Chipotle Mexican Grill has confirmed one of the most anticipated returns in restaurant history: Carne Asada, a cult classic among proteins. The menu item has reappeared in U.S. and Canadian outlets, and this marks Carne Asada’s fourth official return since the time of the original introduction in 2019. The protein was officially reinstated in restaurants starting September 4, 2025, after months of customer demands and unprecedented search activity.
When numbers stopped making sense
According to Google search data, Carne Asada was the most searched item in Chipotle’s menu in 2024, while at the same time being the second most searched limited-time offer across all national restaurant brands. This digital obsession is reflected in the extraordinary real-world performance of the protein since its original launch in September 2019.
Carne Asada, when first introduced to Chipotle’s commercial kitchens, became, very rapidly, the quickest-selling new protein in the history of the brand. The Company estimates that over 10 million customers sampled the premium steak during its first run, with almost 50% of those diners being first-time visitors to Chipotle. The popularity of the item created such intensity that it caused supply problems, leading the company to take the item off the menu in early 2020.
The bite behind Carne Asada
In fact, Carne Asada is an elevated culinary experience from the general steak that Chipotle normally serves. The premium protein undergoes marinating, seasoning, and grilling with a signature spice blend of cumin, coriander, garlic, and oregano. Each cut is hand-sliced into tender, juicy pieces and finished with a quick squeeze of lime and a hand-chop of cilantro.
“Carne Asada in particular is elevated, chef-driven recipe that gets new guests in the door, excites our Chipotle Rewards members and motivates our restaurant teams,” Chris Brandt, Chipotle’s president and chief brand officer, said of the protein, which contains 29 grams of actual protein per serving and is compliant with Whole30, Keto, and Paleo dietary plans.
It has received rave reviews from food critics and guests alike for the conspicuous difference in quality compared with the chain’s regular steak offerings. The Carne Asada cuts are larger and a bit more luxurious with adequate fat rendered, which gives them a melt-in-your-mouth texture, complemented by a squeeze of fresh lime and a sprinkle of cilantro that cut through the richness and savoriness of the meat.
Limited returns history
Carne Asada’s saga at Chipotle reads like a story fusing demand and supply with wit and nourishment. After its great debut in 2019, the protein was scarcely brought back in early 2020. It became available for a third time on Chipotle’s menu in September 2023, this time alongside the launch of the Hand-Crafted Quesadilla.
They’ve all been rising limited time offers paired with limited marketing support to create that sense of urgency, which in turn, creates customer traffic and social media buzz. The latest comeback in 2025 is perfectly aligned with the kickoff of football season, positioning this hearty protein as almost a must-have for gameday.
Perfectly timed for the football season
With this latest Carne Asada comeback, Chipotle has set itself up to be the perfect companion for the football season. Timed to coincide with a “Wear Your College Football Jersey” promotion offering BOGO entrees to customers dining in wearing college jerseys on September 15 after 5 p.m. local time.
Additionally, from September 8 to September 30, all orders of Carne Asada placed through the Chipotle app or website will receive free delivery. The chain has also partnered with EA Sports College Football 26, featuring Chipotle in the video game’s Road to Glory mode in which players can sign virtual name, image, and likeness deals marketing the return of Carne Asada.
Food pairing and cost
Chipotle’s vice president of culinary, Nevielle Panthaky, recommends that Carne Asada should be tasted in burrito form with white rice, black beans, roasted chili-corn salsa, fresh tomato salsa, and cheese. “The roasted chili-corn salsa adds a beautiful pop of sweetness, while the tomato salsa brings a burst of freshness that pairs perfectly with the savory and tangy notes of our juicy, tender Carne Asada,” Panama explained. “It simply can’t be beat.”
It is expensive as a protein option in comparison to Chipotle’s normal offerings and usually costs about $2 more than chicken, which is the same premium pricing for other specialty proteins like steak and barbacoa.
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