Currently being tested in select markets, Chipotle Mexican Grill is spicing things up with a new menu item that promises to be “swicy”. The latest chicken innovation, Chipotle Honey Chicken, aims to blend unique flavors, combining the heat of chipotle peppers with the sweetness of pure honey.
“Consumers have clearly shown their enthusiasm for sweet heat flavor combinations,” said Chris Brandt, Chief Brand Officer. “We have had tremendous success with ‘swicy’ innovations and believe Chipotle Honey Chicken will capture fans with a whole new level of excitement.”
According to a press release, consumer taste tests conducted before the test market launch revealed that the spicy and sweet flavors of Chipotle Honey Chicken achieved the highest marks of any chicken innovation Chipotle has tested.
Chipotle Honey Chicken is available for a limited time at 80 restaurants in Nashville, Tennessee, and Sacramento, California. The chicken is marinated with seared, smoked adobo peppers and seasoned with savory Mexican spices, finished with a touch of pure honey.
Over the past two years, Chipotle introduced other premium chicken innovations, including Chicken al Pastor and Pollo Asado. Chicken, being the company’s most popular protein, has seen great success with these limited-time offerings. Chicken al Pastor, for instance, was the No. 1 requested menu item after its debut in March 2023, leading to its return just one year later.
Innovation remains a key priority for Chipotle. The company focuses on creating craveable, chef-driven menu items that cater to guests' desire for variety and new flavor experiences. Chipotle plans to deliver two to three menu innovations per year, using its stage-gate process to test, gather feedback, and iterate before deciding on a national launch strategy.
With Chipotle’s new Chipotle Honey Chicken, retailers can anticipate customers exploring new flavor frontiers, with the hopes of captivating customers with the results of the latest consumer taste test.
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