Chipotle is reintroducing chicken al pastor to its nationwide menu after a lengthy hiatus.
When it comes to Chipotle, I’m a creature of habit. I very rarely stray from my go-to order: a chicken burrito bowl stacked with white rice, pinto beans, fajita veggies, pico de gallo and a bit of cheese. On the side, I’ll usually have fresh tortilla chips and a small queso. It’s one of my favorite fast-food meals year-round, but it proves especially satisfying as a winter comfort food during these chilly Midwest months.
Chipotle’s relaunch of one of its fan-favorite proteins has me questioning everything, though. It might be time to reevaluate my regular Chipotle order just in time for the new year.
What protein is returning to Chipotle?
Chipotle just announced that its popular chicken al pastor will soon return to its nationwide menu for the first time since 2024. The protein returns on Tuesday, February 10, and the chain’s Rewards members can get early access starting on Monday, February 9.
In a news release, the chain called its chicken al pastor “one of its most requested limited-time offerings.” Chipotle’s chef and VP of Culinary, Nevielle Panthaky, recommended a burrito with chicken al pastor, white rice, black beans, roasted chili-corn salsa, fresh tomato salsa and cheese with guacamole on the side. I tried exactly that.
Chicken al Pastor Is Even Better Than I Remember
Chicken al pastor proved to be the perfect pairing for the fresh salsas, the earthy black beans and the creamy cheese. The chicken is marinated in morita peppers, ground achiote and a bit of pineapple, then finished with lime and cilantro. The result is meat that is juicy, spicy, acidic and ever so slightly sweet. Once I spread a bit of that classic Chipotle guacamole on my burrito, I finally understood the hype.
I recall trying the chicken al pastor in my usual order when the chain first offered it, and I wasn’t entirely hooked back then. For comparison purposes, I tried it again with my usual order, and I think that’s why I didn’t love it as much. It just didn’t stand out the way it does in the chef-approved combination.
Overall, I’d definitely order it again—and I could even see it becoming my new go-to Chipotle order while it lasts on the menu.
How long will chicken al pastor be available at Chipotle?
Unfortunately for its biggest fans, the chicken al pastor won’t be a permanent addition to Chipotle’s menu. It remains a limited-time item, so if you want to get a taste, don’t wait too long after its February 10 return, as it could soon disappear on another sabbatical.
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