Chipotle recently announced a new chicken recipe after customers complained that the old chicken had a rubbery texture. The new chicken recipe has been rolled out to all Chipotle locations as of June 2021. This change has left many customers wondering – what exactly is in Chipotle’s new chicken recipe?
Why did Chipotle change their chicken recipe?
Prior to 2021, Chipotle’s chicken was marinated in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and other seasonings. While flavorful, many customers complained the chicken had an unappealing rubbery and mushy texture after being grilled.
In early 2021, Chipotle acknowledged these complaints and vowed to improve their chicken’s texture. After months of testing new marinades and cooking techniques, they settled on an updated recipe in June. The new chicken is marinated in a blend of lemon and lime juices, garlic, coriander, black pepper, oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika. It is grilled fresh in smaller batches with slight changes to the cooking time and temperature.
How is the new chicken different?
Chipotle says the new recipe results in chicken that is juicier, more tender and succulent. Customers have confirmed the new chicken has a less rubbery texture and fuller, richer flavor. The herbs, spices, acids, and smoking technique better permeate and marinate the meat. Smaller grilling batches help ensure each piece achieves the perfect temperature and char.
Ingredients in Chipotle’s Chicken
Now that we know why Chipotle changed their recipe, let’s take a detailed look at what exactly is in the new chicken:
Chicken
The key ingredient is obviously chicken. Chipotle uses responsibly raised, fresh chicken raised without antibiotics or added hormones. The chicken is humanely harvested and delivered fresh, never frozen.
Lemon and Lime Juice
The citrus juices form the base of the marinade, helping tenderize the chicken and impart brightness. Lemon juice brings a sharp, fruity acidity while the lime adds a mellower, rounded citrus flavor.
Garlic
Minced garlic adds a pungent, spicy aroma to the chicken. When grilled, garlic mellows into a sweeter, nuttier flavor.
Coriander
Ground coriander seeds have a lemony, floral taste. Coriander complements the other ingredients and creates a more complex flavor profile.
Black Pepper
Freshly cracked black pepper adds subtle heat and a touch of spiciness. It also provides an earthy flavor.
Oregano
A member of the mint family, oregano has a woodsy, slightly medicinal taste. It gives the chicken an aromatic herbal quality.
Cumin
Toasted cumin adds warmth and nuttiness to the chicken. It has an intensely fragrant, almost smoky flavor.
Smoked Paprika
Also called pimentÃ3n, smoked paprika lends a rich smokiness along with subtle sweetness and heat. It adds deep, complex flavors to the blend.
Salt
A small amount of salt enhances all the other flavors and helps the marinade better penetrate the meat.
Nutrition Facts
Many customers are concerned about getting nutritious food at fast casual restaurants like Chipotle. Here is the full nutrition breakdown for Chipotle’s new chicken:
| Nutrition Facts | Per 113g serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Fat | 2.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 460mg |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 24g |
As you can see, Chipotle’s chicken is a lean, protein-packed choice. With 110 calories and 24g of protein in a serving, it fits well into a healthy diet. The chicken has slightly higher sodium content at 460mg, but overall it does not contain too many unhealthy ingredients. Those monitoring fat, cholesterol, or carbohydrates can feel good about choosing Chipotle’s new grilled chicken.
How the Chicken is Prepared
Chipotle takes pride in using classic cooking techniques to prepare their meat. Here is an overview of how the new chicken recipe is prepared:
Marinating
Chicken is marinated in large batches in the lemon-lime juice mixture along with the herbs, spices, and seasoning. It soaks to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
Grilling
The chicken is then grilled in smaller batches on a flat-top grill. The chicken gets a nice char while cooking through fully to 165°F. Constant turning ensures even cooking and charring.
Chopping
After grilling, the chicken is chopped into smaller pieces so it is easy to incorporate into entrees. It is then stored in a refrigerated line.
Reheating
Chicken gets quickly reheated on the flat-top grill before being added to a customer’s entree. This final sear adds a touch more smoky char flavor.
Portioning
Employees portion the correct amount of chicken into each entree per the customer’s request. The chicken is then combined with salsas, rice, beans, lettuce, and other ingredients to make burritos, bowls, salads, and tacos.
Customer Reviews
The new chicken has been met with glowing reviews from Chipotle customers:
More Tender and Juicy
Many say the new chicken boasts a juicier texture and has less rubbery, mushy bits. The meat pulls apart easier and has a more tender mouthfeel.
Improved Flavor
Customers praise the enhanced citrus, herb and spice flavors. The chicken has a fresher, more aromatic taste.
Better Char and Smokiness
The charring technique results in delicious caramelized bits with a touch of smoke. The char flavor comes through but doesn’t overwhelm the other seasonings.
More Satisfying
Fans say the new chicken is simply more satisfying to eat. Its texture and fuller flavor make it seem like higher quality chicken.
Of course, some customers think the old chicken recipe had merits the new one lacks. But the vast majority agree the updated recipe is an improvement worth celebrating.
Conclusion
Chipotle’s new chicken recipe relies on high-quality ingredients, classic cooking techniques, and customer feedback to achieve its signature taste and texture. The chicken is marinated in lemon, lime, garlic, coriander, black pepper, oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika to achieve robust flavor. Smaller grilling batches, frequent turning, and reheating ensure tender, evenly cooked and charred meat. The results are a juicy, smoky chicken packing tons of protein that customers can’t get enough of. While new, Chipotle’s chicken has already become a menu staple thanks to its craveable flavor and improved texture.