El Pollo Loco Menu Prices + Free Pollo Bowl (2023)

El Pollo Loco is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant known for its signature citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken, and favorite menu items like tacos, burritos, quesadillas, churros, rice, beans, and more.

View El Pollo Loco’s latest menu prices in 2023 below. I also share how to get a Free Original Pollo Bowl on your next visit and how to start getting 7.7% off every order moving forward when you join Loco Rewards. 

Full El Pollo Loco Menu & Prices

Limited Time Menu

Family Meals 

Chicken Meals

Tostadas

Fire-Grilled Combos

Burritos Menu

Nachos Menu 

Quesadilla Menu

Street Tacos Menu 

Bowl Menu

Fit Menu 

Starters Menu

Extra Menu

Sides Menu 

Fresh Salsas Menu 

Desserts

Kids Meals

Drinks

Catering

Enjoy El Pollo Loco’s Chicken Burrito.

Does El Pollo Loco use MSG in their chicken?

It’s unclear whether or not El Pollo Loco adds MSG to chicken. The company does not list monosodium glutamate or MSG as an ingredient in their chicken. The company has emphasized the use of fresh, natural ingredients and has not indicated that MSG is used in their food.

Although El Pollo Loco has never really denied the use of MSG there have been some posts online with customers claiming their food tastes like MSG. According to this article on Healthline, it’s common for restaurants to add MSG to chicken as a flavor enhancer. What’s fascinating about MSG is that it doesn’t just make the chicken taste saltier.

MSG intensifies the inherent savoriness of the chicken, making each bite a flavor-packed experience. This is why MSG has become a go-to ingredient for low-sodium dishes. It’s worth noting that Kentucky Fried Chicken and Chick-fil-A both use MSG in their meals.  

Does El Pollo Loco corn have dairy?

According to El Pollo Loco’s allergen information, the corn does not contain dairy as prepared. However, it is always best to check with your local restaurant to confirm that they do not use a dairy butter on the corn.

The corn is made with corn, red peppers, and a buttery sauce. The buttery sauce is made with vegetable oil, water, salt, and spices. So, unless the butter used in the sauce is made with dairy, the corn should be dairy-free.

If you are allergic to dairy, I recommend that you ask your server to confirm that the corn is dairy-free before ordering.

What is better than El Pollo Loco’s Double Chicken Tostada?

What are the vegan options at El Pollo Loco? 

For my vegan friends and readers out there, I have come to know that El Pollo Loco has vegan offerings although some of them, including the chickenless vegan burritos and tacos, were removed from the menu giving you fewer options than before. 

But, don’t stress yourself out. There are still plenty of menu options that align with a vegan diet. Here are some items that are compliant:

Vegan Sides:

• Black beans
• Pinto beans
• Rice
• Corn tortillas
• Chips with salsa

Vegan Protein Option:

• Guacamole or avocado

Vegan Entrees:

• Plant-based chicken burritos and tacos, known as Chickenless Pollo, which is meatless chicken simmered in fire-roasted peppers, onions, and tomatoes wrapped in a 12″ flour tortilla.
• Tapatio Fries and Tortilla Chips
• Tostada Salad (without chicken, cheese, and sour cream)

Vegan Toppings:

• Avocado Salsa
• House Salsa
• Salsa Roja
• Pico de Gallo Salsa
• Jalapeno Hot Sauce

Both the pinto beans and black beans at El Pollo Loco were considered vegan as they did not contain any meat or dairy products. El Pollo Loco’s Horchata is vegan if you’re thirsty. 

Contrary to what some people say the churros at El Pollo Loco are not vegan. The churros contain eggs to they are not suitable for a vegan diet.  

It’s important to note that while these options are vegan-friendly, cross-contamination with non-vegan foods may occur during preparation. Therefore, these options may not be suitable for those following a strict vegan diet.

Where does El Pollo Loco chicken come from?

El Pollo Loco is a restaurant chain known for its Mexican-style grilled chicken. The company has stated that they source their chickens from various farms in the United States. They emphasize that their chicken is fresh, never frozen, and is marinated, seasoned, and grilled in their restaurants.

The specific farms from which El Pollo Loco sources their chicken can vary, as sourcing often depends on factors such as supply chain logistics, pricing, quality standards, and agreements with food suppliers. For the most current and accurate information, you would need to check with El Pollo Loco directly or refer to their official statements about their food-sourcing practices.

El Pollo Loco has also highlighted its commitment to animal welfare standards, working with suppliers who adhere to guidelines set forth by organizations like the National Chicken Council.

Free taco sounds especially good on Fridays.

Did El Pollo Loco stop selling black beans?

In 2005, El Pollo Loco stopped selling black beans and removed them from their menu because the chain wanted to cut off menu items with saturated fat and trans fat from their offerings. 

However, in 2007, El Pollo Loco announced that the black beans are back and it was transformed into BBQ Black Beans with 0 grams of fat and no trans fat. 

This menu item would later on undergo yet another transformation as the chain decided to change its recipe to a more authentic one which they say is a more traditional Mexican Black Beans. Even though the recipe has changed over the years, you can still order black beans at El Pollo Loco. 

Did El Pollo Loco stop selling flan?

The El Pollo Loco flan was a hit when it was first introduced but was discontinued in 2019 due to low sales. The flan made its debut in El Pollo Loco’s menu in 2003 when the chain announced it as an addition to its dessert menu list. 

However, there have been rumors that the flan may be making a comeback. In 2021, El Pollo Loco tweeted a photo of a flan with the caption “Flan is coming back soon.” However, the tweet was later deleted, and there has been no official announcement from El Pollo Loco about the return of flan.

If you are not familiar with a flan, it is a Mexican dessert that is basically a caramel custard dessert made with eggs, milk, and sugar.

So, if you’re a fan of El Pollo Loco’s flan, you’ll just have to wait and see if it ever makes a return. In the meantime, you can still enjoy other desserts from El Pollo Loco, such as their churros, sopapilla cheesecake, and tres leches cake.

El Pollo Loco’s shredded beef birria is the bomb.

What ethnicity is El Pollo Loco?

El Pollo Loco is a restaurant chain that originated in Mexico but is now headquartered in the United States. The name “El Pollo Loco” translates from Spanish as “The Crazy Chicken”. The restaurant is known for its Mexican-style grilled chicken and other Mexican-inspired menu items.

The first El Pollo Loco opened in Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico, in 1975. The concept was successful and the business expanded rapidly across Northern Mexico. The first U.S. El Pollo Loco restaurant opened in Los Angeles, California, in 1980. The company now has hundreds of locations in the United States.

Related Reading: Taco Bell Menu Prices & Big Price Increases in 2023? 

El Pollo Loco’s menu, branding, and restaurant decor all reflect its Mexican heritage, providing a fast-casual dining experience that highlights traditional Mexican flavors and dishes. This includes items such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and of course, their signature citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken.

Is Pollo Loco only in California?

No, El Pollo Loco isn’t exclusive to California. While it’s true that El Pollo Loco has a significant presence in California and the company’s U.S. operations are headquartered there, the chain also has locations in several other U.S. states. Here’s a break-down of the states with the most El Pollo Loco locations. 

As you can see, California has the most El Pollo Loco locations, with over 380. Nevada and Texas are also home to a significant number of El Pollo Loco locations with over 30 each.

The Comfort Salad.

Who is El Pollo Loco owned by?

El Pollo Loco is a publicly traded company, meaning it’s owned by shareholders who own its common stock. The company is listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “LOCO”.

The first El Pollo Loco opened in Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico, in 1975, founded by Juan Francisco Ochoa. In 1980, the brand expanded into the United States with its first restaurant in Los Angeles, California.

In 1983, Denny’s Inc. bought the U.S. rights to El Pollo Loco and began further expanding the chain. In 1999, American Securities Capital Partners and Trimaran Capital bought El Pollo Loco from Denny’s. In 2005, the company was then sold to EPL Intermediate, Inc., a holding company which was owned by Trimaran Capital Partners and Freeman Spogli & Co.

El Pollo Loco went public in 2014, offering its stock on the open market and thereby becoming owned by numerous individual and institutional shareholders.

How can you save money at El Pollo Loco? 

The easiest way to save money is by joining Loco Rewards. For every $1 spent, customers earn 100 points. These points can be used to enjoy free food items, birthday perks, and discounts.

New Loco Members also get a Free Original Pollo Bowl with purchase. To redeem, you must sign up for Loco Rewards and make any purchase. The free Original Pollo Bowl will be added to your Loco Rewards account and can be redeemed within 14 days.

The more you eat at El Pollo Loco, the more bonuses you’ll earn:

• Earn 100 points for ever dollar spent
• Unlock rewards (like free food)
• Earn status and get new benefits at each tier
• Have early access to new menu items
• Get access to exclusive content and dining experiences

This is what you can get with all those points:

For 3,500 points or $35 in spend:

• 1 large drink 
• 2 churros
• Taco al Carbon

For 6,500 points or $65 in spend:

• Any large side
• Regular chips & guac
• $5 OFF (Taking advantage of this bonus is like saving 7.7% off every order.)

For 10,500 points or $105 in spend: 

• 2pc Leg & Thigh Meal
• Chicken Tostada Salad
• Chicken Avocado Burrito

For 12,500 points or $125 in spend: 

• Double Chicken Tostada
• 3pc Leg & Thigh Meal
• Double Chicken Avocado Salad

Aside from their reward systems from their app, El Pollo Loco also offers the following discounts:

Senior discount (at participating locations only) – If you are 60 years or older, you can get a 10% discount from a maximum value of $1. This means anything seniors spend over $10 will not be discounted. 

Service discount – A service discount is given to any customer who serves the community (police officers, federal law, firefighters, military personnel, and EMTS. If you qualify for this discount but are not in uniform on your visit, just talk to the cashier before your payment. 

El Pollo Loco menu poster.

For El Pollo Loco coupons, they are only accepting one coupon per visit. Printable coupons must be printed because they will not be accepting customers who will show printable coupons on their mobile phones. 

El Pollo Loco is a restaurant chain known for its Mexican-style grilled chicken. The first El Pollo Loco restaurant opened in Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico, in 1975. It was founded by Juan Francisco Ochoa.

Related Reading: Jack in the Box Menu Prices + 25% Off Discount Offer

The brand quickly gained popularity and expanded rapidly across Northern Mexico. In 1980, El Pollo Loco opened its first U.S. restaurant in Los Angeles, California, marking its expansion into the United States.

In 1983, Denny’s Inc. acquired the U.S. rights to El Pollo Loco and began to further expand the chain. In 1999, the company was bought by American Securities Capital Partners and Trimaran Capital. In 2005, it was sold again to EPL Intermediate, Inc., a holding company owned by Trimaran Capital Partners and Freeman Spogli & Co.