# Barbacoa-Spiced Chicken Dishes BJ's is Serving Up New Ultimate Barbacoa Chicken By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2023-02-26 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultimate-barbacoa-chicken References: [fastfoodpost](https://www.fastfoodpost.com/bjs-welcomes-new-ultimate-barbacoa-chicken-alongside-new-fried-couscous-mac-cheese-balls-and-garlic-knot-bruschetta-bites/)  BJ’s [Brewhouse and Restaurant](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hickory-brisket-nachos) is bringing the heat this season with the launch of new Ultimate Barbacoa Chicken. In addition to the spicy new entree, the brand is also debuting new Fried Couscous Mac & Cheese Balls and Garlic Knot Bruschetta Bites. For those unfamiliar, barbacoa is a style of slow-cooking meat that often involves dried chilies and other spices. [BJ's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kickin-chicken-sandwich) new Ultimate Barbacoa Chicken consists of tender, barbacoa-spiced chicken topped with fire-roasted tomato salsa and cilantro. The chicken is also served with brown rice, corn and fire-roasted red pepper succotash, black beans, feta cheese, guacamole, and a Greek yogurt crema. In addition to the new chicken dish, BJ's has also launched two tasty new sides. The Fried Couscous Mac & Cheese Balls are made with pearl couscous and various cheeses, while the Garlic Knot Bruschetta Bites feature garlic parmesan knots. Image Credit: BJ’s Brewhouse and Restaurant ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 16% | Activity: 13% | Freshness: 15% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Barbacoa Spice Trend:** The trend of barbacoa-spiced dishes is growing, creating opportunities for restaurants and food companies to innovate and offer new takes on the classic flavor profile. - **Premium Casual Dining Trend:** BJ's Brewhouse and Restaurant's new menu items, including the Ultimate Barbacoa Chicken, reflect the trend of premium casual dining, where consumers are willing to pay more for high-quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations. - **Global Flavors Trend:** BJ's Brewhouse and Restaurant's use of barbacoa, a traditional Mexican flavor, in their new menu items reflects the growing trend of consumers seeking out global flavors and culinary experiences. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Restaurant Industry:** Restaurants have the opportunity to capitalize on the growing popularity of global flavors and barbacoa spice by incorporating them into their menus and creating unique, flavorful dishes. - **Food Manufacturing Industry:** Food manufacturers can innovate by creating new products and ingredients that incorporate barbacoa spice and other global flavors, providing customers with easy-to-make, flavorful meals at home. - **Grocery Industry:** Grocery stores can cater to consumers' demand for global flavors and barbacoa spice by stocking up on ingredients and products that incorporate these flavors, including spices, sauces, and ready-made meals. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sriracha-Spiced Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kickin-chicken-sandwich.md) - [BBQ Brisket-Topped Nachos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hickory-brisket-nachos.md) - [Chili Crisp-Topped Dumplings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chili-crunch-pot-stickers.md) - [Fresh Strawberry Chicken Salads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-strawberry-chicken-salad.md) - [Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mac-n-cheese-dishes.md) - [Caribbean-Spiced Chicken Wings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caribbean-spice.md) - [Cheesy Stacked Veggie Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/broccoli-cheddar-pizookie.md) - [Smokey Shredded Beef Proteins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barbacoa-beef.md) - [BBQ Chicken-Topped Macaronis](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bbq-chicken-bacon-mac-n-cheese.md)