CHIPOTLE MARKS A BRAND FIRST WITH ALL-NEW POLLO ASADO AND THE DEBUT OF CHILI LIME CHIPS
Rhea-AI Summary
Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) announced its first-ever simultaneous launch of two limited-time menu items: an all-new recipe for Pollo Asado and new Chili Lime Chips, inspired by a viral fan hack. Pollo Asado returns to restaurants in the U.S. and Canada beginning August 31, 2026.
Chili Lime Chips, made with real ingredients and no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, are a digital exclusive for Chipotle Rewards members starting August 31, then expand to all guests on September 4. Chipotle is also offering a $0 delivery fee on Pollo Asado orders placed via its digital channels from August 31 to September 13, 2026, subject to minimums, fees and other conditions.
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Key Figures
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 26 | Double-protein promotion | Neutral | -0.2% | Free double-protein offer coincided with final week of limited-time Honey Chicken |
| Aug 24 | Sports promotion | Positive | +3.1% | BOGO promotion tied to Taylor Fritz tournament victories |
| Aug 19 | Creator collaboration | Positive | +3.9% | Limited-time digital menu item launched with creator Salish Matter |
| Aug 17 | Back-to-school promotions | Positive | +0.8% | BOGO and free-entrée promotions scheduled across multiple dates |
| Aug 13 | International expansion | Positive | -0.0% | First Chipotle restaurant announced for Saudi Arabia with Alshaya Group |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Recent CMG brand and promotional announcements showed mostly aligned positive reactions, with three aligned events and two divergent events.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
- For the first time in brand history, Chipotle is launching two limited-time menu items simultaneously: Pollo Asado and Chili Lime Chips
- Pollo Asado returns August 31 with an all-new recipe, finished with cilantro and real lime for a bright, savory flavor
- Born from a viral fan trend, Chili Lime Chips are made with real ingredients and no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, delivering a bold, craveable crunch
- Chipotle Rewards members get first access to Chili Lime Chips beginning August 31 before they roll out to all guests on September 4
Photo and video assets are available here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/uc2at9rnp7cqa13m6nj62/AHnd2jeo8TXsk0uhjOg8Fdc?rlkey=ayu4k7yp9se7wi7r47vmud46l&st=v9ecusyg&dl=0
A Fresh Take on Pollo Asado
Pollo Asado is back for a limited time with an all-new recipe featuring freshly grilled adobo chicken seasoned with garlic, Mexican spices and hand-cut cilantro, then finished with bright citrus and real lime for a savory, smoky flavor.
Chili Lime Chips: Your Hack, Made Better
Over the past few years, one fan-created food hack has exploded in popularity online: guests using packaged seasoned chips to put their own spin on Chipotle meals. Some ditch their fork and scoop up every bite with chips, while others crush them over burrito bowls for extra crunch or turn their meal into a "walking taco" by pouring their bowl directly into a chip bag. Since 2022, mentions of seasoned chips paired with Chipotle entrees have increased more than 1,
Building on that guest behavior, Chipotle developed Chili Lime Chips as its own take, transforming the viral fan trend into an official menu item made with only real ingredients. However they're enjoyed, the chips deliver bold flavor and satisfying crunch to any Chipotle entrée.
"Pollo Asado delivered strong results in testing, giving us clear evidence that guests were excited about the new recipe," said Fernando Machado, Chief Brand Officer. "At the same time, we saw guests hacking their Chipotle orders with packaged chips and asked ourselves: What would this look like done the Chipotle way? Chili Lime Chips are our answer—with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives and an ingredient list that doesn't require a chemistry degree to understand. One menu item generated real momentum before going national; the other was inspired directly by how our fans eat Chipotle. Together, they gave us two compelling reasons to do something we've never done before and launch both at once."
Chef Nevielle's Recommended Pairing
To experience both limited-time menu items together, Nevielle Panthaky, Senior Vice President of Culinary at Chipotle, recommends a Pollo Asado bowl with white rice, black beans, roasted chili-corn salsa and guac (46g protein, 17g fiber), plus Chili Lime Chips for an added layer of crunch and zest.
"With this new recipe, we wanted to bring more brightness and dimension to Pollo Asado while preserving its savory, smoky flavor," said Panthaky. "The citrus finish cuts through the smoky notes of the chicken and naturally complements the tangy, spiced seasoning of our Chili Lime Chips."
How to Order
Beginning August 31, Pollo Asado will be available to all guests in the
Starting the same day, Chili Lime Chips will debut as a digital exclusive for Chipotle Rewards members through the Chipotle app, Chipotle.com and Chipotle.ca. The chips will become available to all guests on September 4.
To celebrate the return of Pollo Asado, Chipotle is offering a
100 Creators, Zero Brand-Shot Footage
To showcase the fresh, hands-on preparation behind Pollo Asado and Chili Lime Chips, Chipotle put cameras in the hands of 100 creators at restaurants across the
The resulting national TV campaign features no brand-shot footage, with every frame captured by creators.
The new creative marks Chief Brand Officer Fernando Machado's national advertising debut since joining Chipotle and the brand's first major collaboration with agency partner KIDS.
Watch the new campaign here:
- For Real: https://youtu.be/p2xwdVec5JM
- Pollo Asado: https://youtu.be/x5fRtG3Zy8Q
- Chili Lime Chips: https://youtu.be/OeJ8aI9VZvE
1 - Higher menu prices are charged for delivery; additional service and other fees apply at checkout as well (except in CA, CO, CT, MA, MN and VA). Available August 31 to September 13, 2026 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 4,200 restaurants as of June 30, 2026, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Middle East and it is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in the United States, Canada and Europe. With nearly 140,000 employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. For more information or to place an order online, visit www.chipotle.com.
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SOURCE Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.