Chicken Al Pastor: Keto-Friendly Chipotle Delights

Chipotle's chicken al pastor is a popular menu item, but is it keto-friendly? Chicken al pastor is made with fresh chicken, a rich marinade of seared morita peppers, ground achiote, and a splash of pineapple, lime, and cilantro. While it offers a bold blend of flavours, the presence of pineapple juice in each serving means it may not be suitable for those on a keto diet.

Chipotle's Chicken al Pastor nutrition facts

Chipotle's Chicken al Pastor is a new menu item made with spicy adobo chicken, seared morita peppers, ground achiote, pineapple, fresh lime, and hand-chopped cilantro. This protein-rich dish can be ordered as part of any burrito, burrito bowl, salad, quesadilla, or tacos.

A 4-ounce serving of chicken al pastor contains 200 calories, with a calorie breakdown of 48% fat, 8% carbs, and 44% protein. It also contains 3 grams of saturated fat, 2 grams of added sugar, and 820 milligrams of sodium.

Compared to other protein options at Chipotle, chicken al pastor falls in the middle in terms of calories and protein content. However, it stands out as the highest-sodium protein option on the menu, delivering more than one-third of the recommended daily sodium intake.

For those on a keto diet, it is important to note that each serving of chicken al pastor contains pineapple juice, which is not typically considered keto-friendly. If you are looking for a keto-friendly option at Chipotle, they offer two Lifestyle Bowls: The Wholesome Bowl and the Keto Salad Bowl.

How does it compare to regular chicken?

Chipotle's Chicken Al Pastor is a limited-time offering that differs from the chain's regular chicken in several ways. Firstly, it features a rich marinade of seared morita peppers, ground achiote, and pineapple juice, giving it a unique flavour profile that balances heat with a hint of sweetness. This additional sauce does mean that you get a little less chicken per serving, which results in a lower protein content compared to the regular chicken option.

In terms of nutrition, the Chicken Al Pastor has 24 more calories, 4 more grams of fat, and 4 more grams of carbohydrates than the regular chicken. It also stands out for its higher sodium content, delivering more than one-third of the recommended daily intake. However, it's important to note that the difference in calories, fat, and carbohydrate content is relatively small.

The Chicken Al Pastor is also gluten-free, but it is not keto-friendly due to the presence of pineapple juice in the marinade. For those following a keto diet, Chipotle offers keto-friendly options such as the Wholesome Bowl and the Keto Salad Bowl.

The Chicken Al Pastor has received mixed reviews, with some customers praising its flavour and preferring it over the regular chicken. Others, however, find it too sweet for their taste, and some commenters mentioned that they would like to see it become a permanent fixture on the menu.

Is it keto-friendly?

Chipotle's Chicken al Pastor is not considered keto-friendly due to the presence of pineapple and pineapple juice in the marinade. Pineapple is not typically considered keto-friendly because it contains carbohydrates. Each serving of Chipotle's Chicken al Pastor contains pineapple juice, which can add to the overall carbohydrate content.

However, it is important to note that the keto diet allows for a certain amount of carbohydrates per day, and the contribution of pineapple juice may be within that limit. According to one source, keto dieters can consume up to 50 grams of carbohydrates per day. In this context, one could eat a significant amount of Chicken al Pastor and still remain within the carbohydrate limit.

Additionally, Chipotle offers keto-friendly options that do not contain pineapple or other ingredients that are typically avoided on a keto diet. These options include the Wholesome Bowl and the Keto Salad Bowl, which are designed to fit within the keto diet's guidelines.

While the presence of pineapple in the Chicken al Pastor may be a concern for strict keto dieters, the overall carbohydrate content of the dish may still be within the acceptable range for a keto diet. It is always important to check the nutritional information and ingredient list when determining whether a food item is suitable for a specific diet.

In conclusion, while Chipotle's Chicken al Pastor contains ingredients that are not typically considered keto-friendly, the overall carbohydrate content may still be within the acceptable range for a keto diet. For those who are strictly adhering to keto guidelines, Chipotle offers alternative options that are specifically designed to be keto-friendly.

What does it taste like?

Chipotle's Chicken al Pastor is described as having "the right amount of heat balanced with a splash of pineapple, fresh lime, and hand-chopped cilantro". The marinade is made with seared morita peppers and ground achiote, which are then balanced with a splash of pineapple juice, fresh lime, and cilantro. The chicken is grilled, and the final dish is said to be "juicy and aromatic with slightly smoky notes and a hint of fruitiness that evokes the flavour of traditional al pastor".

The combination of these ingredients creates a bold, spicy flavour with a hint of sweetness from the pineapple. The lime adds a citrusy tang, while the cilantro provides a fresh, herbal note. The morita peppers and ground achiote contribute to the smoky, spicy character of the dish.

Some customers have commented that the dish is "too sweet", with one person describing the flavour as "sweet [and] spicy". Another customer compared the taste to "bad spaghetti sauce", while others have called it their "favourite thing at Chipotle".

Chicken al Pastor is a variation on the traditional al pastor, which is typically made with pork. Chipotle's version offers a unique take on this classic Mexican dish, adding its signature adobo spice blend and a generous amount of pineapple to create a flavourful, spicy, and slightly sweet chicken dish.

What are the ingredients?

Chipotle's Chicken al Pastor is made with a variety of ingredients that come together to create a flavourful and aromatic dish. Here is a detailed breakdown of the ingredients used:

Spicy Adobo Chicken

The star of the dish is the chicken, which is marinated and grilled to perfection. Chipotle uses adobo-seasoned chicken, adding a signature spicy kick to the protein.

Morita Peppers

Seared morita peppers are a key component of the marinade. These peppers contribute a distinct smoky flavour and a mild to moderate level of spice.

Ground Achiote

Ground achiote, also known as annatto, is another essential ingredient in the marinade. It provides a vibrant orange-red colour and a subtle earthy, peppery taste.

Pineapple

A splash of pineapple juice is added to the marinade to balance the heat and lend a touch of sweetness. Pineapple is known for its tangy and tropical flavour.

Fresh Lime

Squeezes of fresh lime juice bring a bright, citrusy note to the marinade, enhancing the overall flavour profile.

Cilantro

Finely chopped cilantro, also known as coriander leaves, adds a fresh herbal aroma and a hint of citrusy flavour to the dish.

These ingredients are combined to create a bold and flavourful marinade that transforms the chicken. The result is a juicy and aromatic dish with a slightly smoky and fruity character, reminiscent of traditional al pastor.

While the key ingredients are listed above, Chipotle may use additional ingredients in their Chicken al Pastor to enhance the flavour and texture. The specific measurements and preparation methods used by Chipotle contribute to the unique taste and experience of their Chicken al Pastor.

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