al Pastor has graced the menu, cementing its status as a “cult classic” alongside other seasonal hits like Carne Asada. However, the broader news here is the accelerated pace of innovation. Chipotle is moving away from its traditional cadence of two LTOs (Limited Time Offerings) per year to a faster schedule, aiming to drive frequency and transactions in a competitive market.
The Deal
To celebrate the comeback, Chipotle is offering a $0 delivery fee on all Chicken al Pastor orders placed through their app or website from February 14 through February 28.
To see the full menu and find a location near you, visit Chipotle.com. For more restaurant industry updates, visit Source86.
