Chipotle Chorizo Review

Chorizo is a type of Mexican pork that’s fully cooked and cured. It’s known for its spicy flavor and is commonly enjoyed during breakfast or included in various dishes. It’s a bit like sausage, but unlike sausage, which is uncooked and flavored with fennel or anise, chorizo brings a more intense spiciness to the table.

It is Prepared with a mix of pork and white meat chicken, Chipotle’s chorizo is created with genuine ingredients. They add paprika, toasted cumin, and chipotle peppers for flavor, then cook it on a hot grill for a delicious charred finish. Chorizo can be added to any dish, including burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, and salads. The chain goes for responsibly raised pork and chicken for their chorizo, which means the animals are treated well, just like their other meats.

I had heard so much talk about Chipotle’s Chorizo that I finally decided to give it a try and find out what all the fuss was about. I went for a taco, loaded with the Chorizo and cheese. To make it even more exciting, I added corn, fresh tomato, black beans, and onion.

History and Inspiration

Though chorizo was initially received well, its success was short-lived. Chipotle announced in September of 2017 that it was removing chorizo from the menu and replacing it with queso. But this move wasn’t popular with customers who didn’t particularly like the chain’s version of queso at that point.

Chipotle’s chorizo was a great addition to many Mexican food flavors, giving one more delicious meat option for burritos, tacos, and burrito bowls, and it could also be combined with other signature ingredients. While it wasn’t a favorite item, it sold well and received decent reviews, so why remove it? Chipotle customers felt that if the chain were going to discontinue menu items, then it should replace them with better ones – and the newly-released queso wasn’t cutting it.

A year after this disappointing news, Chipotle decided to re-release their chorizo in 2018. Chris Brandt, chief marketing officer at Chipotle, said, “As part of our overall commitment to menu innovation and delivering the craveable food our customers love, we’re spicing things up and bringing chorizo back to our menu.”

Types of Chipotle Chorizo

While there is only one type of chorizo at Chipotle, it can be added to any dish, including burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, and salads.

Chorizo Ingredients

Chipotle Peppers: This brings smokiness and a gentle spice. Chipotle peppers make chorizo from ordinary to extraordinary.

Toasted cumin: Toasted cumin gives the chorizo a warm and earthy taste.

Spanish Smoked Paprika: The smoky notes of Spanish smoked paprika imparts complexity, transporting your palate to a culinary adventure.

Chipotle Chorizo Review

Flavor and Taste

When I got to try Chipotle’s chorizo, I was excited to see how it looked and tasted. As for how it felt and tasted in my mouth, the chorizo had a somewhat firm but crumbly texture. It was a little dry, but the inside was soft and easy to chew. Imagine something like well-cooked ground beef with a Mexican twist. It had a salty taste, and you could notice the flavors of cumin, paprika, garlic, onion, and a bit of spiciness. But don’t worry, it’s not too hot – just enough to give it a little kick without making your mouth burn. There’s also a hint of smokiness that adds to the taste, and it goes really well in a taco, burrito, or a burrito bowl.

Nutrition Facts

In a 4-ounce serving of Chipotle’s Chorizo:

• Calories – 300
• Total Fat – 13 g
• Saturated fat – 5 g
• Cholesterol – 150 mg
• Sodium – 810 mg
• Carbohydrates – 24 g
• Net carbs – 19 g
• Sugar – 3 g
• Fiber – 5 g
• Protein – 14 g

Serving Suggestions

Want a pro tip? If you’re worried about the saltiness, load up on veggies to balance it out. I’m talking about fresh veggies, and adding more cheese. If you’re not particularly fond of spicy food, an effective trick to mellow out this is by considering a side of guacamole with your Chipotle order; it tends to balance the spiciness of chorizo quite nicely. It’s like building your flavor palette, and it’s a whole lot of fun.

Protein

Now, let’s talk about protein – that keeps us fueled up. This chorizo gem packs a punch with 14 grams of protein per 4 oz serving. It’s a great choice for those who want a protein boost without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Is chorizo healthy?

On a scale of 1 to 5, I’d rate it a 2. Sadly, when it comes to healthy choices, Chipotle’s chorizo isn’t at the top of the list. It’s actually one of the less healthy options for protein on their menu. If you have a 4-ounce serving, you’ll be having 300 calories and 13 grams of fat. The sodium level is also quite high compared to other choices – it’s at 810 milligrams.

Sure, the chorizo does have a good amount of protein, which is a plus. But here’s the catch: the chicken option has just as much protein, and it comes with only half the fat and calories. So, if you’re looking for a healthier option, you might want to consider other choices on the menu.

Worth the Bite?

So, is it worth it? I’d say it’s worth it to try at least once. At just $7.50, this was a budget-friendly treat. Keep in mind that prices vary depending on the location, and it might cost you more than $7.50 at your location.

The portion size was generous, and the flavors justified the cost. For the taste and satisfaction it brought, the price was a small investment that I’d gladly make again.

To wrap things up, Chipotle’s Chorizo is more than just food. With its amazing flavors and textures, plus that special Chipotle touch, it’s amazing. So, if you’re up for yummy food, give it a go. You won’t be disappointed!

What are your thoughts on the Chipotle Chorizo? Have you had the chance to experience it while it’s featured on the menu? How do you personally enjoy savoring it, and how does it stack up against other protein choices offered by the chain? Feel free to share your insights and opinions in the comment section below – eager to hear your perspective!