At a Glance
- Chipotle will re-introduce its popular Chicken al Pastor on Feb. 10, available in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., France, and Germany.
- Fans can order it a day early on Feb. 9 through the rewards app.
- The return follows a social-media petition that generated more than twice as many requests as any other limited-time offering.
- Why it matters: The comeback reflects Chipotle’s strategy to revive fan-favourite items while expanding its high-protein menu.
The fast-casual chain announced that its beloved Chicken al Pastor will return to menus across the United States, Canada, the U.K., France, and Germany. The limited-time item will launch on Feb. 10, but rewards members can access it a day early on Feb. 9 by ordering through the app or website. The announcement follows a wave of social-media petitions, with fans demanding the protein’s return.
Chipotle Announces Return of Chicken al Pastor
On Jan. 27, 2026, Chipotle declared that the Chicken al Pastor would be back. The protein, first introduced three years ago as the brand’s first global menu innovation, was re-introduced after fans’ petitions. The announcement came via a press release that highlighted the “passionate following” behind the item.
> “Chipotle officials noted that the protein’s ‘passionate following’ led to its return,” said a press release.
The press release also mentioned that there had been more than twice as many requests for the Chicken al Pastor’s return on social media than for any other limited-time offering.
What Is Chicken al Pastor?
Chicken al Pastor is made with grilled chicken marinated in a fruity blend. The sauce contains seared morita peppers, ground achiote, pineapple, lime juice, and cilantro. The combination of sweet pineapple and smoky peppers gives the protein its signature flavor profile.
When it first launched, the item was marketed as a global innovation, appealing to customers who wanted a fresh twist on the classic burrito filling. The recipe has since become a staple in many Chipotle locations.
Why Fans Are Excited
The return of Chicken al Pastor was driven by a large online petition. Fans used platforms like Twitter and Instagram to voice their desire for the protein’s comeback. The petition’s success was evident in the press release’s claim that the number of requests exceeded those for other limited-time offerings.
The demand also reflects a broader trend of customers seeking bold, flavorful options that stand out from standard menu items. The unique combination of sweet and spicy in Chicken al Pastor has earned it a dedicated following.
How to Get It
Rewards members can order Chicken al Pastor on Feb. 9 via the app or website. The item will officially launch on Feb. 10 and will be available across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., France, and Germany. The protein can be added to any burrito, bowl, taco, or other standard menu item. It is also compatible with the newly-released High Protein Cups.
Pairing with Chipotle’s New High Protein Line
In December, Chipotle introduced its High Protein Cup, a four-ounce serving of either adobo chicken or steak. The cup is part of a broader high-protein menu that includes a Double High Protein Bowl and a High Protein-High Fiber Bowl. The new cups provide a convenient, protein-rich option for customers on the go.
The Chicken al Pastor can be paired with these high-protein offerings, giving diners a chance to combine the savory, sweet flavor of the protein with the crisp, fiber-rich bowls.
Menu Options
The Chicken al Pastor can be added to:
- Burritos
- Bowls
- Tacos
- High Protein Cups
- Other standard menu items
Customers can customize the amount of sauce, choose their preferred toppings, and select either the chicken or steak version of the High Protein Cup to accompany the protein.
Timeline of the Return
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 27, 2026 | Announcement of return |
| Feb. 9 | Early access for rewards members |
| Feb. 10 | Official launch across all participating markets |
Key Takeaways
- The Chicken al Pastor returns on Feb. 10 after a fan-driven petition.
- Rewards members can order a day early on Feb. 9.
- The protein is made with grilled chicken and a fruity sauce of morita peppers, achiote, pineapple, lime juice, and cilantro.
- The return follows Chipotle’s strategy to revive fan-favourite items while expanding its high-protein menu.
- The item will be available across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., France, and Germany.
- It can be paired with the new High Protein Cups and other high-protein bowls.
Chipotle’s decision to bring back Chicken al Pastor underscores the brand’s responsiveness to customer demand and its commitment to offering bold, flavorful options that resonate with a diverse, international audience.
