How Much Does Double Chicken Cost at Chipotle? The Ultimate Guide

Want to add more protein to your Chipotle bowl or burrito? Adding double chicken is a tasty way to do it. But it’s helpful to know how much that extra scoop will cost before you buy it.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the typical cost of double chicken at Chipotle and all the factors that influence the price. Armed with the right intel, you can customize your next Chipotle order to maximize protein without busting your budget.

The Base Price of Double Chicken at Chipotle

At Chipotle, the base price for adding double chicken is around $3. 50 to $4. 50 across most locations. But it’s not a set price, so it may be different depending on the restaurant and city you’re in.

Some key price points

• In lower cost-of-living areas, double chicken may ring in around $3.50 to $4.00.

• In major urban centers like New York City or San Francisco expect to pay $4.00 to $4.50 or more.

• There may be times when sales or holiday deals lower the price by about a dollar for a short time.

These ranges aren’t exact, but they give you a good idea of how much double chicken will cost on top of your main dish, like a burrito, bowl, tacos, or salad.

Why Does Double Chicken Cost Extra at Chipotle?

You may be wondering, why does Chipotle charge extra for more chicken in the first place? There are a few key reasons:

• Increased food costs: More chicken means higher costs for ingredients. Chipotle factors this into the price.

• Labor: Taking the time to add another scoop or portion requires additional effort from employees, which Chipotle balances by charging more.

• Standard serving sizes: Corporate dictates standard protein serving sizes. Extra portions beyond this incur charges to deter over-portioning.

• Profit goals: As a business, Chipotle aims to achieve certain profit margins on menu items. The extra charge helps them reach targets.

So in short, the upcharge for double chicken isn’t arbitrary. It reflects the actual costs of providing more food and labor for customized orders.

What Impacts the Cost of Double Chicken?

While the base price typically falls between $3.50 and $4.50, several factors can cause the cost of double chicken to fluctuate:

Location

The biggest swing factor is geographic location. Prices in New York City or Los Angeles will almost always be higher than smaller towns due to higher operational costs and cost of living.

Ingredients, labor, rent, and other expenses tend to be pricier in major metros, leading to a higher double chicken upcharge. Proximity to Chipotle’s distribution centers can also influence ingredient costs in different regions.

Time of Year

During certain times of year, especially summer grilling season, the underlying price of chicken may rise due to higher demand. Chipotle may pass some of this increase onto customers through slightly higher pricing on protein items like double chicken.

Additionally, some locations may run limited-time seasonal specials that discount the price for a few months to drive sales.

So the season can indirectly impact pricing. Watch for summer markups or winter/holiday promotions.

Staffing Levels

When a Chipotle location is understaffed, the price for double chicken may edge up slightly to account for the increased time it takes overworked employees to assemble customized orders. When staffing is thin, the labor involved is more “costly” for the restaurant.

However, the impact is usually minor, just a quarter or fifty cents in most cases.

Local Competition

If competitor restaurants in the area offer similar servings of chicken at lower prices, Chipotle may strategically adjust their pricing to stay attractive to customers.

While not the biggest factor, local market forces can lead to small variations between regions.

Special Offers

Occasional online-only specials may discount double chicken for app users or email subscribers. For example, Chipotle sometimes offers free delivery or $2 off extras like guac or double protein through their mobile app.

It’s worth checking for special offers that could offset the upcharge. Signing up for their loyalty program can provide access to exclusive promos.

Tips for Ordering Double Chicken on a Budget

Want to get the most value when adding double chicken? Here are some tips:

• Order online for price transparency – The online ordering platform shows you the exact total before you pay. No surprise charges at the register.

• Downsize your base entrée – Order a bowl instead of a pricier burrito, or get a salad instead of a bowl to offset the double chicken upcharge.

• Skip extras like guac or queso – Cut out pricy add-ons to allocate more budget for extra protein. You can also ask for a light scoop of pricier ingredients.

• Load up on free toppings – Add extras like lettuce, salsa, beans, rice, and veggies to make your meal more filling without added cost. More bang for your buck!

• Take advantage of offers – Keep an eye out for location-specific specials or seasonal discounts posted on Chipotle’s app and website. Even $1 off can help.

• Use Chipotle Rewards – Earn points with every purchase to redeem for free entrees and sides. This can effectively offset the price of extras like double chicken over multiple visits.

How Much Protein is in Double Chicken?

So how much extra protein does doubling the chicken actually give you?

In a standard chicken bowl, you get around 35-55 grams of protein depending on toppings. Doubling the chicken can add roughly 25-40 additional grams of protein, so you’re looking at a total of 60-95 grams of protein in a double chicken bowl.

Of course, the precise amounts vary depending on your choice of bowl, burrito, or tacos and any other customizations. But roughly 1.5 to 2 times the regular protein amount is a safe estimate for double chicken.

For comparison, here are the protein amounts in standard chicken servings of popular Chipotle menu items:

• Chicken burrito: 35-45g protein

• Chicken bowl: 35-50g

• Chicken tacos: 35-40g (for 2 tacos)

• Chicken salad: 30-40g

So double chicken delivers a hefty protein punch! Just be aware of the extra sodium and calories that come along with it.

Alternatives for Adding Protein Without Paying Double

If you’re trying to limit carbs or increase protein, but don’t want to pay up for double chicken, here are some lower-cost hacks:

• Ask for extra beans, a healthy source of fiber and plant-based protein.

• Request extra veggies and salsa to bulk up your bowl without extra cost.

• Swap rice for lettuce to cut carbs and get extra vegetable nutrients.

• Order a salad instead of a burrito, but ask for extra chicken in the salad.

• Pick barbacoa or carnitas instead of chicken. You may get slightly larger portions with the same protein content for less money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does double chicken cost extra for other proteins too?

Yes, you’ll pay an upcharge to double up on steak, barbacoa, carnitas, etc. as well. The price varies based on the protein. Double steak usually costs more than double chicken, for example.

Can I get half chicken, half steak with double protein pricing?

Unfortunately, no. Even if you split between two proteins, you still pay the higher double protein upcharge based on the pricier meat.

Is the cost for double chicken the same for kids’ meals?

Not necessarily. Some locations charge less for double chicken in kids’ meals or don’t allow doubling the protein. Check with the specific restaurant.

Does Chipotle ever offer discounts on double chicken?

Occasionally, yes. They may run app deals like $2 off all extras, which can include double chicken. Sign up for their email list or rewards program for access to promotions.

Can I use a coupon or promotional code on double chicken?

You can, but read the fine print first. Many coupons exclude extra proteins or other customizations, so they may not apply to double chicken.

Is there a limit to how much extra chicken I can add?

Technically you can keep adding chicken, but at a certain point the serving sizes get unruly. Most locations won’t allow more than double chicken. Anything above that is at the discretion of the staff.

What if they run out of chicken?

If a location runs low on chicken, they’ll usually let you know upfront before you order. You can pick another protein or cancel the order. Running out is rare, but it can happen at busy times.

The Takeaway on Double Chicken at Chipotle

While the price ranges from $3.50 to $4.50 depending on your city, getting double chicken at Chipotle packs a substantial protein punch. Just be prepared for the premium price that comes along with the extra scoop.

With the cost breakdowns and tips provided above, you can customize your next Chipotle meal to get the perfect protein boost without blowing your budget. Add some extra beans, cut back on the rice, take advantage of seasonal deals, and double check prices on the app to maximize savings while still satisfying your gains!