Chicken Al Pastor at Chipotle: The Full Story Behind Its Disappearance and Return

Have you been craving that mouth-watering, perfectly spiced Chicken al Pastor from Chipotle only to find it missing from the menu? You’re not alone! Many Chipotle fans have been asking the burning question did Chipotle get rid of chicken al pastor?

I’ve done the research so you don’t have to, and I’ve got all the spicy details about this fan-favorite menu item that seems to keep playing hide and seek with our taste buds.

The Truth About Chipotle’s Chicken Al Pastor

Let’s clear up the confusion right away Chipotle did not permanently get rid of Chicken al Pastor. However, contrary to some reports claiming it’s a permanent menu item Chicken al Pastor is actually a limited-time offering that comes and goes from Chipotle’s menu.

According to Chipotle’s official website, Chicken al Pastor is back but only for a “LIMITED TIME ONLY.” This explains why many customers thought it had disappeared completely—because it literally did for a while!

The company proudly announces on their website that “THE WAIT IS OVER” and “Chipotle’s Chicken al Pastor is back,” indicating this isn’t its first appearance on the menu. This exciting comeback has many fans rushing to their nearest location to get their fix before it potentially disappears again.

What Exactly Is Chicken Al Pastor?

If you’ve never tried this delicacy, you’re probably wondering what all the fuss is about. Chipotle describes their Chicken al Pastor as “fire on every level.” It’s made with:

• Fresh chicken hot off the grill
• A rich marinade of seared morita peppers
• Ground achiote
• A splash of pineapple for the perfect heat balance
• Fresh lime
• Hand-chopped cilantro

The result is a bold, flavorful protein option that delivers the right amount of heat with a touch of sweetness from the pineapple. It’s where “fire meets flavor,” as Chipotle puts it.

Why Did People Think Chipotle Discontinued Chicken Al Pastor?

The confusion stems from the limited-time nature of this menu item. When Chicken al Pastor disappeared from menus after its initial run, many customers assumed Chipotle had permanently discontinued it.

This misunderstanding was widespread enough that websites like Chef’s Resource published articles addressing the concern. Unfortunately, their article incorrectly stated that Chicken al Pastor is a permanent menu item, which contradicts Chipotle’s own marketing of it as a limited-time offering.

The History of Chicken Al Pastor at Chipotle

Chicken al Pastor made its debut at Chipotle previously and became such a hit that the company decided to bring it back. The Chipotle website even mentions “the most ordered Burrito Bowl from Chicken al Pastor’s debut last year,” confirming this isn’t its first appearance.

When popular items disappear and then return, it creates a sense of urgency and excitement among customers. This marketing strategy, known as “limited-time offers,” encourages customers to act quickly before missing out again.

How to Enjoy Chicken Al Pastor at Chipotle

While it’s available, you can order Chicken al Pastor in various forms:

• Burrito Bowl
• Burrito
• Salad
• Quesadilla
• Tacos

According to Chipotle, their Chicken al Pastor pairs perfectly with add-ons like:

• Hand-crafted guacamole (made fresh daily)
• Chips and Queso Blanco

Rewards for Ordering Chicken Al Pastor

Interestingly, Chipotle is offering special incentives for ordering this limited-time item. If you join Chipotle Rewards, you can:

• Participate in the Chicken al Pastor promo
• Earn points toward free food
• Collect an exclusive badge when you purchase any Chicken al Pastor entrée

This special promotion further confirms the limited-time nature of the item and Chipotle’s effort to drive excitement around its return.

Is Chicken Al Pastor Healthy?

For those concerned about nutrition, Chicken al Pastor can be a nutritious choice at Chipotle. It’s a lean protein source that can be paired with wholesome ingredients like brown rice, beans, and fresh veggies.

Chipotle emphasizes that they’re “committed to only using real ingredients you can pronounce,” with their Chicken al Pastor made fresh daily in small batches with:

• No freezers
• No can openers
• No preservatives
• Nothing artificial

For those with dietary restrictions, Chipotle confirms their Chicken al Pastor recipe is gluten-free. However, it’s worth noting that it may not be keto-friendly due to the pineapple juice content.

FAQs About Chipotle’s Chicken Al Pastor

Is Chicken al Pastor spicy?

Yes, it gets its spice from seared morita peppers and ground achiote, but the heat is balanced with pineapple, fresh lime, and cilantro.

Does every Chipotle location serve Chicken al Pastor?

While Chipotle strives to offer the same menu items nationwide, availability may vary by location since it’s a limited-time offer. Check your local Chipotle to confirm.

Can I customize my Chicken al Pastor order?

Absolutely! Like all Chipotle menu items, you can customize your Chicken al Pastor order to your liking, from choosing your base to adding toppings and sauces.

How can I find out if my local Chipotle is serving Chicken al Pastor?

You can visit Chipotle’s official website, use their mobile app, or contact your local Chipotle directly to inquire about availability.

Are there vegetarian options similar to Chicken al Pastor?

While not identical in flavor, Chipotle offers vegetarian options like sofritas (spicy, shredded organic tofu) and plant-based protein alternatives.

Why Chipotle’s Limited-Time Strategy Works

I’ve noticed that Chipotle has mastered the art of creating buzz with their limited-time offerings. There’s something about knowing an item could disappear that makes us want it more! This strategy has several benefits:

1. Creates urgency – “Get it before it’s gone” motivates customers to visit
2. Generates excitement – The return of a favorite item becomes newsworthy
3. Drives social media engagement – Fans share their excitement about the item’s return
4. Tests new products – Allows Chipotle to gauge long-term viability without permanent commitment

When Will Chicken Al Pastor Disappear Again?

The million-dollar question is: how long will Chicken al Pastor stay on the menu this time? Chipotle hasn’t specified an end date for this limited-time offer, only stating it’s “available only for a limited time.”

If you’re a fan of this flavorful protein option, my advice is not to wait too long to enjoy it. Based on past patterns with limited-time items, it could be here for a few weeks or a few months before disappearing again.

The Real Fan Favorite

Chipotle reveals on their website that there was a most-ordered Chicken al Pastor Burrito Bowl configuration during its previous run. While they don’t specifically list all the ingredients, this suggests there’s an optimal way to enjoy this protein that many customers discovered.

If you’re not sure how to order, you might want to ask your server about this fan-favorite combination to experience Chicken al Pastor at its best.

Quality and Preparation

One thing that sets Chipotle’s Chicken al Pastor apart is the company’s commitment to quality. They emphasize that it’s made fresh daily in small batches with real ingredients – no preservatives or artificial ingredients.

The marinade, featuring seared morita peppers and ground achiote peppers with a splash of pineapple, fresh lime, and hand-chopped cilantro, brings this bold chicken recipe to life with authentic flavors that honor the traditional preparation method.

My Personal Take

As someone who’s tried pretty much everything on Chipotle’s menu, I gotta say their Chicken al Pastor is something special. The combination of smoky, spicy flavors with that hint of sweetness from the pineapple creates a perfect balance that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Whenever it returns to the menu, I make a point to visit Chipotle at least a few times to get my fix before it disappears again. It’s that good! My personal favorite way to enjoy it is in a bowl with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, fajita veggies, and a bit of corn salsa to complement the heat.

Conclusion: Get It While You Can!

To answer the original question: No, Chipotle didn’t permanently get rid of Chicken al Pastor – but it is a limited-time offering that comes and goes from their menu. Currently, it’s back for another limited run, giving fans another chance to enjoy this flavorful protein option.

If you’ve been missing Chicken al Pastor or haven’t had the chance to try it yet, now’s the time to head to your local Chipotle! Remember, there’s no telling how long it’ll stick around this time, so don’t miss your chance to experience this fan-favorite before it potentially disappears again.