By ChinRes 
Although Chipotle has released a number of limited-time products throughout the years, Chicken al Pastor has been the one that has generated the most excitement among customers. It was initially presented on the menu in 2023, but it was brought back a year later owing to the overwhelming demand from customers.
On the other hand, a new dish that will be introduced at Taco Bell this month is going to give the chicken item, which is already quite popular, some competition.
Taco Bell has just made the announcement that it will be introducing Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas, and will be available for a limited time beginning on October 31. You will, however, only be able to find them at a limited number of outlets in Minneapolis.
This is because Taco Bell employs these pilot launches to determine whether or not new ideas are popular enough to be extended to a broader audience. Therefore, if the launch in Minneapolis is successful, it is possible that customers may be able to see the product in further regions of the country in the future.
A Mexican cuisine known as al pastor is characterized by pig slices that have been marinated and barbecued on a spit. These pork slices are typically served in tacos. On the other hand, Chipotle and Taco Bell have both deviated slightly from the norm by including chicken into the tastes of al pastor at their respective restaurants.
Chicken that has been grilled and marinated with morita peppers that have been seared, ground achiote, pineapple, fresh lime, and cilantro that has been cut by hand is the main ingredient of Chipotle’s version, which was last available during the spring and summer of 2024.
In the meanwhile, Taco Bell creates its own version by marinating its slow-roasted Cantina Chicken in a mixture of chiles and pineapple that contributes both sweetness and savory flavors. To put it another way, the varied techniques of preparation are slightly distinct from one another, yet the underlying tastes have a significant amount of commonalities.
Within two street-sized shells that are modeled like Quesalupas, Taco Bell wraps its newly marinated chicken, fresh onions, and cilantro for its Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas. Cheesy Street Chalupas are another dish that Taco Bell debuted earlier this year that was inspired by street tacos. This specific item is a little modification on that item.
With fresh onions, cilantro, Jalapeño Ranch sauce, and the customer’s choice of protein encased between two chalupa shells loaded with melted cheese, these dishes made their debut on the menus of restaurants across the country in July, following a short test run in 2023.
Customers of Taco Bell could anticipate the introduction of even more alternatives that are inspired by al pastor in the restaurant chain’s future offerings.
“As Taco Bell remains creating bold new offerings, fans can look toward even more al pastor-inspired items including quesadillas, burritos, and platters testing later in 2025,” according to the chain’s official release.