A Tasty Variation of Chicken Coming Back to Chipotle Mexican Grill

I wouldn't say my opinion is the end-all-be-all of what the best proteins are on the menu at Chipotle Mexican Grill, but I will say I do have a vast amount of experience on the subject and my opinion is pretty well formed.

There's the regulars: Steak, Chicken, Barbacoa and Carnitas (pork) with that plant based option thrown in there I admittedly have never tried.

I'm a "burrito bowl" guy, with a protein, brown rice, no beans, a couple different salsas and half cheese, half sour cream and chips with specifically green salsa on the side. Of the usual proteins, I rank them: Barbacoa, Chicken, Steak and Carnitas, in that order.

But as you are well aware, they always have a limited time, special menu item they run for a few months here or there, and that's where things get exciting.

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For the last several months it's been Carne Asada, a favorite to many but not too different from the regular steak for my tastes, in my opinion.

Last year for a limited time, they did Chipotle Honey Chicken, and that is my all-time favorite. Here's hoping that one comes back in 2026 at some point.

But come February 10, I am MORE than happy enough to have my second all-time favorite on the menu for a limited time: Chicken Al-Pastor. That's right. That's the special menu item coming back for a limited time, beginning next month, bringing Chipotle firmly back into my weekly lunch rotation with co-workers.

More: Colorado Based Chipotle Debuts Sweet New Menu Item for Limited Time

It's a fan-favorite and has been on their menu as a special item each of the last three years. According to Chipotle themselves, the chicken features "bold flavors like adobo, morita peppers and ground achiote with fresh lime, cilantro and a splash of pineapple."

And it's delicious. I was not paid for this post. I'm just a fan like you, and I'll see you in line on February 10, 2026 at any of our local Chipotle restaurants.