WOOLWORTHS' NEW MAD MEX HOT CHICKEN LANDS TODAY AND THE STUFFING IS A FIRST
If tonight's dinner plan is "grab a hot chicken on the way home", you might want to swing past Woolworths, because something new is waiting in the deli warmer.
From today, Monday November 16, the supermarket is selling a limited-edition Mad Mex Chilli and Lime Hot Chicken, made in partnership with the popular burrito chain.
And for the first time, the famous breadcrumb stuffing has been ditched altogether.
What makes this hot chicken different
According to Woolworths' announcement, the bird is marinated in lime and citrus before being finished with a Mexican paprika rub.
That rub brings a gentle hint of chilli and smoke rather than a fiery kick, so it should suit most family tables.
Inside, the usual stuffing has been replaced with seasoned Mexican rice mixed with tomato, sweet corn and green capsicum.
Woolworths deli merchandise manager Laura McLeod said it was the first time the supermarket had put rice stuffing in its roast chickens.
Mad Mex founder Clovis Young said the team was excited to put its own flavour twist on an Aussie classic.
Price and where to find it
The new chicken costs $13.50 for an introductory two-week period, before rising to $14.50.
It is available nationally at Woolworths supermarkets and Metro stores, as well as through the MILKRUN delivery app and website.
Because it is a limited edition, it won't stay on shelves forever, so if you're curious it's worth trying sooner rather than later.
You can check your local store's deli range on the Woolworths website.
The great supermarket chicken showdown
The launch comes hot on the heels of Coles, which released its own Old El Paso Hot Roast Chicken nationally from November 4.
As International Business Times points out, both supermarkets have priced their Mexican chooks at exactly the same $13.50 introductory price, rising to $14.50.
It seems the battle for the weeknight dinner shortcut is well and truly on.
Woolworths has form with quirky flavours too, having previously offered Garlic Bread, BBQ Memphis, Tandoori and Zeus Street Greek versions of its roast chicken.
The classic hot roast chicken itself first appeared in Woolworths stores back in 1960, so it has been a family dinner staple for more than six decades.
How to turn a hot chicken into a fiesta dinner
The beauty of a ready-cooked chook is how far it can stretch, and the Mexican rice stuffing gives you a head start.
Here are a few easy ideas to try at home.
Shred the meat and pile it into soft tortillas with the rice, shredded lettuce, grated cheese and a dollop of sour cream for speedy tacos.
Make burrito bowls by layering the rice stuffing with black beans, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Toss leftover chicken through a crunchy slaw with coriander, red onion and a zesty lime dressing for tomorrow's lunch box.
Stir any spare rice and chicken through a quick quesadilla filling, then toast it in a hot pan until golden and melty.
Serve with corn chips, salsa and a big green salad if you're feeding a crowd on a warm summer evening.
A quick food safety reminder
With the weather warming up, it pays to be careful with cooked chicken.
Try to get it home quickly rather than leaving it sitting in a hot car while you run other errands.
Pop any leftovers into a sealed container and get them into the fridge promptly.
If you're taking it to a picnic or the beach, pack it in an insulated cooler bag with an ice brick.
Is it worth a try?
A whole hot chicken that can feed a family remains one of the easiest budget dinners going.
With three in five Australians reportedly cutting back on takeaway, according to a recent report cited by International Business Times, supermarket "fakeaway" options like this one are only getting more popular.
Whether you're a Mad Mex fan or simply sick of the same old Tuesday night dinner, this one is worth a taste test.
Just don't forget the lime wedges.
