Chipotle Mexican Grill Launches Two LTOs for First Time Ever

Pollo Asado returns to restaurants in the U.S. and Canada on August 31, while Chipotle Rewards members get exclusive access to Chili Lime Chips on August 31 before they become available to all guests on September 4. A Fresh Take on Pollo Asado Pollo Asado is back for a limited time with an all-new recipe featuring freshly grilled adobo chicken seasoned with garlic, Mexican spices and hand-cut cilantro, then finished with bright citrus and real lime for a savory, smoky savor.

Chili Lime Chips: Your Hack, Made Better Over the past few years, one fan-created food hack has exploded in popularity online: guests using packaged seasoned chips to put their own spin on Chipotle meals. Some ditch their fork and scoop up every bite with chips, while others crush them over burrito bowls for extra crunch or turn their meal into a “walking taco” by pouring their bowl directly into a chip bag. Since 2022, mentions of seasoned chips paired with Chipotle entrees have went up more than 1,500% across social platforms, while related TikTok. Instagram content has generated close to 96 million engagements.

Building on that guest behavior, Chipotle developed Chili Lime Chips as its own take, transforming the viral fan trend into an official menu item made with only real components. That said they’re enjoyed, the chips deliver bold taste and satisfying crunch to any Chipotle entrée. “Pollo Asado delivered strong results in testing, giving us clear evidence that guests were excited about the new recipe,” told reporters Fernando Machado, Chief Brand Officer. “At the same time, we saw guests hacking their Chipotle orders with packaged chips and asked ourselves: What would this look like done the Chipotle way? Chili Lime Chips are our answer—with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives and an component list that doesn’t require a chemistry degree to understand.

One menu item generated real momentum before going national; the other was inspired directly by how our fans eat Chipotle. Starting the same day, Chili Lime Chips will debut as a digital exclusive for Chipotle Rewards members through the Chipotle app, Chipotle.com and Chipotle.ca.

The chips will become available to all guests on September 4. The group extends beyond food creators, bringing together artists, animators, musicians and more, each with a unique point of view. They worked alongside restaurant team members during morning prep, grilling chicken, slicing vegetables, seasoning chips and mashing guac by hand while capturing content along the way.

Without traditional scripts or shot lists, the creators were given the freedom to document the experience in their own style. The resulting national TV campaign features no brand-shot footage, with every frame captured by creators.