What is the best protein at Chipotle?

November 14, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition data, Chipotle's grilled chicken is consistently rated as one of the best proteins for both its high protein content and lean profile. However, taste and dietary needs are subjective, which means the best protein at Chipotle depends on your personal preferences and health goals.

Quick Summary

A comparison of Chipotle's protein options based on flavor, nutritional value, and consistency. The best choice depends on your personal priorities, whether it's max protein, a plant-based diet, or overall taste. We break down the details on chicken, steak, barbacoa, and sofritas.

Key Points

For Flavor: Barbacoa and limited-time offerings like Chipotle Honey Chicken are often the most flavorful proteins.
For Health: Grilled chicken offers the best combination of high protein and low fat, making it ideal for macros and weight management.
For Consistency: Standard chicken is known for its reliable juiciness and flame-grilled flavor, with steak being more inconsistent.
For Plant-Based Diets: Sofritas are a savory vegan option, but adding black and pinto beans can significantly boost protein and fiber.
Customization is Key: The right protein is only one part of the meal; consider other ingredients to balance calories, fat, and fiber according to your goals.
Best Value: Standard chicken is often the most cost-effective option for a balanced, high-protein meal.
Consider your base: Choosing a bowl or salad instead of a burrito can lower calories, letting you focus more on the protein and toppings.

Navigating the Chipotle Protein Selection

Choosing a protein at Chipotle is often the first and most critical step in building your meal, whether it's a burrito, bowl, or tacos. The right choice can drastically affect the flavor profile, nutritional impact, and overall satisfaction of your order. From classic grilled chicken to the more adventurous Sofritas, each option offers a unique experience.

The All-Around Champion: Chicken

Chipotle's grilled chicken is often cited as a top contender for a reason. Made with chicken thighs, it delivers a consistent, juicy, and flame-grilled flavor. For those prioritizing high protein and low fat, the standard chicken is an excellent choice. In 2025, Chipotle even introduced a limited-time Chipotle Honey Chicken, which was highly praised for its complex sweet and spicy flavors. While the regular chicken may not be the most exciting, its reliability and nutritional value make it a safe and smart bet every time.

For the Beef Lover: Steak and Barbacoa

Beef options provide a different level of richness and flavor. The standard steak is a variable option—when it's good, it's tender and delicious; when it's bad, it can be chewy. For many beef enthusiasts, the Barbacoa offers a more consistent and flavorful experience. Braised and shredded, the barbacoa provides a succulent, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is both savory and deeply spiced. For a more premium beef option, the periodic return of Carne Asada or Brisket has excited fans, though consistency can sometimes be an issue.

The Plant-Based Powerhouse: Sofritas and Beans

Chipotle ensures that vegetarian and vegan diners have flavorful, protein-rich options. Sofritas, made from braised tofu with chipotle chilis and roasted poblanos, offer a savory and subtly spicy plant-based protein. While some critics find the texture inconsistent, it remains the dedicated vegan protein choice. However, one of the most reliable and underrated sources of protein comes from the beans. Both black and pinto beans are excellent additions to any meal, providing a significant protein and fiber boost while keeping calories in check.

Comparison of Chipotle Proteins


Protein	Flavor Profile	Consistency	Grams of Protein (4oz)	Calories (4oz)	Best For...
Chicken	Adobo-marinated, smoky, reliable	High	32g	180	All-around, high-protein, low-fat option.
Steak	Adobo-marinated, grilled, beefy	Inconsistent	30g	190	Beef lovers, but a gamble on quality.
Barbacoa	Braised, shredded beef, savory, spicy	High	24g	170	Melt-in-your-mouth texture, consistent flavor.
Carnitas	Braised pork, juicy, flavorful	Inconsistent	26g	210	Pork fans, but can sometimes be dry.
Sofritas	Braised tofu, savory, spicy	High	10g	150	Plant-based diets and vegans.

How to Choose Your Protein

For the flavor purist, the Chipotle Honey Chicken (if available) or the consistently tender Barbacoa are often the highest-rated choices. If a classic, reliable taste is your priority, you can't go wrong with the standard grilled chicken.

For the health-conscious diner, grilled chicken is a clear winner due to its high protein-to-calorie ratio. However, if you are looking for an even leaner option, steak is a close runner-up with a slightly lower protein count but fewer calories than chicken. Plant-based eaters will find Sofritas a great choice, though you can supplement with a double portion or add beans to boost protein.

For those on a budget, regular chicken is usually the most cost-effective option, offering a great balance of flavor and value. Ultimately, there is no single "best" protein, but rather the best choice for your personal dietary needs, taste preferences, and budget.

Conclusion: Your Personal Best Protein at Chipotle

Choosing the best protein at Chipotle isn't about finding a single universal answer, but rather aligning your choice with your personal priorities. If flavor and consistency are paramount, the tender, shredded barbacoa is a top pick, while the limited-time Chipotle Honey Chicken often earns the highest marks when available. For those focused on nutrition, the standard grilled chicken offers a lean, high-protein option that reliably satisfies. Vegetarians and vegans have a solid, albeit texturally different, option in the savory Sofritas. The right choice is ultimately a delicious and personal one. The next time you're in line, consider what you're craving most: flavor, lean macros, or a plant-based fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

The healthiest protein at Chipotle is generally considered to be the standard grilled chicken due to its high protein content and lean profile. Steak and barbacoa are also relatively lean and low-calorie compared to other options like carnitas.

Many people find the Barbacoa to be the most flavorful and tender, known for its rich, savory, and spicy notes. The limited-time Chipotle Honey Chicken was also highly praised for its complex and balanced flavor profile when available.

The standard grilled chicken typically offers the highest amount of protein per 4 oz serving compared to other meats. A double portion is a popular choice for those looking to maximize their protein intake.

Sofritas is a plant-based protein option made from shredded tofu braised with chipotle chilis, roasted poblanos, and a blend of spices. It is the primary vegan protein offered at Chipotle.

The consistency of Chipotle's steak can be variable. When cooked correctly, it is tender and delicious, but some customers report it can occasionally be chewy or tough.

Yes, vegetarians can build a protein-rich meal by ordering Sofritas, and adding a double portion of beans, which are high in both protein and fiber.

Yes, both black beans and pinto beans are excellent, and cost-effective, sources of protein and fiber that contribute significantly to the overall nutritional value of your meal.