Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) is expanding its menu once again.
Following the popularity of its newly debuted Chicken al Pastor and Pollo Asado, the fast casual chain is adding a new chicken dish to its menu. Today, the brand announced that for a limited time, restaurants will be testing Chipotle Honey Chicken at 80 locations in Nashville and Sacramento, to see how the new sweet-spicy (swicy) protein performs.
The new chicken is marinated in a homemade hot honey, created by Chipotle’s culinary team with a proprietary mix of seared and smoked adobo (chipotle) peppers, seasoned with savory Mexican spices. It’s roasted, chopped and and finished with a drizzle of honey.
Prior to introducing the chicken in test markets, Chipotle conducted consumer taste tests to help move the recipe forward. According to a brand representative, the spicy and sweet flavors of Chipotle Honey Chicken “surpassed consumer expectations and achieved the highest marks of any chicken innovation that Chipotle has sensory tested.”
Chicken is Chipotle’s most popular protein with guests, and when Chicken Al Pastor debuted in March 2023, it was the top requested menu item. Thus, the exclusive spring special returned in 2024. Now, it’s up to Tennessee and California customers to show if there’s a desire for a new chicken creation.
“Consumers have clearly shown their enthusiasm for sweet heat flavor combinations,” shared Chris Brandt, Chief Brand Officer at Chipotle. “We have had tremendous success with ‘swicy’ innovations and believe Chipotle Honey Chicken will capture fans with a whole new level of excitement.”
Chipotle hasn’t been exciting every fan this summer. A social-media fueled uproar about smaller portion sizes has certainly drawn the attention of diners and executives, with Chipotle’s CEO even sharing a statement emphasizing the brand’s dedication to generous portions.
Perhaps an enthusiasm for the new menu item will increase the serving size?
Chipotle aims to offer at least two, sometimes three menu innovations every year. Not including the reintroduction of pollo al pastor, this is Chipotle’s first brand new item of 2024, so more may be on the way.
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