Chipotle testing new ‘Pollo Asado’ menu for the first time in its 28-year history

Chipotle reveals it is testing a new chicken menu called "Pollo Asado." The trial is being carried out in 95 outlets of the restaurant chain in the states of Ohio and California. To be more exact, the new item will be in the Mexcian Grill's stores in Cincinnati and Sacramento.

Chipotle said on Tuesday, Nov. 2, that this is the first time it has launched a new chicken item in its entire 28-year history. Pollo Asado has been described as a chicken menu that will give customers a unique taste enhanced by garlic, cilantro, cumin, fresh lime, and guajillo peppers.

The restaurant was founded in 1993, and since then, it has not added any new chicken option into its menu. Thus, the Pollo Asado is very much anticipated by Chipotle customers. It is something new, so everyone wants to get a taste.

It was said that the chicken is first rubbed with guajillo peppers, coriander, and cumin. After the seasoning, it will be grilled, and garlic, chili peppers, lime, and cilantro will be added before serving, as per CNBC.

The new Pollo Asado was created under Chipotle's new chief executive officer Brian Niccol who previously worked at Taco Bell. Under his watch, the restaurant has been working on adding new menus to offer a broader menu option to diners.

Chipotle has been testing many items and offering them for a limited time. The "stage-gate testing" is also one way to know which options to keep based on the response from the customers.

"Chicken has long been the top protein choice among Chipotle guests," Chipotle's chief marketing officer, Chris Brandt, said in a press release. "With the celebrated Adobo chicken recipe already on our menu, we decided it was time to add another option and our new flavorful Pollo Asado chicken is another perfect complement to our real ingredients."

At any rate, to mark the test testing for the Pollo Asado test, the restaurant chain is offering free delivery to all orders of the new chicken item. Customers must place their order through the Chipotle app or on the website from Nov. 8 to Nov. 14.

Finally, it should be noted that Pollo Asado will be in Chipotle select stores around Cincinnati and Sacramento for a limited time only.