A new fast-food favorite? Some fans think they’ve seen this dish before
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Fast-food chains are constantly experimenting with bold flavors to keep customers excited.
Sometimes, though, a “new” creation feels a little too familiar.
With a recent launch making waves, some are questioning whether this latest addition is truly original or just another spin on an already popular favorite.
Chipotle Mexican Grill has officially rolled out its Honey Chicken, a limited-time offering that blends Mexican spices, chipotle peppers, and pure honey.
According to Chris Brand, Chipotle’s chief brand officer, the dish was a major success in test markets.
"Chipotle Honey Chicken was our top performing limited time offer in test markets, and we're excited for guests to taste this bold, new protein with their go-to order," Brand said in a press release.
Brand also emphasized how the new item fits within Chipotle’s signature approach to food.
"The delicate balance of heat and a touch of sweet pairs perfe
ctly with our real ingredients prepared fresh every day," he added.
Unlike some promotions that require a loyalty program, Chipotle is making its Honey Chicken available to all customers.
The item is now rolling out in North America and the UK, with France and Germany joining the list starting March 12.
This move is a departure from Chipotle’s usual approach, where limited-time menu items often debut exclusively to Chipotle Rewards members before becoming widely available.
Chipotle’s launch comes one month after KFC unveiled its own honey-infused menu items—the Mike’s Hot Honey lineup.
The KFC collaboration introduced a sweet-and-spicy take on fried chicken, using a honey-based sauce that quickly became a fan favorite.
Catherine Tan-Gillespie, Chief Marketing Officer at KFC US, described the pairing as "food alchemy that’s meant to be", highlighting the contrast of crispy, juicy fried chicken with the bold kick of honey heat.
Mike Kurtz, founder of Mike’s Hot Honey, also celebrated the collaboration, saying, "The sweet heat pairs perfectly with their Original Recipe chicken and I am so happy everyone will have an opportunity to enjoy this delicious combination."
While both brands are riding the honey chicken wave, fans have taken to social media to weigh in.
One Instagram user reacted enthusiastically to Chipotle’s launch, saying, "Just when we were going to stop buying lunches out."
Another noted the timing, writing, "THAT’S ON MY BIRTHDAYYY THANK YOU CHIPOTLE."
Early customers who tried the dish gave positive feedback. "I just made it and it’s 10/10, I like the taste," one person wrote, while another joked, "I saved all my points for this moment."
However, some couldn’t ignore the similarities between the two launches. A couple user asked, Mike Kurtz “thought of the idea himself".
Despite the strong response, Chipotle has confirmed that Honey Chicken will only be available for a limited time.
This marketing strategy isn’t new—the chain has used similar rollouts to generate buzz and drive sales for past items like Carne Asada and Pollo Asado.
The Honey Chicken launch follows a record-breaking year for Chipotle, which reported $11.3 billion in worldwide revenue in 2024.
CEO Scott Boatwright shared that the company is continuing to expand, with over 300 new restaurants opened last year and projections for up to 345 new locations in 2025.
Boatwright also noted a 13.1% increase in revenue during the fourth quarter, reinforcing Chipotle’s position as one of the fastest-growing fast-food chains.
Chipotle’s Honey Chicken and KFC’s Mike’s Hot Honey are both part of a growing trend—sweet and spicy menu items that cater to shifting consumer tastes.
Whether one brand will outshine the other remains to be seen, but for now, fans have plenty to savor—at least until these limited-time items disappear from the menu.
Have you tried Chipotle’s Honey Chicken or KFC’s Mike’s Hot Honey? Which one do you think comes out on top? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—let’s talk about what makes the ultimate sweet-and-spicy meal.
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Sometimes, though, a “new” creation feels a little too familiar.
With a recent launch making waves, some are questioning whether this latest addition is truly original or just another spin on an already popular favorite.
Chipotle Mexican Grill has officially rolled out its Honey Chicken, a limited-time offering that blends Mexican spices, chipotle peppers, and pure honey.
According to Chris Brand, Chipotle’s chief brand officer, the dish was a major success in test markets.
Chipotle enters the honey chicken showdown. Image source: Chipotle Mexican Grill / www.newsroom.chipotle.com
"Chipotle Honey Chicken was our top performing limited time offer in test markets, and we're excited for guests to taste this bold, new protein with their go-to order," Brand said in a press release.
Brand also emphasized how the new item fits within Chipotle’s signature approach to food.
"The delicate balance of heat and a touch of sweet pairs perfe
ctly with our real ingredients prepared fresh every day," he added.
Unlike some promotions that require a loyalty program, Chipotle is making its Honey Chicken available to all customers.
The item is now rolling out in North America and the UK, with France and Germany joining the list starting March 12.
This move is a departure from Chipotle’s usual approach, where limited-time menu items often debut exclusively to Chipotle Rewards members before becoming widely available.
Chipotle’s launch comes one month after KFC unveiled its own honey-infused menu items—the Mike’s Hot Honey lineup.
The KFC collaboration introduced a sweet-and-spicy take on fried chicken, using a honey-based sauce that quickly became a fan favorite.
Catherine Tan-Gillespie, Chief Marketing Officer at KFC US, described the pairing as "food alchemy that’s meant to be", highlighting the contrast of crispy, juicy fried chicken with the bold kick of honey heat.
Mike Kurtz, founder of Mike’s Hot Honey, also celebrated the collaboration, saying, "The sweet heat pairs perfectly with their Original Recipe chicken and I am so happy everyone will have an opportunity to enjoy this delicious combination."
While both brands are riding the honey chicken wave, fans have taken to social media to weigh in.
One Instagram user reacted enthusiastically to Chipotle’s launch, saying, "Just when we were going to stop buying lunches out."
Another noted the timing, writing, "THAT’S ON MY BIRTHDAYYY THANK YOU CHIPOTLE."
Early customers who tried the dish gave positive feedback. "I just made it and it’s 10/10, I like the taste," one person wrote, while another joked, "I saved all my points for this moment."
However, some couldn’t ignore the similarities between the two launches. A couple user asked, Mike Kurtz “thought of the idea himself".
Despite the strong response, Chipotle has confirmed that Honey Chicken will only be available for a limited time.
This marketing strategy isn’t new—the chain has used similar rollouts to generate buzz and drive sales for past items like Carne Asada and Pollo Asado.
The Honey Chicken launch follows a record-breaking year for Chipotle, which reported $11.3 billion in worldwide revenue in 2024.
CEO Scott Boatwright shared that the company is continuing to expand, with over 300 new restaurants opened last year and projections for up to 345 new locations in 2025.
Boatwright also noted a 13.1% increase in revenue during the fourth quarter, reinforcing Chipotle’s position as one of the fastest-growing fast-food chains.
Chipotle’s Honey Chicken and KFC’s Mike’s Hot Honey are both part of a growing trend—sweet and spicy menu items that cater to shifting consumer tastes.
Whether one brand will outshine the other remains to be seen, but for now, fans have plenty to savor—at least until these limited-time items disappear from the menu.
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