Chipotle chooses two test markets in California, Tennessee to test new heat and sweet chicken flavor

"Consumers have clearly shown their enthusiasm for sweet heat flavor combinations," said Chris Brandt.Photo byChipotle

Chipotle Mexican Grill is turning up the heat with its latest menu experiment: Chipotle Honey Chicken. The new dish, which blends the smoky kick of chipotle peppers with the sweetness of pure honey, is being tested at 80 restaurants in Nashville, Tennessee, and Sacramento, California.

This new offering is the latest in Chipotle's lineup of chicken innovations, aimed at giving customers a fresh twist on their favorite protein. The Chipotle culinary team developed the honey-infused chicken by marinating it with smoked adobo (chipotle) peppers and seasoning it with a blend of Mexican spices before finishing it with a drizzle of honey. According to Chipotle, consumer taste tests showed that the sweet and spicy combination resonated strongly, making it one of the highest-rated chicken innovations the chain has tested.

"Consumers have clearly shown their enthusiasm for sweet heat flavor combinations," said Chris Brandt, Chipotle's Chief Brand Officer. "We believe Chipotle Honey Chicken will capture fans with a whole new level of excitement."

This test comes on the heels of other popular limited-time chicken offerings from Chipotle, such as Chicken al Pastor and Pollo Asado. Both items sparked a strong following, with Chicken al Pastor even returning to the menu just one year after its debut due to overwhelming demand.