Chipotle Revives Chicken al Pastor With Authentic Mexican Instruments and Culinary Traditions

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (CMG) has unveiled plans to resurrect its Chicken al Pastor across multiple markets starting February 10, 2026. The menu comeback spans the U.S., Canada, UK, France, and Germany, marking a bold move in the company’s 2026 menu innovation strategy. This limited-time protein offering pays homage to traditional Mexican culinary techniques and the authentic mexican instruments often used in preparing this classic dish—from hand-held grinders for spice preparation to traditional grilling methods that define the authentic preparation process.

Crafted With Authentic Mexican Culinary Techniques

The Chicken al Pastor features freshly grilled chicken infused with a carefully balanced marinade. The signature preparation showcases seared morita peppers and ground achiote, complemented by a refreshing pineapple note that cuts through the heat. Fresh lime and hand-chopped cilantro provide the finishing touches. This meticulous approach reflects the mexican instruments and time-honored methods central to traditional preparation, bringing authentic flavors to Chipotle’s global locations while maintaining the brand’s commitment to quality ingredients and culinary authenticity.

Limited-Time Launch and Promotional Details

Launching on February 10, Chicken al Pastor will be part of Chipotle’s broader menu innovation roadmap featuring three to four limited-time protein options alongside fresh new sides and dips. To encourage early adoption, the company is eliminating all delivery fees on Chicken al Pastor orders through its app and websites. This promotional period runs from Saturday, February 14, through Saturday, February 28—providing a two-week window for customers to experience this reintroduced classic. The timing creates urgency while allowing sufficient availability across all markets during the initial rollout phase.

Global Expansion of Menu Innovation

The simultaneous introduction across five major markets demonstrates Chipotle’s confidence in the product’s appeal and its strategy to leverage authentic mexican instruments and traditional preparation methods as a competitive differentiator. By bringing back this fan-favorite with renewed focus on culinary authenticity, Chipotle positions itself as a brand that respects and celebrates traditional cooking practices while meeting contemporary consumer preferences for authentic, limited-time offerings.