CHIPOTLE KICKS OFF 2026 MENU INNOVATION WITH THE RETURN OF CHICKEN AL PASTOR, ONE OF ITS MOST REQUESTED ITEMS
Rhea-AI Summary
Chipotle (NYSE: CMG) announced the limited-time return of Chicken al Pastor starting Feb 10, 2026 in the U.S., Canada, the UK, France and Germany, with early access for Chipotle Rewards members on Feb 9. The protein features a morita pepper and achiote marinade balanced with pineapple, lime and cilantro and is available in Chipotle's High Protein Cup for the first time. Chipotle plans an accelerated 2026 menu schedule with three to four limited-time proteins plus new sides and dips. A $0 delivery fee promotion for Chicken al Pastor orders runs Feb 14–28, subject to minimum order and regional restrictions.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
CMG fell 2.81% while key restaurant peers like YUM, QSR, SBUX, DRI and YUMC also declined modestly (from -0.23% to -4.18%). However, no peers appeared in the momentum scanner, pointing to a move that is more company-specific than a broad sector rotation.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 15 | Promotional campaign | Positive | -0.6% | Launch of Team Chipotle 2026 athlete items and gold-foil burritos. |
| Jan 12 | Leadership changes | Neutral | -2.3% | Executive transitions with reaffirmed full-year 2025 guidance. |
| Jan 12 | One-day promotion | Positive | +0.6% | Free double protein offer tied to new High Protein Menu. |
| Dec 18 | Menu launch | Positive | +1.7% | First-ever High Protein Menu featuring new High Protein Cup snack. |
| Dec 12 | Growth milestone | Positive | +3.6% | Opening of 4,000th restaurant and outlined 2025–2026 expansion plans. |
Recent promotional and brand news has often been followed by modest, mixed price reactions, with both aligned gains and divergences into weakness.
Over the past few months, Chipotle has focused on brand-building initiatives and menu innovation. The company highlighted its 4,000th restaurant opening and aggressive 2025–2026 unit growth plans, introduced a dedicated High Protein Menu, and promoted targeted offers like a free double protein day and athlete-themed digital items. Leadership transitions were announced while reaffirming full-year 2025 guidance. Today’s Chicken al Pastor LTO and innovation roadmap extend this strategy of driving traffic through differentiated products and promotions.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement extends Chipotle’s emphasis on innovation, reintroducing Chicken al Pastor globally from February 10 and tying it into the High Protein platform. Management plans three to four protein LTOs in 2026 plus new sides and dips, following prior initiatives like the High Protein Menu and athlete collaborations. Investors may watch how this LTO and the $0 delivery window from February 14–28 affect traffic, digital mix, and whether demand sustains beyond the promotional period.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
- Chicken al Pastor, a craveable protein featuring bold flavors like adobo, morita peppers and ground achiote with fresh lime, cilantro and a splash of pineapple, will return to restaurants on February 10 for a limited time
- For the first time, guests can enjoy Chipotle's High Protein Cup with Chicken al Pastor
- The protein's launch marks the first limited-time offering (LTO) for Chipotle this year. Chipotle is accelerating its 2026 menu innovation schedule with three to four protein offerings, in addition to new sides and dips
- The brand is celebrating the launch with a "Fan Day" on February 9, giving Chipotle Rewards members early access to Chicken al Pastor in the Chipotle app
Chicken al Pastor debuted three years ago as Chipotle's first global menu innovation, gaining fans worldwide with its sophisticated flavor profile and elevated taste. Prepared daily in small batches, Chicken al Pastor is made with freshly grilled chicken, a rich marinade featuring seared morita peppers and ground achiote, balanced with a splash of pineapple for the right amount of heat, and finished with fresh lime and hand-chopped cilantro. For the first time, guests can enjoy Chipotle's High Protein Cup with Chicken al Pastor.
"Chicken al Pastor built a passionate following, so we had to bring it back to the menu for our fans," said Stephanie Perdue, Interim Chief Marketing Officer of Chipotle. "We've seen thousands of comments asking for its return because the unique, bold flavor goes perfectly with their favorite Chipotle order."
Fans Experience Fire and Flavor First
Chicken al Pastor has been top of mind for guests who have flooded the comment sections of Chipotle's social channels petitioning for the return of the protein since it left the menu. There have been more than twice as many requests to "bring back Chicken al Pastor" on social media than for any other limited-time offering in the brand's history (see HERE, HERE and HERE for social post examples).
As a thank-you to guests for their continued fandom, Chipotle Rewards members can order Chicken al Pastor exclusively on the Chipotle app, Chipotle.com or Chipotle.ca on Monday, February 9, one day before the protein is available to all guests.
New Menu Items Ramp Up at Chipotle
In 2026, Chipotle's pace of menu innovation will be faster than ever with new offerings and occasions. The brand's past cadence of two limited-time proteins per year has helped drive a meaningful increase in transactions. Internal data shows that new and existing guests who purchase an LTO increase frequency and spend over the following year compared to guests who do not purchase an LTO. These craveable new items drive trial and keep Chipotle more visible, relevant and loved throughout 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 Nevielle Panthaky, Vice President of Culinary at Chipotle. "Chicken al Pastor's comeback is a preview of what's in store this year at Chipotle."
For fans trying Chicken al Pastor for the first time, Panthaky recommends ordering a Chicken al Pastor burrito with white rice, black beans, roasted chili-corn salsa, fresh tomato salsa, cheese and guac on the side. The burrito features 54 grams of protein and 22 grams of fiber.
To celebrate the return of Chicken al Pastor, Chipotle is offering a
*Higher menu prices are charged for delivery; additional service and other fees applied at checkout as well (except in CA, CO, MA, MN and VA). Available February 14 through February 28, only, within Chipotle's delivery areas from participating
About Chipotle
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. There are over 3,900 restaurants as of September 30, 2025 in
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about the timing and pace of 2026 menu innovations, the number of limited-time protein offerings, and the introduction of new sides and dips. We use words such as "anticipate," "expect," "believe," "could," "should," "may," "are confident," and similar terms to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on currently available operating, financial, and competitive information as of the date of this release, and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described, including those described from time to time in our SEC reports, such as our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, all of which are available on the investor relations page of our website at ir.chipotle.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chipotle-kicks-off-2026-menu-innovation-with-the-return-of-chicken-al-pastor-one-of-its-most-requested-items-302670691.html
SOURCE Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.
FAQ
When will Chipotle (CMG) bring back Chicken al Pastor in 2026?
Which countries will get Chicken al Pastor when Chipotle (CMG) relaunches it?
Does Chipotle (CMG) offer a delivery promotion for Chicken al Pastor in February 2026?
Can I order Chicken al Pastor in Chipotle's High Protein Cup in 2026?
How many limited-time proteins will Chipotle (CMG) introduce in 2026?
