SYDNEY — Australia's supermarket rivalry has moved to the deli counter. Woolworths announced a Mexican-inspired hot roast chicken just one day after Coles released its own, and the new Woolworths version breaks with decades of tradition.

Woolworths has teamed up with burrito chain Mad Mex to create a Chilli and Lime Hot Chicken, which arrives in stores later this month. For the first time, the traditional stuffing inside one of Australia's most popular supermarket meals has been replaced with seasoned Mexican rice.

The launch comes 24 hours after Coles' Old El Paso Hot Roast Chicken hit shelves nationwide, setting up a head-to-head battle over the humble "Bachelor's Handbag," as the supermarket chook is affectionately known.

A 'history-making' twist

The Woolworths chicken departs from the classic recipe. Instead of breadcrumb stuffing, it is filled with a blend of seasoned Mexican rice, tomato, sweet corn and green capsicum.

The bird is marinated in lime and citrus, then finished with a Mexican paprika rub that adds chilli and smoke.

Laura McLeod, Woolworths' deli merchandise manager, said the collaboration was designed........

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