Customers have been asking for this one since the moment it left the menu.
Chipotle announced today that Chipotle Honey Chicken is returning to restaurants in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., France, and Germany starting April 28 — for a limited time. The protein debuted in March 2025 and quickly became the best-performing limited-time offering in Chipotle’s history, setting records for order rates before disappearing from menus and sparking an immediate demand for its return.
“Guests started asking for it back almost immediately,” said Stephanie Perdue, Chipotle’s interim chief marketing officer. “It’s proof that when we get flavor and timing right, we create something fans can’t stop thinking about.”
What Makes It Stand Out
Chipotle Honey Chicken is built around a single compelling contrast: smoky heat from a chipotle pepper marinade, balanced by the natural sweetness of pure honey. The result is a protein that’s bold without being one-dimensional — it hits spicy first, then sweet, in a flavor profile that’s become one of the defining food trends of the past couple of years.
For anyone who hasn’t tried it, Chipotle’s Senior Vice President of Culinary Nevielle Panthaky recommends building a bowl with white rice, black beans, light roasted chili-corn salsa, and guacamole as a starting point. The sauce on the chicken provides enough moisture and flavor that it doesn’t need heavy additions to shine.
New This Time: Available in a High Protein Cup
The 2026 return comes with one new format option. Chipotle Honey Chicken will now be available in the chain’s High Protein Cup — a container that lets customers maximize their protein content without the bulk of a full bowl or burrito. It’s the first time the protein has been offered in this format, giving returning fans a new way to order and giving health-focused customers an easy entry point.
A Free Delivery Deal to Go With It
To celebrate the return, Chipotle is offering a $0 delivery fee on all orders that include Chipotle Honey Chicken, placed through the Chipotle app or website from April 28 through May 11. A minimum $10 order is required, and the offer is subject to standard delivery area availability. Note that higher menu prices typically apply to delivery orders, and additional service fees apply at checkout in most states.
Where Chipotle Honey Chicken Fits in 2026
The return of Chipotle Honey Chicken is part of a broader run of menu momentum for the chain in 2026. Chicken Al Pastor came back earlier this year, and Chipotle also introduced its new Cilantro Lime Sauce — signaling a more aggressive approach to limited-time and returning offerings than the brand has historically taken.
The “swicy” flavor trend — sweet meets spicy — that Chipotle Honey Chicken helped popularize at the fast-casual level shows no sign of slowing down, making the timing of this return feel deliberate rather than reactive.
The Bottom Line
Chipotle Honey Chicken returns to U.S. restaurants on April 28 for a limited time, with no announced end date. It’s available as a standard protein option across all menu formats and for the first time in the High Protein Cup. Order through the Chipotle app or website between April 28 and May 11 with the protein included to get free delivery on your order.
