This Cult-Favorite Menu Item Will Make a Limited-Time Return This February

Chipotle taps into fan demand with the return of Chicken al Pastor, available worldwide for a limited time starting February 10.

Written By Saheba Khatun
News Writer
Image of Chipotle’s Chicken al Pastor (Source: ir.chipotle.com)

Chipotle Mexican Grill will reintroduce Chicken al Pastor after sustained customer requests across its social media platforms. Chicken al Pastor returns to restaurants in the U.S., Canada, the UK, France, and Germany starting February 10. The restaurant chain will also offer a $0 delivery fee on Chicken al Pastor orders placed through its app and website from February 14 to February 28.

Chicken al Pastor Returns to Chipotle Menu

Chipotle Mexican Grill, a U.S.-based fast-casual chain, is known for its customizable Mexican-inspired menu. The restaurant chain is bringing back Chicken al Pastor as it accelerates menu innovation in 2026, marking the brand’s first limited-time offering of the year.

From February 10, the fan-favorite protein-loaded dish will return to Chipotle restaurants in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.

Chipotle Rewards members will also receive early access from February 9. They can access the offer from the website or the Chipotle app as a part of a one-day “Fan Day” promotion.

Chipotle’s Chicken al Pastor was first launched in 2023 as the brand’s first global menu innovation. The dish became one of the most popular and requested items on the menu.

According to the official announcement, Chipotle said customers repeatedly requested the item’s return across its social media platforms. Stephanie Perdue, Interim Chief Marketing Officer of Chipotle, shared that the Chicken al Pastor has a cult following, and the brand was decided to bring it back for its fans.

Perdue added, “We’ve seen thousands of comments asking for its return because the unique, bold flavor goes perfectly with their favorite Chipotle order.”

$0 Delivery Fee Deal Rolls Out With Chicken al Pastor

To encourage the popularity of the protein-rich Chicken al Pastor, Chipotle will offer a $0 delivery fee on qualifying orders placed through its app and website from February 14 to February 28. Minimum purchase requirements and additional fees will apply.

The restaurant chain also announced the relaunch on social media and wrote, “bc u asked nicely: chicken al pastor is BACK on 2/10. p.s. chipotle rewards members get to try it first on 2/9, more deets coming soon.”

Prepared daily in small batches, Chicken al Pastor features grilled chicken marinated with adobo, morita peppers, and ground achiote. The item also includes pineapple, fresh lime, and hand-chopped cilantro to enhance its flavors. For the first time, the protein will also be available in Chipotle’s High Protein Cup.

Nevielle Panthaky, VP of culinary, described the protein’s return as a preview of the brand’s broader flavor innovation planned for the year. “Our team is focused on delivering new flavor experiences that are delicious, on-trend, on-brand, and operationally consistent for our restaurant teams to execute for our guests,” said Panthaky.

The company further plans to introduce three to four limited-time protein offerings in 2026, along with new sides and dips. This is an increase from its previous cadence of two limited-time proteins annually.

The return of Chicken al Pastor signals an expanded approach to limited-time offerings as the company looks to maintain momentum throughout 2026.

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Saheba Khatun is a journalist and content writer with a strong academic background in English literature and a deep passion for storytelling. She has produced a wide range of work spanning news, features, and human-interest stories, often highlighting the voices and experiences of everyday people. Known for her people-focused, thoughtful, and relatable approach, Saheba aims to inform, inspire, and foster meaningful connections through her writing. With an eye for detail and a commitment to integrity, she believes in the power of words to spark dialogue, shift perspectives, and create lasting impact. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys exploring literature, culture, and community narratives, which continue to fuel her creative process and broaden her worldview.
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