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
- Vegan Menu Options
- Does El Pollo Loco add MSG to Chicken?
- Did El Pollo Loco stop selling Black Beans?
- Is El Pollo Loco only in California?
- Free Original Pollo Bowl
Full El Pollo Loco Menu & Prices
Limited Time Menu
| Menu Item | Size/Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shredded Beef Avocado Overstuffed Quesadilla | A la carte | $9.29 |
| Shredded Beef Avocado Overstuffed Quesadilla | Combo Meal | $11.79 |
| Poblano Chicken Overstuffed Quesadilla | A la carte | $8.29 |
| Poblano Chicken Overstuffed Quesadilla | Combo Meal | $10.79 |
| Chipotle Chicken Overstuffed Quesadilla | A la carte | $8.29 |
| Chipotle Chicken Overstuffed Quesadilla | Combo Meal | $10.79 |
| Small Chicken Pozole | $4.49 | |
| Large Chicken Pozole | $6.99 |
Family Meals
| Menu Item | Size/Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 8pc Family Feast | Leg and Thigh (Serves 3 - 4) | $24.00 |
| 8pc Family Feast | Mixed (Serves 3 - 4) | $27.29 |
| 8pc Family Meal | Leg and Thigh (Serves 3 - 4) | $23.99 |
| 8pc Family Meal | Mixed (Serves 3 - 4) | $26.99 |
| 8pc - Chicken Only | Leg & Thigh Only (Serves 3 - 4) | $14.59 |
| 8pc - Chicken Only | Mixed Only (Serves 3 - 4) | $17.59 |
| 12pc Family Meal | Leg and Thigh (Serves 5 - 6) | $34.49 |
| 12pc Family Meal | Mixed (Serves 5 - 6) | $38.49 |
| 16pc Family Meal | Leg & Thigh (Serves 5 - 6) | $40.19 |
| 16pc Family Meal | Mixed (Serves 5 - 6) | $44.19 |
Chicken Meals
| Menu Item | Size/Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2pc Chicken - Leg & Thigh Meal | A la carte | $8.49 |
| 2pc Chicken - Leg & Thigh Meal | Combo Meal | $10.49 |
| 2pc Chicken - Breast & Wing Meal | A la carte | $9.49 |
| 2pc Chicken - Breast & Wing Meal | Combo Meal | $11.49 |
| 3pc Chicken - Leg & Thigh Meal | A la carte | $9.79 |
| 3pc Chicken - Leg & Thigh Meal | Combo Meal | $11.79 |
| 3pc Chicken - Breast & Wing Meal | A la carte | $10.79 |
| 3pc Chicken - Breast & Wing Meal | Combo Meal | $12.79 |
| 4pc Half Chicken Meal | A la carte | $12.39 |
| 4pc Half Chicken Meal | Combo Meal | $14.39 |
| Chicken A la carte - Breast | $4.19 | |
| Chicken A la carte - Wing | $2.09 | |
| Chicken A la carte - Thigh | $3.29 | |
| Chicken A la carte - Leg | $2.79 | |
| Meal For Two | 2 Legs & 2 Thighs | $13.99 |
| Whole Chicken | $17.59 |
Tostadas
| Menu Item | Size/Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Tostada Salad | A la carte | $9.19 |
| Classic Tostada Salad | Combo Meal | $11.19 |
| Double Chicken Tostada Salad | A la carte | $9.99 |
| Double Chicken Tostada Salad | Combo Meal | $11.99 |
Fire-Grilled Combos
| Menu Item | Size/Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Original Pollo Bowl Combo | $5.59 | |
| 3 Tacos al Carbon Combo | $5.79 | |
| Classic Chicken Burrito Combo | $5.79 |
Burritos Menu
| Menu Item | Size/Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Queso Blanco Burrito | A la carte | $7.99 |
| Queso Blanco Burrito | Combo Meal | $10.49 |
| Chicken Tinga Burrito | A la carte | $8.69 |
| Chicken Tinga Burrito | Combo Meal | $11.19 |
| Keto Burrito | A la carte | $8.59 |
| Keto Burrito | Combo Meal | $11.09 |
| Chipotle Chicken Avocado Burrito | A la carte | $9.79 |
| Chipotle Chicken Avocado Burrito | Combo Meal | $12.29 |
| Chicken Avocado Burrito | A la carte | $9.59 |
| Chicken Avocado Burrito | Combo Meal | $12.09 |
| Classic Chicken Burrito | A la carte | $4.99 |
| Classic Chicken Burrito | Combo Meal | $5.79 |
| BRC Burrito | $2.69 |
Nachos Menu
| Menu Item | Size/Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shredded Chicken Nachos | A la carte | $8.69 |
| Shredded Chicken Nachos | Combo Meal | $10.69 |
Quesadilla Menu
| Menu Item | Size/Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese Quesadilla | $2.09 | |
| Shredded Chicken Quesadilla | A la carte | $4.89 |
| Shredded Chicken Quesadilla | Combo Meal | $5.00 |
Street Tacos Menu
| Menu Item | Size/Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Avocado Taco | $3.49 | |
| Chicken Taco al Carbon | $2.69 | |
| 12 Taco Complete Family Combo | $31.00 |
Bowl Menu
| Menu Item | Size/Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Original Pollo Bowl | A la carte | $4.99 |
| Original Pollo Bowl | Combo Meal | $5.59 |
| Grande Avocado Chicken Bowl | A la carte | $8.79 |
| Grande Avocado Chicken Bowl | Combo Meal | $11.29 |
| Double Chicken Bowl | A la carte | $10.19 |
| Double Chicken Bowl | Combo Meal | $12.69 |
Fit Menu
| Menu Item | Size/Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Double Chicken Avocado Salad | A la carte | $10.19 |
| Double Chicken Avocado Salad | Combo Meal | $12.19 |
| Keto Burrito | A la carte | $8.59 |
| Keto Burrito | Combo Meal | $11.09 |
| Small Chicken Tortilla Soup | $5.39 | |
| Small Chicken Tortilla Soup | $7.89 |
Starters Menu
| Menu Item | Size/Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Chips & Guacamole | $4.99 | |
| Small Chips & Guacamole | $3.29 | |
| Large Chicken Tortilla Soup | $7.89 | |
| Small Chicken Tortilla Soup | $5.39 |
Extra Menu
| Menu Item | Size/Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Pack of Tortillas (2) | $0.49 | |
| 5 Packs of Tortillas (10) | $1.00 | |
| Chips | Small | $2.19 |
| Chips | Regular | $2.89 |
| Sour Cream | $0.50 | |
| Creamy Cilantro Dressing | 3 oz | $0 |
Sides Menu
| Menu Item | Size/Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Rice | Small | $4.49 |
| Rice | Large | $5.99 |
| Pinto Beans | Small | $4.49 |
| Pinto Beans | Large | $5.99 |
| Macaroni & Cheese | Small | $4.49 |
| Macaroni & Cheese | Large | $5.99 |
| Mashed Potatoes with Gravy | Small | $4.49 |
| Mashed Potatoes with Gravy | Large | $5.99 |
| Corn | Small | $4.49 |
| Corn | Large | $5.99 |
| Coleslaw | Small | $4.49 |
| Coleslaw | Large | $5.99 |
| Loco Side Salad | Small | $4.49 |
| Loco Side Salad | Large | $5.99 |
Fresh Salsas Menu
| Menu Item | Size/Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| House Salsa (Mild) | $0 | |
| Pico de Gallo (Medium) | $0 | |
| Avocado Salsa (Hot) | $0 | |
| Salsa Roja (Fiery) | $0 |
Desserts
| Menu Item | Size/Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Churro | $1.69 | |
| Two Churros | $2.49 |
Kids Meals
| Menu Item | Size/Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2pc Chicken Leg Kids Meal | $6.29 | |
| BRC Kids Meal | $6.29 |
Drinks
| Menu Item | Size/Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Coca-Cola | Regular | $2.69 |
| Coca-Cola | Large | $2.99 |
| Diet Coke | Regular | $2.69 |
| Diet Coke | Large | $2.99 |
| Cherry Coke | Regular | $2.69 |
| Cherry Coke | Large | $2.99 |
| Sprite | Regular | $2.69 |
| Sprite | Large | $2.99 |
| Dr. Pepper | Regular | $2.69 |
| Dr. Pepper | Large | $2.99 |
| Vitamin Water XXX | Regular | $2.69 |
| Vitamin Water XXX | Large | $2.99 |
| Strawberry Lemonade | Regular | $2.69 |
| Strawberry Lemonade | Large | $2.99 |
| Minute Maid Lemonade | Regular | $2.69 |
| Minute Maid Lemonade | Large | $2.99 |
| Hi-C Fruit Punch | Regular | $2.69 |
| Hi-C Fruit Punch | Large | $2.99 |
| Fanta Orange | Regular | $2.69 |
| Fanta Orange | Large | $2.99 |
| Unsweetened Iced Tea | Regular | $2.69 |
| Unsweetened Iced Tea | Large | $2.99 |
| Barq's Root Beer | Regular | $2.69 |
| Barq's Root Beer | Large | $2.99 |
| Bottled Water | $2.59 |
Catering
| Menu Item | Size/Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Piece Meal | Serves 10 - 12 | $87.99 |
| 48 Piece Meal | Serves 20 - 24 | $157.99 |
| 24 Piece Chicken & Tortillas | $42.99 | |
| 3-Course 24 Piece Meal | Serves 10 - 12 | $103.99 |
| 3-Course 48 Piece Meal | Serves 20 - 24 | $184.99 |
| Burrito Platter | Serves 6 - 8 | $21.79 |
| Mexican Salad | Serves 6 - 8 | $16.79 |
| Tacos al Carbon 6-Pack | Serves 10 - 12 | $7.99 |
| Chips & Salsa | Serves 10 - 12 | $7.99 |
| Chips and Guacamole | Serves 10 - 12 | $12.99 |
| Spanish Rice - Extra Large | Serves 10 - 12 | $13.79 |
| Spanish Rice - Jumbo | Serves 20 - 24 | $23.99 |
| Pinto Beans- Extra Large | Serves 10 - 12 | $13.79 |
| Pinto Beans - Jumbo | Serves 20 - 24 | $23.99 |
| Loco Salad - Extra Large | Serves 10 - 12 | $13.79 |
| Loco Salad - Jumbo | Serves 20 - 24 | $23.99 |
| Corn - Extra Large | Serves 10 - 12 | $13.79 |
| Corn - Jumbo | Serves 20 - 24 | $23.99 |
| Coleslaw - Extra Large | Serves 10 - 12 | $13.79 |
| Coleslaw - Jumbo | Serves 20 - 24 | $23.99 |
| Mac & Cheese - Extra Large | Serves 10 - 12 | $13.79 |
| Mac & Cheese - Jumbo | Serves 20 - 24 | $23.99 |
| Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy - Extra Large | Serves 10 - 12 | $13.79 |
| Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy - Jumbo | Serves 20 - 24 | $23.99 |
| Guacamole | $6.99 | |
| House Salsa (Mild) | $4.99 | |
| Pico De Gallo (Medium) | $4.99 | |
| Avocado Salsa (Hot) | $4.99 | |
| Salsa Roja (Fiery) | $4.99 | |
| Creamy Cilantro Dressing | $4.99 | |
| Lemons | $2.99 | |
| Onions | $1.99 | |
| Sour Cream | $4.99 |
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.
| State |
Number of locations
|
| California | 389 |
| Nevada | 33 |
| Texas | 31 |
| Arizona | 29 |
| Louisiana | 21 |
| Colorado | 18 |
| Utah | 15 |
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 Ocho