Chipotle Mexican Grill on Wednesday announced it is bringing back Carne Asada in the U.S. and Canada for a limited time. The popular protein has been revered by Chipotle fans for years, and this marks the third time it is making a comeback to Chipotle’s menu. 

The legend of Carne Asada is real. Carne Asada made its debut in September 2019 as Chipotle’s second limited time protein offering and quickly became a guest favorite. Chipotle estimates that more than 10 million customers ordered Carne Asada in its first run and believes that almost half of those customers were first-time guests at Chipotle. The brand reintroduced Carne Asada to the menu in 2020 and it has since become one of the brand’s most requested menu items on social media.

Carne Asada last graced Chipotle’s menu before the brand launched its award-winning Hand-Crafted Quesadilla. For the first time ever, Carne Asada fans can experience their favorite protein in Chipotle’s customizable quesadilla with melted Monterey Jack cheese, optional fajita veggies and three sides. 

For guests trying Carne Asada for the first time and passionate Carne Asada fans alike, Chipotle’s Head Chef Nevielle Panthaky recommends a Carne Asada Quesadilla with fajita veggies and sides of cilantro lime white rice, black beans, and sour cream for dipping. 

In March, Chipotle launched the viral TikTok- inspired Fajita Quesadilla, which nearly doubled Chipotle’s quesadilla business at launch and resulted in two of the brand’s top digital sales days of all time. Quesadillas are exclusively available on the Chipotle app, Chipotle.com, Chipotle.ca, and third-party delivery platforms.

Chipotle’s Carne Asada is marinated, then seasoned on the grill with a blend of signature spices like cumin, coriander, and oregano, and finished with fresh squeezed lime, hand-chopped cilantro, for a deeply rich, satisfying flavor that captures the taste buds of Chipotle guests. The protein is officially approved for the Whole30® program and is compliant with Keto and Paleo diets. 

Carne Asada at Chipotle is more than just a delectable menu item; it is a testament to the brand’s commitment to Food with Integrity. Since all of Chipotle’s beef is raised responsibly, with a vegetarian diet and no antibiotics and no added hormones, Chipotle estimates that only 5% of the U.S. beef supply meets its standards. While Carne Asada is a limited time offering, Chipotle is committed to partnering with new farmers and ranchers that align with its Food with Integrity principles to grow its supply chain. 

“Over the past few years, our fans’ passion for Carne Asada has rivaled any other Chipotle menu item,” says Chris Brandt, Chief Brand Officer. “Now, we’ve answered the call, brought back this iconic protein, and introduced an entirely new way to try Carne Asada with the Carne Asada Quesadilla.”

To celebrate the return of Carne Asada, Chipotle is offering a $0 delivery fee offer on all Carne Asada orders placed through the Chipotle app and website from Thursday, September 14 through Sunday, October 1.