Chipotle Adds New Chicken al Pastor to Menu

Chipotle adds Chicken al Pastor to the menu as a new, limited-time protein option for their various entrees. Chicken al Pastor is available at Chipotle restaurants across the globe, marking the chain's first worldwide menu item launch.

The new chicken protein choice features chicken marinated with the chain's signature adobo, morita peppers, ground achiote, and a splash of pineapple. It's then grilled, chopped and finished with lime juice and chopped cilantro.

Chipotle describes their Chicken al Pastor as offering a "well-balanced flavor with just the right amount of heat" with "slightly smoky notes and a hint of fruitiness that evokes the flavor of traditional al pastor."

Traditionally, al pastor refers to pork marinated a certain way and cooked on a trompo (literally "spinning top") AKA a vertical spit. Its origins come from Lebanese immigrants in Mexico who brought the technique of cooking shawarma with them, which was then eventually adapted for local preferences (i.e. different seasonings and pork instead of lamb).

In being the new protein option to market, Chipotle cites research showing that "al pastor is one of the fastest growing Mexican dishes" and that "43% of consumers choose to dine at restaurants with menu items that they cannot easily make at home, or do not make at home."

Photo via Chipotle.