Chipotle enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the comeback of a beloved menu item. The popular fast-casual chain has announced that starting April 28, the much-missed Chipotle Honey Chicken will once again be available in restaurants.
Originally introduced in 2025, this delectable protein option sets itself apart with its unique marinade of chipotle peppers blended with honey, offering a sweet and spicy twist compared to the traditional chicken marinated overnight in chipotle pepper adobo.
In an exciting development, for the first time, patrons can enjoy Chipotle Honey Chicken as a side dish through the new ‘High Protein Cup’ option, allowing more flexibility and customization in meal choices.
Upon its initial release, the Chipotle Honey Chicken quickly became a hit, achieving the highest order rate of any limited-time offering in the restaurant’s history. Its return is sure to satisfy the cravings of many fans who have been eagerly awaiting its comeback.
According to Chipotle, the sweet and spicy sensation left such a mark that fans began clamoring for its return almost immediately after it was removed from the menu.
Chipotle said that, once the sweet and spicy option disappeared from menus, guests started asking for it back ‘almost immediately’.
‘It’s proof that when we get flavor and timing right, we create something fans can’t stop thinking about,’ the fast food chain said.
Earlier this year, Reddit users shared their love for the missing menu item, with one post saying, ‘it was the best thing I ever tasted at Chipotle.’
Chipotle’s Honey Chicken is made with grilled chicken marinated with chipotle peppers and honey
While some added the Chipotle Honey Chicken to burritos and bowls, the menu item will now be available as a ‘High Protein Cup’ option
Some claimed that the honey made the chicken ‘too sweet’ when combined with other menu items, like the roasted chili-corn salsa and fresh tomato salsa. For others, the unique flavors were an exciting change from their usual orders.
‘I really liked it,’ a Reddit user wrote. ‘It was the perfect amount of heat without having to add hot salsa.’
This new chicken option isn’t the only menu item making its grand return to Chipotle. The fan-favorite chicken al pastor made a brief appearance earlier this year, complete with a pineapple-esque flavor.
Some customers compared the two options when they were first introduced.
On the Honey Chicken, one Reddit user said that ‘flavor-wise, it’s got barbecue chicken vibes with a light spice, making it a solid winter option. Al Pastor is still on par, maybe even a little better, but this definitely holds its own.’
In March 2026, the chain introduced a new sauce made with cilantro, lime, Mexican spices, sour cream and roasted jalapeños. It still remains available at most restaurant locations in late April.
The brand’s goal is to introduce a ‘new level of freshness’ to already existing options and address the ‘growing obsession for sauce,’ particularly in millennial and Gen Z diners.
Chipotle is also actively adjusting portion sizes to account for customers on GLP-1 medication.
Chipotle has over 3,700 locations nationwide, making it one of the biggest fast casual Mexican chains
Chipotle introduced its ‘High Protein Cup’ with Adobo Chicken, a four-ounce side chicken ‘packed with flavor’ coming in at 180 calories and 32g of protein starting at $3.50.
‘Chipotle’s new High Protein Menu offers more ways for guests to get the protein they want in the portions that work for them,’ they said, ‘whether that is a lighter bite or a more substantial build.’
Chipotle has over 3,700 locations across 49 states, making it one of the most recognizable fast casual Mexican chains.
The chain’s CEO Scott Boatwright revealed that Chipotle added more than 300 new restaurants and made progress on its ‘operating initiatives’ just months after introducing the Honey Chicken in 2025.
