COLES DROPS A MEXICAN-STYLE ROAST CHICKEN TODAY AND TACO NIGHT JUST GOT EASIER
If the hot roast chicken is your weeknight lifesaver, today's news is going to make you smile.
Coles has teamed up with Old El Paso on a Mexican-inspired roast chicken, and it lands in stores across the country from today, Wednesday 4 November.
The new chook is seasoned with Old El Paso's signature flavours, so you can turn a supermarket staple into tacos, wraps or nachos with almost no effort.
It's a clever pairing, because both products already have a loyal following.
According to Coles, its Hot Roast Chicken is the second most popular product across its stores nationally, while Old El Paso is the best-selling brand in its Mexican range.
How Much Is The New Roast Chicken?
The Old El Paso Hot Roast Chicken will cost $14.50.
For the first two weeks, though, Coles is offering it at an introductory price of $13.50, so it's worth grabbing one early if you're curious.
You'll find it in the hot chicken cabinet at all Coles stores, and it's also available to order through Uber Eats.
Don't leave it too long, either.
It's a limited-edition flavour that will only be around for four months, or while stocks last.
Why Dinner At Home Is Having A Moment
The launch taps neatly into the way many of us are eating right now.
Research cited by Coles found that 72 per cent of Australians already enjoy Mexican food at home as a mid-week meal.
Meanwhile, the supermarket's own customer sentiment tracker found that 59 per cent of its shoppers are cutting back on takeaway and eating out.
In other words, plenty of families are looking for something that feels like a treat without the delivery fees.
Coles product developer Suzanne De Monte said hot roast chickens are "already a go-to for busy nights", and described the new flavour as a fresh take on a much-loved staple.
General Mills marketing director Surini Perera called it "a delicious new way to bring taco night to the table".
Easy Ways To Use Your Mexican Roast Chicken
Coles says you can have dinner on the table in under 15 minutes, and you don't need to be a whizz in the kitchen to pull it off.
Here are a few simple ideas to get you started.
Make soft tacos by shredding the chicken and piling it into warm tortillas with crunchy lettuce, grated cheese, diced tomato and a squeeze of lime.
Roll up quick wraps for school or work lunches the next day, adding avocado, corn and a dollop of Greek yoghurt.
Build a big salad bowl with cos lettuce, black beans, capsicum, red onion and a zesty lime dressing for a lighter option.
Go all out with loaded nachos, layering corn chips, chicken, cheese and beans, then baking until bubbly before finishing with sour cream and coriander.
And of course, there's always the option of eating it straight from the bag, which Coles cheerfully admits is a perfectly valid choice.
A Long Line Of Flavoured Chooks
This isn't the first time Coles has played with its famous hot chook.
Over the years, the supermarket has rolled out flavours including peri-peri, Southern Style, Honey BBQ and even a Vegemite BBQ version.
Earlier in 2026, it also trialled a Butter Chicken Hot Roast Chicken, which divided reviewers who wanted a little more spice.
Coles even released a Mexican-seasoned chicken back in 2020, so this latest launch is something of a comeback with a well-known brand name attached.
As with any new flavour, taste is personal, so the best way to decide is to try it for yourself.
Our Tips For Getting The Most Out Of It
Buy it during the introductory fortnight to save a dollar, and check your local store early in the evening, when the cabinet is usually well stocked.
Strip any leftover meat from the bones while it's still warm, as it's much easier to shred.
Keep the carcass for a simple homemade stock, which is a thrifty way to stretch your grocery budget even further.
For more serving ideas and the full range, visit the Coles website, and happy taco night.
