Taco Bell is introducing a new item that competes with one of Chipotle’s popular limited-time menu items. The new item is called Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas and will be available starting October 31 for a short time.
Taco Bell is changing its flavors and making them unique, while Chipotle’s Chicken al Pastor has been getting a lot of praise since it first came out in 2023.
Even though they will only be in a few places in Minneapolis at first, the Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas are expected to get attention. If the test in this region goes well, Taco Bell might start selling the chalupas all over the country.
What is Al Pastor?
Before delving into Taco Bell’s particular version, it’s useful to know why al pastor is such a hit. Al pastor is the name of a great Mexican cuisine that combines salty, spicy, and sweet elements through the cooking of marinated pig on a spit.
The juicy, soft meat makes it a favorite for tacos. While pork has been used in the past, fast-food places like Taco Bell and Chipotle now use chicken instead.
Chipotle’s Chicken al Pastor vs. Taco Bell’s Version
Chipotle’s Chicken al Pastor was a huge hit when it first came out, and it made a successful comeback to menus in 2024. The dish’s strong taste comes from the vivid marinade of morita peppers, achiote, pineapple, lime, and cilantro on their chicken.
Taco Bell’s strategy has several distinctive twists while sharing a similar fundamental taste inspiration. Cantina Chicken is marinated by the chain in a mixture of pineapple and chilies, which balances the flavors of sweet and salty. The foundation of Taco Bell’s new Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas is this slow-roasted variation.
What’s Inside Taco Bell’s Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas?
Taco Bell’s new Street Chalupas, Chicken Al Pastor, have a special twist. They have small shells with cheese inside that hold marinated chicken, onions & cilantro. These are meant to be small and flavorful, like real Mexican street tacos.
In July 2024, Taco Bell started selling a new item called the Chicken Al Pastor Chalupa nationwide. It’s like the Cheesy Street Chalupas, with two shells filled with cheese, onions, cilantro, and your choice of meat.
Potential Future Menu Expansions
Nor is Taco Bell content to stop at chalupas. The chain has disclosed that in 2025, tests would be conducted on quesadillas, burritos, and bowls that draw inspiration from the tastes of al pastor. This implies that Taco Bell customers may anticipate seeing additional products with al pastor on the menu shortly.
How to Taste Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas at Taco Bell
As mentioned before, the Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas will only be available at a few Taco Bell locations in Minneapolis at first.
Taco Bell aficionados and fans of the flavor profile should keep a watch on their local menus to see whether the dish makes its way throughout the country. This delicious al pastor variant may become a national staple if the Minneapolis test run is a success.
Those who are interested in tasting the meal should set a reminder for October 31st and prepare to be amazed by this innovative take on a well-liked Mexican staple.
Conclusion:
Similar to Chipotle’s Chicken al Pastor introduction, Taco Bell’s Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas are expected to generate a lot of excitement.
This limited-edition delicacy, which combines typical onions, cilantro, pineapple, chiles, and marinated Cantina Chicken with shells reminiscent of Quesalupas, is likely to satisfy fast-food enthusiasts seeking a savory take on al pastor.
Don’t pass up the opportunity to sample this innovative new menu item if you’re close to Minneapolis before it potentially expands throughout the country.