'Most searched' Chipotle item makes epic comeback after fans begged for its return
Chipotle is one of the US’s most beloved Mexican-inspired fast food joints.
Along with serving up burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, salads and tortilla chips, its menu once featured a beloved classic that’s been held in the stable for too long.
In fact, its longstanding reputation means it’s Chipotle’s ‘most-searched menu item on Google’.
At long last, it’s making a comeback to Chipotle’s stores in the US and Canada, forming part of a refreshed line-up that recently introduced the ‘build-your-own’ option.
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That returning favourite is the Carne Asada.
Literally translating from Spanish as ‘grilled meat’, it’s essentially a marinated steak option that fans have been pining for over the past few years.
The high-protein menu item was first launched in 2019, and in its absence Chipotle claims it’s become the ‘second-most searched limited time offering among all national restaurant brands’.
"Our Carne Asada is an elevated, chef-driven recipe that attracts new guests, reignites our Chipotle Rewards members and excites our restaurant teams," said Chris Brandt, Chipotle’s President and Chief Brand Officer, in a 2 September 2025 press release.
"The protein's rich flavor profile is the perfect pairing for any gameday, whether you're watching marquee matchups from home or tailgating at the stadium."\
Chipotle’s Carne Asada is returning for a limited time, although this will mark its fourth resurrection since its initial 2019 run.
If you’re keen to leap on it when it comes available, you needn’t wait long. Just in time for the new football season, participating locations will offer the Carne Asada from 4 September 2025.
"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," said Nevielle Panthaky, Vice President, Culinary at Chiptole.
Panthaky recommends picking one up as part of the Carne Asada Burrito, complete with black beans, roasted chili-corn salsa, tomato salsa, cheese and white rice.
Home-munching fans will be pleased to know this promotion has a free delivery element, too. From 8 September to 30 September 2025, all Carne Asada orders made via the Chipotle app, Chipolte.com and Chipotle.ca will be delivered for free.
If you make an in-store visit, you can take advantage of the ‘Wear Your College Football Jersey’ promo, entitling any guest wearing a college football jersey to a buy-one-get-one-free deal on entrées. This will only run for one evening on 15 September 2025 from 5pm local time, so dig your college jerseys out and pay your local Chipotle a visit.
Rachael Davis