Woolworths Makes a History-Making Move on Hot Roast Chicken as Coles Launches New Flavour
Australia’s supermarket roast chicken rivalry has just heated up. Only a day after Coles launched its new Old El Paso Hot Roast Chicken, Woolworths announced its own Mexican-inspired chook, created in partnership with Mad Mex. But the Woolies version comes with a twist that’s never been seen before: for the first time, the classic stuffing has been swapped for rice. Here’s everything you need to know about both new chickens.
Woolworths’ Mad Mex Chilli & Lime Hot Chicken
Woolworths has teamed up with popular Mexican restaurant chain Mad Mex to create a limited-edition Chilli & Lime Hot Chicken. The chicken is marinated in zesty lime and citrus, then finished with a Mexican paprika rub that adds a subtle hint of chilli and smoke. Woolworths says it delivers bold Mexican flavour without being too spicy.
The “First Time in History” Change
The biggest change is inside the bird. For the first time ever, Woolworths has replaced the traditional bread stuffing in its hot roast chicken with a seasoned Mexican rice stuffing made with tomato, sweet corn and green capsicum.
Woolworths deli merchandise manager Laura McLeod said Aussies are big fans of Mad Mex and have loved Woolworths’ hot chooks for decades, but there’s always room to try something new. She confirmed this is the first time the supermarket has put rice stuffing in its roast chickens, describing the combination with Mad Mex’s signature spice as a flavour burst customers haven’t tasted before.
When and Where to Buy the Woolworths Chicken
The Mad Mex Chilli & Lime Hot Chicken will be available from 16 November at Woolworths Supermarkets, Metro stores and through the MILKRUN app and website. It will cost $13.50 for a two-week introductory period, then $14.50 after that.
Coles’ Old El Paso Hot Roast Chicken
Coles beat Woolworths to the punch, launching its Old El Paso Hot Roast Chicken on 4 November. The chicken is coated in mild Old El Paso seasoning and comes with a Mexican-inspired stuffing. Coles product developer Suzanne De Monte said the team wanted to give customers a fresh take on a much-loved dinner staple and make busy weeknight meals feel new again.
The Coles chicken follows the same pricing as Woolworths: $13.50 for the first two weeks, then $14.50. It’s available at all Coles stores and via Uber Eats for about four months.
Woolworths vs Coles: The New Mexican Roast Chickens
| Feature | Woolworths Mad Mex Chilli & Lime | Coles Old El Paso |
|---|---|---|
| Partner brand | Mad Mex | Old El Paso |
| Flavour | Lime, citrus, Mexican paprika rub, hint of chilli and smoke | Mild Old El Paso seasoning |
| Stuffing | Mexican rice with tomato, sweet corn and capsicum | Mexican-inspired stuffing |
| Launch date | 16 November | 4 November |
| Intro price | $13.50 for two weeks | $13.50 for two weeks |
| Regular price | $14.50 | $14.50 |
| Where to buy | Woolworths, Metro stores, MILKRUN | All Coles stores, Uber Eats |
The Battle of the Hot Chook
Limited-edition flavours have become a key part of the supermarket rivalry. Woolworths has previously released special editions such as Garlic Bread, BBQ Memphis, Tandoori and Zeus Greek Street, while Coles has tried flavours like Butter Chicken and Vegemite. These new flavours give shoppers a reason to keep coming back, and with both chains now offering Mexican-inspired chickens at the same price, Aussies can easily put them to a taste test.
FAQ
What is Woolworths’ new hot roast chicken?
Woolworths has partnered with Mad Mex to launch a Chilli & Lime Hot Chicken, marinated in lime and citrus with a Mexican paprika rub and filled with a Mexican rice stuffing.
Why is the Woolworths chicken called history-making?
It’s the first time Woolworths has replaced the traditional stuffing in its roast chickens with rice. The new stuffing includes seasoned Mexican rice, tomato, sweet corn and green capsicum.
How much is the Coles Old El Paso Hot Roast Chicken?
It costs $13.50 for the first two weeks, then $14.50. It’s available at all Coles stores and via Uber Eats for about four months.
When can I buy the Woolworths Mad Mex chicken?
It will be available from 16 November at Woolworths Supermarkets, Metro stores and on the MILKRUN app and website.
Bolded anchor phrases to link: Coles, Old El Paso Hot Roast Chicken, Woolworths, Mad Mex, rice, Chilli & Lime Hot Chicken, seasoned Mexican rice, 16 November, MILKRUN, $13.50, $14.50.
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