KANSAS CITY — Restaurant operators are expanding their menus with a bevy of new food and beverage offerings.

Chipotle Mexican Grill is tapping into the sweet heat trend with the nationwide launch of its chipotle honey chicken following a successful round of product testing in 2024. The limited-time offering features chicken marinated in smoked chipotle peppers, seasoned with a Mexican spice blend and finished with honey.

“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,” said Chris Brandt, chief brand officer for Chipotle. “The delicate balance of heat and a touch of sweet pairs perfectly with our real ingredients prepared fresh every day.”

Chick-fil-A is getting a head start on seasonal flavors with a line of tropical-inspired pineapple dragon fruit beverages. The lineup includes a frosted lemonade variety, which mixes lemonade with Chick-fil-A’s Icedream dessert, a lemonade variety, an iced tea variety and a Sunjoy variety, which combines a blend of lemonade and sweetened iced tea with the pineapple and dragon fruit flavors.

“As warmer weather approaches, our guests are craving flavors that are reminiscent of longer, brighter days and time spent outside with family and friends,” said Allison Duncan, director of menu and packaging at Chick-fil-A.

Yum! Brands subsidiary Taco Bell is aiming to build off the success of its slow-roasted cantina chicken with the Caliente Cantina Chicken line. The heat-filled items feature a new Caliente sauce derived from red jalapeño peppers, with offerings such as chicken crispy tacos, chicken soft tacos, chicken burritos, chicken quesadillas and a chicken bowl.

“It’s been nearly a year since we launched the beloved Cantina Chicken Menu, and we knew it was time to turn up the heat,” said Liz Matthews, global chief food innovation officer at Taco Bell. “With the Caliente Cantina Chicken Menu, we’ve struck that balance, delivering a fresh, zesty, and flavor-packed take for those ready to embrace their bolder side.”