Chipotle just turned a viral hack into the best chip upgrade I could ever imagine.
It’s been a pretty great year to be a fan of Chipotle. First, the chain added cilantro lime sauce to its lineup. I have basically been getting it on every order ever since it dropped. Next, it brought back the chipotle honey chicken, which was a perfect addition to this year’s swicy trend.
But I think that the fine people at Chipotle have actually outdone themselves on this one. In a move I didn’t see coming, the brand launched a new flavor of chips! I mean, the Chipotle chips are already so iconic, I was eager to try the new flavor. And lucky for me, I got a sneak preview tasting.
What is the new Chipotle chip flavor?
Drumroll, please: chili lime chips! It’s basically a flavor-blasted, elevated version of its OG chip offering. This new chip does not skimp on flavor. There is a ton of chili powder and lime flavor infused into the chip. It’s Chipotle’s way of saying it has seen all the viral videos of people crushing Doritos into their burrito bowls. If you’re a fan of that flavor and texture mashup, now you don’t even need to make two stops on Taco Tuesday.
I wanted to enjoy my chili lime chips with my burrito bowl, but I ended up eating them all with a side of Chipotle’s queso. And you know what? I wasn’t mad about it. The creamy queso was the perfect balance to the savory chip. Next time, I will make sure to use the chips in place of a fork, like I normally do with my burrito bowl.
What is the returning protein option?
The chili lime chips merit a tasting of their own. But in even more exciting news, Chipotle is also bringing back a protein at the same time. The pollo asado is back and better than ever, thanks to a refreshed recipe. This is freshly grilled chicken marinated with garlic, guajillo peppers, fresh lime and cilantro.
And man, it is spicy! It packed a ton of flavor and heat into my burrito bowl, and I was loving every bite. I was really missing the chipotle honey chicken, and though the pollo asado doesn’t have that same sweet heat, it’s still such a flavorful addition to the lineup.
When will the new menu items be available?
The pollo asado is now back at participating Chipotle restaurants. And to celebrate its return, Chipotle is offering a $0 delivery fee on pollo asado orders placed through the Chipotle app or Chipotle.com from Aug. 31 through Sept. 13.
And if you’re not an app user, this might be the time to sign up. The chili lime chips will be available as a digital exclusive for Chipotle Rewards members through the Chipotle app and Chipotle.com beginning on Aug. 31. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until Sept. 4, which is when the chili lime chips drop nationwide.
