# Spicy Fast-Food Chicken Bowls Chipotle Launched a Chicken Al Pastor Topping at Select Locations By Colin Smith | Published 2022-09-01 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicken-al-pastor References: [nrn](https://www.nrn.com/fast-casual/chipotle-mexican-grill-unveils-chicken-al-pastor) & [chipotle](https://www.chipotle.com/?hgfdhs)  [Chipotle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicken-al-pastors) announced that it is testing the Chicken Al Pastor variety at select restaurants. The initial test will include 94 Chipotle locations across two high-demand cities, Indianapolis and Denver. Chris Brandt, the Chief Marketing Officer for Chipotle, stated that the decision was made in order to " fuel our fans who have been craving [spicy chicken from Chipotle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/southwest-hot-chicken-crunchwrap)," continuing on to state that the Chicken Al Pastor has a uniquely Chipotle restaurant flavor. The Chicken Al Pastor includes hot peppers, achiote, and [adobo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adobo-ranch), which is balanced out with cilantro, chicken, and pineapple. This creates a spicy flavor that is not unbearable, while blending in sweet and savory flavors as well. In celebration of the Chicken Al Pastor, Chipotle is offering $0 delivery fees for all orders containing the new Al Pastor chicken for one week through September 11th. Image Credit: Chipotle ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 7% | Activity: 15% | Freshness: 13% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Spicy Fast-food Chicken Bowls:** Chicken Al Pastor is a new flavor being tested by Chipotle at select locations to cater to fans craving throughout the US. - **Delivery Discounts:** Chipotle is offering $0 delivery fees for all orders containing the new Al Pastor chicken through September 11th. - **Limited Location Tests:** Testing at 94 Chipotle locations across Indianapolis and Denver indicates potential opportunities in specific markets for further menu innovation. ### Where This Applies - **Fast-food Industry:** New flavor innovations like Chicken Al Pastor could be the next big thing, setting a new trend in the fast-food industry, and differentiating chains from the competition. - **Delivery Services Industry:** Delivery fee discounts and incentives could be utilized by delivery service providers to attract more fast-food customers. - **Restaurant Industry:** Limited location testing could be a new strategy used by restaurants to connect with specific markets and gauge response to new menu items before expanding. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Highly Anticipated Menu Reintroductions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicken-al-pastors.md) - [Freshly Flavored QSR Proteins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipotle-pollo-asado.md) - [Pinapple Chicken Fried Tacos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicken-al-pastor-street-chalupas.md) - [Hot Honey-Flavored Proteins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipotle-10.md) - [Al Pastor Chicken Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grilled-al-pastor-bowl.md) - [Sweet Heat QSR Proteins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipotle-honey-chicken.md) - [honey chicken-inspired QSR meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipotle-honey-chicken1.md) - [Garlic Guajillo Steak Burritos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/garlic-guajillo-steak.md) - [Spicy Adobo Chicken Options](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-chicken-offering.md)