Chipotle Secret Menu: Customization Hacks and Order Ideas

Chipotle does not publish a secret menu. What people call the "secret menu" is a set of customization hacks: ways to combine the standard ingredients differently, such as a burrito bowl with a tortilla on the side, or a quesadilla filled with a bowl-style build. Because these are special requests, no restaurant is required to honor them, and what is possible depends on the location, the crew and how busy it is.

Hacks, not menu items

Creative combinations from the standard ingredients. Ask politely, and expect that some will not be possible.

Typical prices updated Nov 6, 2026 · may vary by store

Everything on this page is a customization idea, not an official menu item. Availability varies by restaurant, and ordering in the app may not allow some of these. If your request is declined, a friendly "no problem" goes a long way.

What counts as a "secret menu" at Chipotle?

At restaurants with a fixed menu and a made-to-order line, there is not much to hide. The ingredients are the same for everyone. What changes is how you arrange them, and that is where the hacks come from. The following ideas are popular because they use items already on the line, which makes them easier for the team to fulfill.

Some ideas you will see online involve ingredients that are not on every line or items that require extra work. We leave out hacks that rely on unusual ingredients or that may be unsafe, and we focus on the ones that make sense with the standard setup.

Customization hacks

1. The bowl with a side tortilla

Order a burrito bowl and ask for a tortilla on the side, so that you can build a burrito yourself or dip it in the bowl. Some restaurants will do this for an extra charge, and some will not. It lets you control how much tortilla you eat. The tortilla alone is 320 calories, so it makes a difference.

2. The burrito in a bowl, "naked" style

Order the burrito filling in a bowl, but keep all the toppings you would put in a burrito. This is simply a bowl, and it is the easiest way to cut calories without changing flavor. See the bowl page.

3. The bowl quesadilla

Order a quesadilla and ask for it to be filled with rice, beans or other items from the line. Not all locations are able to do this, and the standard quesadilla is typically filled with cheese and protein only. The quesadilla page describes the standard version.

4. The extra crispy taco

If you like crunch, order crispy shells and ask for them to be doubled up, or order one crispy and two soft. Locations differ, so ask. Our tacos guide has more.

5. The fajita burrito

Ask for fajita vegetables as the main filling, with a protein and salsa. The vegetables add flavor for 20 calories per serving, so they are a good way to build volume. This is a regular order, just phrased in a different way.

6. The half-and-half

Ask for half of two proteins, such as half chicken and half steak. Some locations allow this and others charge for two portions, so ask what to expect. Combining proteins is a good way to try something new without committing to a full portion.

7. Chips and guac on the side

This is not a hack so much as a classic. A side of guacamole and a bag of chips is a snack in itself. Use the data from the chips and sides page to decide how much to order.

8. The crunchy burrito

Take a few chips and crush them into the burrito before it is wrapped. Some people do this at the table and others ask the team. It adds crunch, and it also adds 540 calories per full serving, so use a few chips only.

9. The salad "bowl" with rice

Order a salad and ask for rice and beans on top, so that you get a bowl on a bed of greens. This adds volume at lower calories than a bowl alone. See the salad page.

10. The extra salsa trio

Ask for a small side of two or three salsas to compare. Most locations are happy to give a taste, and some may charge for extra salsa. The salsa data on the nutrition tables shows how light they are.

Hacks by diet

If you eat a certain way, the most useful hacks are about what to remove. For low-carb, drop the rice and beans. For gluten-conscious orders, skip the flour tortilla. For plant-based meals, skip the dairy. These are covered in the keto and low-carb guide, the gluten-free guide and the vegan and vegetarian guide.

Tips for asking for a hack

  1. Be polite and specific. Say exactly what you want in the order they build it.
  2. Order in person for unusual requests. The app and the delivery apps only allow what is in the system.
  3. Avoid busy periods. At lunch rush, a team will have less time for custom requests.
  4. Expect a charge in some cases. Extra portions and add-ons are priced separately.
  5. Accept a "no." The team may not be able to do it for food safety or workflow reasons.
  6. Do not ask for ingredients that are not on the line. They simply will not have them.

Why we avoid claims about "off-menu" items

Chipotle has tested limited-time items and regional specials over the years, but we do not list items we cannot verify. If you see a list of "secret items" that the restaurants supposedly have to make, treat it with caution. The only reliable list of what is available at your restaurant is the app. For recent changes, see our menu updates page.

A few ways to make a standard order feel new

The best secret is usually simple. Try a different salsa than usual, switch between white and brown rice, move from chicken to carnitas, or order a bowl on a day you usually have a burrito. If you want new ideas, look at the best orders page for ten example builds.

Frequently asked questions

Does Chipotle have a secret menu?

Not officially. People use the term for customization hacks made from standard ingredients.

Are secret menu items guaranteed?

No. They are special requests, and staff may decline depending on the location and situation.

Can I order secret menu items in the app?

Usually only options in the app's customization screen are available. For unusual requests, order in person.

Will I be charged extra for hacks?

Sometimes. Extra portions and side items are charged separately, and prices vary by location.

What is a "quesadilla bowl"?

It is a request to fill a quesadilla with bowl-style ingredients. It is not on the menu, and many locations do not do it.

Is it rude to ask for custom orders?

Not at all, if you are polite and keep it simple. The line is built for customization.

Where can I see what is really on the menu?

The app shows the full list for your restaurant, and our guides summarize what is standard.

Are there any new secret items this year?

We do not track unofficial items. Check the app and the menu updates page for official changes we have seen.