The Rise and Fall of the Beloved Chipotle Chicken Burrito at Taco Bell
Taco Bell’s decision to remove the popular Chipotle Chicken Burrito from its menu has left many fans distraught and yearning for its return. This classic menu item, with its zesty chipotle sauce and mouthwatering blend of flavors, developed an almost cult-like following during its tenure at the fast food chain. Its abrupt discontinuation is a cautionary tale of how even beloved menu items are not immune from sudden removal based on corporate strategy and shifting consumer preferences.
The Life and Times of the Chipotle Chicken Burrito
Introduced in the early 2000s, the Chipotle Chicken Burrito quickly emerged as a fan favorite menu item at Taco Bell. Its winning combination of ingredients included shredded chicken, rice, chipotle sauce, sour cream, and a three-cheese blend, all wrapped neatly in a warm flour tortilla. It provided the perfect mélange of tastes and textures in every bite. For many customers, it became a go-to order due to its crave-worthy flavor profile and cost-effectiveness. At around $2 per burrito, it delivered an affordable yet satisfying meal option.
Over nearly two decades on the menu, the burrito developed a reputation as a dependable choice for customers looking to appease their Taco Bell cravings without breaking the bank. Its spicy yet cool chipotle sauce perfectly complemented the hearty chicken and rice filling. Though other burritos and menu items came and went, the Chipotle Chicken Burrito remained a mainstay for many loyal Taco Bell patrons. Its disappearance from the menu left a noticeable void in the hearts, minds and stomachs of its devotees nationwide.
The Sudden Discontinuation of a Favorite
In early 2023, Taco Bell made the decision to officially discontinue the Chipotle Chicken Burrito from its menu lineup. The news came abruptly, without warning or a farewell tour for the beloved menu item. The company stated that the burrito, along with a handful of other items including the Beefy Melt Burrito and the Quesarito, were eliminated as part of a larger menu restructuring and simplification strategy.
While savvy social media users detected hints that the burrito’s days were numbered as some locations phased it out, its official discontinuation still came as a shock. Devastated customers took to the internet to eulogize the burrito, posting nostalgic photos and lamenting the loss of their go-to order. A cry arose among fans begging Taco Bell to bring their beloved burrito back. Alas, their pleas have so far been ignored by the fast food giant.
Why Did the Burrito Get the Boot?
Taco Bell has indicated that the Chipotle Chicken Burrito was cut due to poor sales performance compared to other menu items. Industry insiders also point to larger shifts in the fast-food landscape as a factor including rising ingredient costs and changing consumer preferences. The days of the basic chicken burrito may be numbered across the industry as emerging food trends dictate more diversified, innovative options.
The discontinuation may also have been spurred by a desire to streamline operations and simplify ingredient sourcing. Though a long-time favorite among devotees, the Chipotle Chicken Burrito likely didn’t have the sales velocity or profit margin of core menu items. As Taco Bell and other chains look to boost efficiency and cut costs, paring down the menu is a common strategy. Unfortunate as it may be, the humble burrito appears to have gotten caught in the crosshairs.
Could This Burrito Make a Comeback?
As evidenced by customers’ impassioned social media eulogies, there is clearly still an appetite for this burrito. Taco Bell has shown a willingness to bring back limited-time offerings of discontinued classics before, such as the re-release of its Enchirito item and the return of Nacho Fries. The company is nothing if not savvy about leveraging nostalgia to drive engagement among its fanbase.
A well-executed viral campaign by burrito devotees could light a fire under Taco Bell to consider a short-term Chipotle Chicken Burrito comeback. Other brands have revived discontinued cult favorites, like McDonald’s McRib sandwich, based on popular demand. For now, Taco Bell remains mum about the burrito’s future. But in the fast-moving world of fast-food menus, no discontinuation is necessarily permanent.
One thing is certain – the loss of the Chipotle Chicken Burrito has left a fiesta-sized hole in the hearts and stomachs of Taco Bell’s loyal patrons. Spicy, saucy, and infinitely crave-worthy, its brief but brilliant menu tenure won’t soon be forgotten by those who added fire and flavor to their Taco Bell experience with each mouthwatering bite. Should it return, even for a limited run, devotees far and wide will surely flock to indulge in this iconic and tasty burrito once more.
Taco Bell Discontinued These Fan Favorites
Allrecipes is reporting that Taco Bell discontinued the following fan favorites:
- Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito: The Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito was, for many fans, the most notable of the five dishes that have been pulled from the menu. Several Change.org petitions calling for the fast-food chain to restore it were sparked by the loss.
- Beefy Melt Burrito: The basic tortilla included seasoned ground beef, Fiesta Strips, seasoned rice, sour cream, a three-cheese blend, and nacho cheese sauce. The Cheesy Double Beef Burrito is still available, even if it may no longer be accessible in its original form.
- Fiesta Veggie Burrito: Black beans, seasoned rice, Fiesta Strips, sour cream, a three-cheese blend, tomatoes, guacamole, and a creamy chipotle sauce were all included in the Fiesta Veggie Burrito. “We urge Taco Bell not only as customers but also as advocates for accessible plant-based dining options in mainstream establishments,” read a Change.org petition to bring the item back. “Please bring back our beloved Fiesta Veggie Burrito or introduce another equally satisfying vegetarian burrito option.”
- Chicken Chipotle Melt: The now-defunct Chicken Chipotle Melt, a flour tortilla stuffed with grilled chicken and cheddar cheese, also had Chipotle sauce as its focal point. The melt was only $1 when it first came out and has a sizable fan base.
- The $5 Classic Combo: For $5, this combo included a drink, a specialty item (such as the Black Bean Chalupa, Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme, or Cheese Quesadilla), a smaller Classic Item (like the Bean Burrito, Spicy Potato Soft Taco, or the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito), and a choice of side dish or dessert.
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FAQ
What burrito did Taco Bell discontinue?
Taco Bell got rid of the creamy 7-layer burrito in 2020. – Introduced in 1993, the burrito disappeared from menus in 2020.
Why did Taco Bell remove shredded chicken burrito?
Why did Taco Bell get rid of their shredded chicken? Taco Bell discontinued their shredded chicken menu items, including the shredded chicken burrito, in 2020 as part of a menu streamlining process to simplify operations.
Did Taco Bell get rid of their chicken nuggets already?
Yes, Taco Bell did remove their Crispy Chicken Nuggets from the menu. They were available for a limited time, starting in December 2024, and were discontinued relatively quickly.
Did Taco Bell get rid of the 7 layer burrito?
Taco Bell announced several changes to its menu, including the removal of its seven-layer burrito and potatoes, much to the dismay of vegans everywhere.
Did Taco Bell discontinue grilled chicken burritos?
Let’s take a look at what customers will no longer be able to enjoy. Allrecipes is reporting that Taco Bell discontinued the following fan favorites: Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito: The Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito was, for many fans, the most notable of the five dishes that have been pulled from the menu.
Why did Chipotle discontinue grilled chicken burritos?
“However, with the addition of some new, even more satiating items, the brand removed some others like the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito to make room for new innovations on the menu,” the statement continued.
Did a Chipotle Ranch Burrito make the cut?
According to a statement from Taco Bell, the Chipotle Ranch burrito just didn’t make the cut. It gets worse, too. Joining the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito in the Más Graveyard are the Beefy Melt Burrito, Fiesta Veggie Burrito, Chicken Chipotle Melt, and $5 Classic Combo.
Does Chipotle have chicken burritos?
All four items were absent from the menu on Jan. 12. The Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito featured grilled chicken, fiesta strips, avocado ranch sauce, creamy chipotle sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese wrapped inside a warm flour tortilla.
Does Taco Bell have a burrito?
Some customers considered the burrito one of the best options on the Taco Bell menu, so it should come as no surprise that fans are devastated to see it go. “Taco Bell why do you do this to me,” a customer lamented in response to the discontinuation on Reddit. “I just need to mourn for a minute,” another wrote.
Which Taco Bell items have been discontinued?
The other Taco Bell items that have also been discontinued are the Beefy Melt Burrito, Fiesta Veggie Burrito, Chicken Chipotle Melt, and $5 Classic Combo. All four items were absent from the menu on Jan. 12.