Chipotle is leaning into bolder, globally inspired flavors to excite guests who want variety without giving up the brand’s fresh-prepped approach.
After a year packed with limited-time proteins and new sauces, the chain has clearly entered a flavor-first era: smoky-sweet Hot Honey Chicken, zesty Red Chimichurri, creamy-spicy Adobo Ranch, and the comeback of premium Carne Asada.
These launches spotlight customization, drive loyalty engagement, and keep the menu feeling new—while still staying true to Chipotle’s core of real ingredients cooked in-restaurant.
What’s New On The Line
- Red Chimichurri (Limited Time, U.S. & Canada): Available September 30, 2025, this oil-based, garlicky-chile sauce is prepared in-restaurant daily. It was designed to pair especially well with Carne Asada, but you can add it on the side to any entrée. Chipotle Rewards members enjoyed a free side on launch day, underscoring the brand’s loyalty push.
- Hot Honey Chicken (Limited Time, North America & Europe): Rolled out March 7, 2025, with early access on March 6 in the app for Rewards members. The protein blends smoked chipotle peppers with pure honey for a balanced sweet-heat profile that performed strongly in stage-gate tests in Nashville and Sacramento before going wide.
- Adobo Ranch (First New Dip In Five Years): Introduced June 17, 2025 across the U.S. and Canada. This chilled, adobo-chile and herb-forward dip brought a creamy counterpoint to Chipotle’s lineup, with a free side for Rewards on launch day.
- Carne Asada (Fan-Favorite Return): The citrus-garlic marinated steak returned ahead of Red Chimichurri so guests could experience the pairing exactly as the culinary team intended—grilled steak lifted by a tangy-spicy sauce.
Quick Facts And Timeline
| Item | Region | Launch Date | Status | Highlights | Loyalty Perk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Chimichurri | U.S. & Canada | Sep 30, 2025 | Limited time | Fresh, oil-based, garlicky-chile sauce; crafted to pair with Carne Asada | Free side on launch day |
| Hot Honey Chicken | U.S., Canada, U.K. (+ France & Germany from Mar 12) | Mar 7, 2025 (Rewards early access Mar 6) | Limited time | Sweet-heat balance from chipotle peppers + honey; strong test results | Early access via app |
| Adobo Ranch | U.S. & Canada | Jun 17, 2025 | Ongoing LTO | First new dip in 5 years; chilled, creamy, adobo-spiced | Free side on launch day |
| Carne Asada | U.S. & Canada | Returned in 2025 | Limited time | Premium marinated steak; designed to pair with Red Chimichurri | n/a |
Flavor Pairings And Ordering Tips
For the biggest payoff, try Carne Asada + Red Chimichurri in a bowl with cilantro-lime rice, fajita veggies, and fresh tomato salsa.
The sauce’s citrus and chile notes brighten the steak while keeping heat in check.
If you love sweet-heat, go for Hot Honey Chicken in a quesadilla—the sticky-smoky glaze hits perfectly against melty cheese and crisped tortillas. Want creamy + kick? Add Adobo Ranch on the side for burritos, bowls, or chips & dip; it’s built to complement—not overpower—classic toppings like roasted chili-corn salsa and guacamole.
What It Means For Fans
These additions show Chipotle’s shift from occasional LTOs to a rhythm of sauces and proteins that refresh the lineup without complicating the build line.
The brand’s 3,700+ restaurants can spotlight new flavors seasonally, encourage Rewards enrollment with launch-day perks, and keep social buzz alive with “must-try” pairings.
The result: more choice, more customization, and more reasons to revisit familiar favorites with a new twist.
Chipotle’s new era of flavors proves the classics don’t need replacing—they need reinventing.
Red Chimichurri delivers a bright, peppery snap for Carne Asada; Hot Honey Chicken rides the swicy wave without losing smoky depth; and Adobo Ranch anchors everything with creamy heat.
Tied together by limited-time excitement and Rewards perks, these launches give fans fresh ways to build bowls, burritos, tacos, and quesadillas—while keeping the brand’s real ingredients and in-restaurant prep front and center.
FAQs
Is Red Chimichurri Permanent?
No. Red Chimichurri is a limited-time sauce made daily in-restaurant. Availability varies by location and will end when supplies run out.
What Exactly Is In Hot Honey Chicken?
It’s grilled chicken seasoned with Mexican spices, marinated with smoked chipotle peppers and a touch of pure honey—designed for a balanced sweet-heat bite across bowls, burritos, tacos, and quesadillas.
Why Did Chipotle Add Adobo Ranch Now?
Guests have been craving more dips and sauces. Adobo Ranch—the first new dip in five years—adds creamy heat and amplifies customization, especially alongside Hot Honey Chicken and Carne Asada.
