Chipotle Just Started Testing Crispy Chicken-and Fans Already Want It Nationwide
Chipotle Mexican Grill is giving fans something they've long been asking for: crispy chicken.
The fast-food chain is officially testing the brand-new menu item at select locations in California, with fans confirming online that Tustin, a city in Orange County, is one of them.
The new protein features crispy breaded chicken with a crunchy coating and juicy interior and can be added to burritos, tacos, salads, or bowls.
Additionally, according to a Chipotle advertisement, their crispy chicken is also free of preservatives, gluten, or anything artificial.
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Although the item is only available at a few locations right now, fans are already calling for it to be expanded nationwide.
"I would definitely try this and would love for it to be a permanent addition to the menu," wrote one customer on Instagram. "I need to try it so bad when it releases nationwide." added another on Facebook.
"I think it might finally be a meat I could get both my kids to add to their tacos," added another on Facebook. "This is like a nugget.. much more kid friendly."
Some fans even said the new addition is like having "Chick-fil-A in a burrito."
Still, some critics are skeptical that the chicken will stay crispy once it's wrapped in a burrito or piled into a bowl-and so far, the chain hasn't revealed how it plans to maintain the texture and freshness.
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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 6:29 PM.