The Most Popular Meat at Chipotle, Ranked

Choose the meat you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:43
Welcome to StrawPoll, where your opinions are the main ingredient! Today, we're spicing things up with a sizzling showdown of Chipotle's mouthwatering meats. Are you craving the tender, juicy goodness of barbacoa, or do you prefer the smoky, grilled perfection of carne asada? Perhaps the slow-cooked succulence of carnitas has your taste buds dancing, or maybe the classic, robust flavor of chicken is your go-to choice. No matter your preference, we're rolling up the ultimate burrito of opinions in our quest to find the most popular meat at Chipotle. So, get ready to sink your teeth into this tasty ranking, cast your vote, and even suggest a missing option that you think deserves a spot at the table. Join the feast of flavors and let your voice be heard!

What Is the Most Popular Meat at Chipotle?

  1. 1
    46
    votes
    According to Chipotle's website, grilled chicken is the most popular protein option at the restaurant. It's a lean and healthy choice, and pairs well with a variety of toppings.
    Chicken is a widely consumed type of poultry meat that is loved for its tender and flavorful characteristics. It is commonly used in various cuisines around the world and boasts versatility in cooking methods and dishes. Chicken meat is typically light in color, with a mild taste that can be enhanced with different seasonings and marinades. It is a lean source of protein and is known to provide essential nutrients like vitamins B6 and B12, iron, and zinc.
    • Species: Gallus gallus domesticus
    • Average Weight: 2.5-3.5 pounds (1.1-1.6 kg)
    • Average Lifespan (in the wild): 3-7 years
    • Feeding Type: Omnivore
    • Popular Breeds: Broilers, Cornish Cross, Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Rock
  2. 2
    33
    votes
    Chipotle's steak is also very popular, and is a great option for those looking for a heartier meal. It's seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked to perfection on the grill.
    Steak is a mouthwatering dish made from a thick slice of high-quality beef, typically grilled or pan-seared. It is renowned for its rich flavor and tender texture, making it a favorite among meat lovers worldwide. The steak is often served with various accompaniments, such as vegetables, sauces, or potatoes.
    • Cut of Meat: Steak can be made from different cuts of beef, including filet mignon, ribeye, sirloin, and T-bone.
    • Preparation: Steak is typically seasoned with salt and pepper and then cooked to the desired level of doneness. It can be grilled, pan-seared, broiled, or cooked sous vide.
    • Doneness Levels: Steak can be cooked to various degrees of doneness, ranging from rare to well-done. Some common doneness levels include rare, medium-rare, medium, medium-well, and well-done.
    • Grilling Time: The grilling time of a steak depends on its thickness and desired doneness. On average, a 1-inch thick steak cooked to medium-rare takes about 4-5 minutes per side on a hot grill.
    • Serving Style: Steak can be served on its own as the main course or accompanied by side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad.
  3. 3
    22
    votes
    This slow-cooked pork is a favorite for many Chipotle customers. It's tender and flavorful, and pairs well with the restaurant's signature salsas and toppings.
    Carnitas is a popular Mexican dish made from slow-cooked pork, typically shoulder or other cuts, seasoned with various spices. The meat is simmered until tender and then fried or roasted to achieve a crispy exterior while retaining its juicy and flavorful interior. This versatile dish is commonly served as tacos, tortas, or as a filling for other traditional Mexican dishes.
    • Meat: Pork, usually shoulder or other cuts.
    • Cooking method: Slow-cooked until tender, then fried or roasted.
    • Flavor profile: Rich, savory, and succulent.
    • Texture: Crispy exterior and juicy interior.
    • Seasoning: Various spices, such as oregano, cumin, garlic, and citrus juices.
  4. 4
    24
    votes
    Another popular meat option at Chipotle, barbacoa is made with slow-cooked beef that's seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs. It's a great choice for those looking for a more savory, robust flavor.
    Barbacoa is a popular menu item at Chipotle, known for its flavorful and tender slow-cooked beef. It is made from braised beef, marinated with chipotle peppers, garlic, cumin, and other spices, giving it a rich and savory taste. The Barbacoa is crafted using traditional Mexican cooking techniques, resulting in a delicious and hearty dish.
    • Meat Type: Beef
    • Cooking Method: Slow-cooked
    • Flavor Profile: Savory and Spicy
    • Marinade Ingredients: Chipotle peppers, garlic, cumin, spices
    • Preparation Style: Braised
  5. 5
    20
    votes
    For vegetarians and vegans, Chipotle's sofritas are a great option. They're made with organic tofu that's braised with chipotle chiles, roasted poblanos, and a blend of spices.
    Sofritas is a popular item at Chipotle, known for its delicious and flavorful plant-based protein option. It is made with organic tofu that is shredded and marinated in a spicy and smoky blend of spices, including chipotle peppers.
    • Plant-based Protein: Made with organic tofu
    • Flavor: Spicy and smoky
    • Spices: Includes chipotle peppers
    • Versatility: Can be customized with various toppings and fillings
    • Texture: Shredded for a satisfying mouthfeel
  6. 6
    7
    votes

    Baja Shrimp

    Chipotle Mexican Grill
    This newer addition to the menu has quickly become a fan favorite. The shrimp is seasoned with a blend of spices and grilled to perfection, before being topped with Chipotle's signature salsas and guacamole.
    The Baja Shrimp is a popular meat option at Chipotle, known for its delicious flavors and succulent shrimp. It is a Mexican-inspired dish created to provide a seafood alternative for Chipotle customers. The Baja Shrimp features tender, juicy shrimp seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked to perfection. It is served with a variety of fresh toppings and sauces, allowing for a customizable experience. The flavorful combination of spices, shrimp, and toppings makes the Baja Shrimp a favorite choice among Chipotle enthusiasts.
    • Spice Level: Mild to medium
    • Protein Content (approximate): Varies based on customization
    • Main Ingredient: Shrimp
    • Preparation Method: Seasoned and cooked
    • Flavor Profile: Savory and Mexican-inspired
  7. 7
    7
    votes
    While no longer available at all Chipotle locations, chorizo was a popular meat option for a time. It's a spicy, flavorful sausage that paired well with the restaurant's other toppings and salsas.
    Chorizo is a popular sausage originating from Spain. It is typically made from pork, although variations with other meats or a combination may exist. The sausage is seasoned with a variety of spices, including smoked paprika, garlic, and chili powder, which give it a rich and bold flavor. Chorizo can be enjoyed in various ways, such as grilling, frying, or incorporating it into stews and other dishes.
    • Origin: Iberian Peninsula, Spain
    • Meat: Primarily pork, sometimes beef or a combination
    • Seasoning: Smoked paprika, garlic, chili powder, and other spices
    • Flavor: Rich, bold, and slightly spicy
    • Cooking methods: Grilling, frying, or incorporating into various dishes
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    Queso Blanco
    Geoff · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Queso Blanco

    Chipotle
    While not technically a meat option, Chipotle's queso blanco has become a popular addition to many customers' orders. It's a creamy, cheesy sauce that pairs well with all of the restaurant's other ingredients.
    Queso Blanco is a creamy, mild white cheese sauce served at Chipotle. It is made with a blend of Monterey Jack and white cheddar cheeses, and has a rich and smooth texture. The sauce is slightly tangy, with hints of jalapeno and mild spices for flavor. Queso Blanco is a popular topping option for burritos, bowls, tacos, and chips at Chipotle.
    • Cheese Blend: Monterey Jack and white cheddar
    • Texture: Smooth and creamy
    • Flavor: Mild with a slight tang and hints of jalapeno
    • Usage: Topping for burritos, bowls, tacos, and chips
    • Color: White
    Queso Blanco in other rankings
  9. 9
    7
    votes
    Black Beans
    Takeaway · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Black Beans

    Chipotle Mexican Grill
    For those looking for a vegetarian protein option, Chipotle's black beans are a great choice. They're cooked with a blend of spices and herbs, and pair well with the restaurant's other toppings and salsas.
    Black beans is a vegetarian protein option offered at Chipotle. It is a staple ingredient in many of their dishes. The black beans used at Chipotle are cooked with onion, garlic, cumin, and other spices to give them a flavorful and savory taste.
    • Protein Content: 7 grams per 4-ounce serving
    • Calories: 120 calories per 4-ounce serving
    • Fat: 1 gram per 4-ounce serving
    • Dietary Fiber: 8 grams per 4-ounce serving
    • Sodium: 240 milligrams per 4-ounce serving
    Black Beans in other rankings
  10. 10
    4
    votes
    Like the black beans, Chipotle's brown rice is a great vegetarian option. It's a healthy and filling choice, and pairs well with all of the restaurant's other ingredients.
    Brown rice is a type of whole grain rice that has a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture. It is a healthier alternative to white rice due to its higher fiber and nutrient content. Brown rice is one of the options offered at Chipotle as a base for their burrito bowls, tacos, and salads.
    • Type: Whole grain rice
    • Flavor: Nutty
    • Texture: Slightly chewy
    • Health benefits: Higher fiber and nutrient content compared to white rice
    • Usage: Base for burrito bowls, tacos, and salads

Missing your favorite meat?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for popular meat

  1. Versatility
    Consider the different menu items and how well the meat options complement these dishes. The more versatile a meat is in terms of pairing with other ingredients, the more likely it is to be popular among customers.
  2. Nutritional content
    The popularity of a meat option could also be influenced by its nutritional content, as customers are increasingly making healthier choices. Health-conscious customers may prefer leaner meats like chicken over more calorie-dense options like barbacoa or carnitas.
  3. Availability and consistency
    Make sure to consider the availability and consistency of meat options at different Chipotle locations. If a meat option is not consistently available or varies in quality from one location to another, it could affect its popularity.
  4. Marketing and promotions
    Analyze the impact of any marketing campaigns and promotions by Chipotle that feature a particular meat option. These efforts could influence the popularity of a specific meat.
  5. Dietary preferences
    Consider the dietary preferences of Chipotle's customer base. Some meats may be more popular among customers following specific diets or lifestyles, such as gluten-free, low-carb, or plant-based diets.
  6. Pricing
    The cost of different meat options could also influence their popularity. If one meat is significantly more expensive than another, it may be less popular among customers.
  7. Cultural and regional preferences
    Different regions and cultures may have varying preferences for certain types of meat. Take these differences into account when assessing the popularity of different meat options at Chipotle locations.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular meat at Chipotle. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or meat is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2514 views
  • 163 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each meat once every 24 hours. The rank of each meat is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular meat at chipotle

Chipotle is a fast-casual restaurant chain known for its customizable burritos, bowls, and tacos. With a focus on using fresh and responsibly sourced ingredients, Chipotle has become a popular choice for those who want a quick and delicious meal on the go. One of the key ingredients that sets Chipotle apart from other fast-food chains is its meat options, which include chicken, steak, barbacoa, carnitas, and sofritas (a vegetarian option made from tofu). With so many delicious options to choose from, it's no wonder that Chipotle's meat choices are a popular topic of discussion among its fans. In this article, we will explore which meat option reigns supreme at Chipotle and why.

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