El Pollo Loco Menu With Prices (Updated 2026 Full Menu, Deals, Calories & Coupons)
Reviewed by: Alex Rivera, Lead Menu Researcher
If you want fire-grilled chicken without blowing your budget, El Pollo Loco delivers every time. The menu spans individual chicken meals starting around $5, family feasts up to $40, and everything in between: bowls, burritos, tacos, salads, tostadas, and seasonal specials. It’s the fire-grilled option in this site’s chicken lineup alongside fried favorites like Zaxby’s and KFC.
Here is a quick overview before we dig in:
- Cheapest item: Small side of rice or beans (~$2.49)
- Most popular item: 2PC Fire-Grilled Chicken Meal (~$9.99)
- Best value meal: $7.99 Meal Deal (chicken, side, drink)
Prices run from around $5 for a basic combo to $38 to $40 for a full family feast. Every price listed here reflects 2026 national averages; your local store may vary slightly. This is an independent guide, not affiliated with El Pollo Loco, and prices should be confirmed at your nearest location before ordering.
El Pollo Loco Menu With Prices
The table below covers the core menu categories with current average prices and calorie ranges. Use this as your at-a-glance reference.
Note: Prices may vary by location across the USA. Always confirm with your nearest El Pollo Loco before ordering.
Full Menu Price & Calorie Overview
| Category | Item | Price (Avg) | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Meals | 2PC Chicken Meal | $9.49–$10.99 | 560–720 |
| Chicken Meals | 3PC Chicken Meal | $12.49–$13.99 | 740–920 |
| Chicken Meals | 4PC Chicken Meal | $14.99–$16.49 | 960–1,200 |
| Family Meals | 8PC Family Meal | $22.99–$24.99 | Varies |
| Family Meals | 12PC Family Meal | $29.99–$32.99 | Varies |
| Burritos | BRC Burrito | $5.49–$6.49 | 530–590 |
| Burritos | Guac Chicken Burrito | $8.99–$9.99 | 680–750 |
| Bowls | Original Pollo Bowl | $8.49–$9.49 | 430–510 |
| Bowls | Street Corn Chicken Bowl | $9.49–$10.49 | 560–620 |
| Tostadas | Classic Tostada | $9.99–$11.49 | 520–620 |
| Tacos | Chicken Taco al Carbon | $3.29–$3.99 | 190–240 |
| Sides | Rice | $2.49–$2.99 | 180–210 |
| Sides | Pinto Beans | $2.49–$2.99 | 170–200 |
| Drinks | Small Fountain Drink | $1.99–$2.49 | 0–250 |
El Pollo Loco Chicken Meals Menu Prices
The fire-grilled chicken is the backbone of this menu. It is marinated in a citrus-herb blend, grilled open-flame, and served with your choice of side and tortillas. This is the item that built the brand, and it still outperforms most fast food chicken in taste and protein value.
2PC Chicken Meal (Leg & Thigh / Breast & Wing)
| Combo | Price | Calories | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2PC (Leg & Thigh) | $9.49–$10.49 | 560–640 | 38–46g |
| 2PC (Breast & Wing) | $9.99–$10.99 | 580–720 | 44–52g |
Each 2PC meal comes with one side and two tortillas. The leg and thigh option is juicier. The breast and wing combo gives you more lean protein. Both are solid choices.
How Much Is a 2 Piece Meal at El Pollo Loco?
A 2 piece chicken meal at El Pollo Loco costs between $9.49 and $10.99 depending on your location and the cut you choose. The meal includes two pieces of fire-grilled chicken, one side dish, and two flour tortillas. In California markets, expect to pay toward the higher end of that range due to local labor costs.
3PC and 4PC Chicken Meals
| Meal | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 3PC Chicken Meal | $12.49–$13.99 | 740–920 |
| 4PC Chicken Meal | $14.99–$16.49 | 960–1,200 |
The 4PC meal is the best per-piece value if you are hungry or sharing with a second person. At around $3.75 per piece with a side included, it beats buying individual pieces separately.
Fire-Grilled Chicken Combos
Combo upgrades typically add a drink for $1.50 to $2.00 more. Worth it if you are skipping the value drink deals.
Chicken à la Carte
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Leg | $2.99–$3.49 | 180–200 |
| Chicken Thigh | $3.29–$3.79 | 210–240 |
| Chicken Breast | $3.99–$4.49 | 220–260 |
| Chicken Wing | $2.49–$2.99 | 140–180 |
À la carte pieces are great for building a custom plate. Two thighs plus a bowl side make a solid high-protein combo for under $12, a common pick for meal-prep-minded eaters.
El Pollo Loco Family Meals
Family meals are where El Pollo Loco crushes the competition. You get significantly more food per dollar than most fast food chains, and the chicken quality holds up even at volume.
How Much Is an El Pollo Loco Family Meal?
An El Pollo Loco family meal costs between $22.99 for the 8PC meal and $38.99 for the 16PC feast. Each meal includes multiple sides, tortillas, and salsas. The per-person cost drops to roughly $4.50 to $6.00 for a group of four, making it one of the best family fast food values in 2026.
| Family Meal | Pieces | Sides | Price | Per Person (4) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8PC Family Meal | 8 | 2 large | $22.99–$24.99 | ~$5.75–$6.25 |
| 12PC Family Meal | 12 | 3 large | $29.99–$32.99 | ~$7.50–$8.25 |
| 16PC Family Feast | 16 | 4 large | $36.99–$38.99 | ~$9.25–$9.75 |
| Whole Chicken | 1 whole | 2 large | $14.99–$16.99 | ~$3.75–$4.25 |
| Chicken Meal for Two | 4PC | 2 sides | $17.99–$19.99 | ~$9.00–$10.00 |
The whole chicken option is underrated. For under $17, you get a full marinated bird with two large sides. It is a better deal than the 4PC meal on a pure weight-of-food basis.
Tostadas
A tostada shell adds crunch that the bowls and burritos don’t have, worth trying if you want the same core ingredients in a different format.
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Tostada | $9.99–$11.49 | 520–620 |
| Double Chicken Tostada | $11.49–$12.99 | 650–780 |
The Classic Tostada layers chopped chicken, beans, rice, and cheese with salsa on a crisp shell. The Double Chicken version doubles the protein for anyone wanting a heartier plate in the same format.
Baja Shrimp Menu
Shrimp is a real, standing protein option at El Pollo Loco, not just a seasonal add-on, and it’s easy to miss if you only look at the chicken-first sections of the menu.
| Item | Price (Est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baja Shrimp Taco | $4.49–$5.29 | Grilled shrimp in place of chicken |
| Baja Shrimp Avocado Taco | $5.49–$6.29 | Shrimp version of the Chicken Avocado Taco |
| Baja Shrimp Tostada | $10.99–$12.49 | Same tostada build, shrimp instead of chicken |
| Double Baja Shrimp Tostada | $12.99–$14.49 | Double portion of shrimp on the tostada |
| Chicken & Baja Shrimp Tostada | $12.49–$13.99 | Mixed protein, both chicken and shrimp |
Prices are estimated since shrimp items rotate more than the core chicken menu, confirm current availability and pricing at your nearest location.
El Pollo Loco Deals, Coupons and $5–$7.99 Meal Deals
This is the section most other menu sites skip entirely, and that is a mistake. El Pollo Loco runs consistent value promotions that can save you $3 to $5 per visit if you know where to look.
What Is the $7.99 Deal at El Pollo Loco?
The $7.99 Meal Deal at El Pollo Loco typically includes one piece of fire-grilled chicken, one side dish, and a medium fountain drink. This deal rotates but has been a recurring offer across California, Nevada, Arizona, and Texas markets in 2025 and 2026. Check the app for current availability, it does not always appear on in-store menu boards.
$5 Menu and Budget Options
El Pollo Loco periodically offers $5 combo-style items, including:
- BRC Burrito + small drink for ~$5.49
- Single taco combo deals at $4.99–$5.49
- Kids meals starting at $4.99–$5.99
How to Save Money at El Pollo Loco
- Download the app. The Loco Rewards app regularly offers 20 to 30 percent off specific items and surprise bonus points.
- Check the weekly deals page on the El Pollo Loco website before you order.
- Use promo codes. Sites like RetailMeNot and Honey regularly list working El Pollo Loco coupon codes.
- Order family meals when feeding three or more people, the per-piece savings are real.
- Printable coupons are occasionally available through Coupons.com and the El Pollo Loco email list.
El Pollo Loco Promo Codes 2026
The brand does not always publicize promo codes widely, but active codes in early 2026 have included:
- App-exclusive codes for free chips and salsa with any purchase
- Birthday reward (free item through the rewards app)
- First-order discount through the app (~15% off)
Signing up for the email list and downloading the app are two steps that alone can save $20 to $40 per year for a regular visitor.
Bowls, Salads and Healthy Options (Calories and Nutrition)
El Pollo Loco is one of the few fast food chains where eating healthy is genuinely easy. The bowl and salad menu is built around real ingredients, not processed fillers.
Original Pollo Bowl
| Item | Price | Calories | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Pollo Bowl | $8.49–$9.49 | 430–510 | 32–38g |
The Original Pollo Bowl stacks fire-grilled chicken over pinto beans, cilantro-lime rice, pico de gallo, and sour cream. It is filling, reasonably low-calorie for the portion size, and one of the most ordered items on the menu.
Street Corn Chicken Bowl
| Item | Price | Calories | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Corn Chicken Bowl | $9.49–$10.49 | 560–620 | 34–40g |
The street corn bowl adds roasted corn, cotija cheese, and chipotle sauce on top of the base bowl. The calorie count is slightly higher but the flavors are stronger. Worth the upgrade.
Double Chicken Avocado Salad
| Item | Price | Calories | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Chicken Avocado Salad | $9.99–$11.49 | 440–560 | 42–52g |
This is a high-protein pick with double chicken over a chopped salad base with avocado and citrus dressing. If you want the highest protein-to-calorie ratio on the menu, this is it.
Fresca Menu
The Fresca menu is El Pollo Loco’s lighter line, most items come in under 500 calories. Options include Fresca wraps, smaller bowls, and salads with lighter dressings.
El Pollo Loco Healthy Options (Keto, Low Carb, Gluten-Free)
El Pollo Loco is genuinely keto-friendly and low-carb accessible if you know what to order:
Keto-friendly picks:
- Any grilled chicken (no tortilla, no rice)
- Avocado salad (skip croutons)
- Side of pinto beans (moderate carbs, high fiber)
- Chicken breast à la carte
Gluten-free guidance:
- The fire-grilled chicken itself is gluten-free
- Corn tortillas are gluten-free, flour tortillas are not
- Cross-contamination is possible, the brand does not certify GF prep areas
Low-calorie meals under 400 calories:
- 1 Chicken Taco al Carbon (~190–240 cal)
- Side salad (~90–120 cal)
- Fresca Chicken Wrap (~310–360 cal)
Is El Pollo Loco Healthy?
Yes, El Pollo Loco is one of the healthier fast food options in the Mexican-style fast food category. The fire-grilled cooking method avoids the deep fryer. Most chicken items are high in protein (30 to 50g per meal) and moderate in calories (400 to 700 for a full meal). Compared to Chipotle, Qdoba, or Del Taco, El Pollo Loco meals tend to run slightly lower in calories for equivalent portion sizes.
Burritos, Tacos and Signature Items Menu Prices
| Item | Price | Calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRC Burrito | $5.49–$6.49 | 530–590 | Beans, rice, cheese, a cult classic |
| Guacamole Chicken Burrito | $8.99–$9.99 | 680–750 | Most popular burrito |
| Chicken Taco al Carbon | $3.29–$3.99 | 190–240 | Best single-item value |
| Quesadilla | $7.49–$8.49 | 590–680 | Available with chicken |
| Nachos | $7.99–$9.49 | 740–920 | Great sharer |
The BRC Burrito (beans, rice, cheese) is worth a mention here. It is a $5 to $6 plant-based option that has been on the menu for years and remains one of the best cheap fast food burritos anywhere.
The Chicken Taco al Carbon is the single best value on the menu. At under $4, it is a corn tortilla, grilled chicken, salsa, and onion, clean, simple, and genuinely good.
Sides, Drinks and Extras Menu Prices
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish Rice (small) | $2.49–$2.99 | 180–210 |
| Pinto Beans (small) | $2.49–$2.99 | 170–200 |
| Charro Beans (small) | $2.49–$2.99 | 190–210 |
| Mashed Potatoes and Gravy | $2.49–$2.99 | 190–230 |
| Macaroni & Cheese | $2.99–$3.49 | 280–320 |
| Coleslaw | $2.49–$2.99 | 120–160 |
| Broccoli | $2.49–$2.99 | 30–50 |
| Chips & Salsa | $2.99–$3.49 | 280–360 |
| Chicken Tortilla Soup | $6.99–$7.99 | 220–280 |
| Churros (2PC) | $2.99–$3.49 | 280–340 |
| Caramel Flan | $3.49–$3.99 | 300–360 |
| Small Fountain Drink | $1.99–$2.49 | 0–250 |
| Medium Fountain Drink | $2.49–$2.99 | 0–310 |
| Large Fountain Drink | $2.99–$3.49 | 0–390 |
| Horchata | $2.99–$3.49 | 180–220 |
Broccoli is the single lowest-calorie side on the entire menu, worth knowing if you’re trying to keep a combo light. Charro Beans run slightly richer than plain Pinto Beans, made with bits of bacon and peppers simmered in.
The horchata here is legitimately good. It is creamy, cinnamon-forward, and not too sweet. It is one of the better horchatas you can get at a fast food chain, worth ordering at least once.
Salsas
Every location keeps a self-serve or counter salsa lineup that most menu guides skip entirely.
| Salsa | Heat Level |
|---|---|
| Salsa Fresca | Mild |
| Avocado Salsa | Mild to Medium |
| Salsa Roja | Medium to Hot |
| Jalapeño Hot Sauce (Packet) | Hot |
Salsa Fresca and Avocado Salsa work well on nearly everything on the menu. Salsa Roja and the Jalapeño Hot Sauce packet are the ones to reach for if the standard chipotle sauce isn’t spicy enough.
Fresca Salads and Wraps (Named Current Items)
Beyond the general Fresca line, two specific salads and their wrap versions are worth calling out by name since they rotate as featured items:
- Citrus Avocado Fresca Salad / Wrap: grilled chicken, avocado, super greens, and a citrus dressing
- Mexican Cobb Fresca Salad / Wrap: grilled chicken, cheese, and a Cobb-style build over super greens
Both stay under the 500-calorie mark referenced in the Fresca menu section above.
Limited-Time Offers and Specials
El Pollo Loco cycles limited-time menu items several times per year. In 2025 to 2026, notable LTOs have included:
Mango Habanero Chicken Menu
The Mango Habanero lineup is a spicy-sweet option that typically appears in summer. It includes:
- Mango Habanero Chicken (grilled, glazed)
- Mango Habanero Burrito
- Mango Habanero Bowl
Pricing for LTO items runs $1 to $2 above equivalent standard items. Worth trying when available, the glaze adds real heat without killing the chicken flavor.
Fresca Wraps and Salads
The Fresca lineup is a semi-permanent lighter menu that includes:
- Fresca Chicken Wrap (~$7.99–$8.99)
- Fresca Salad (~$8.49–$9.49)
These items stay under 500 calories.
Seasonal Deals
El Pollo Loco also runs seasonal promotions tied to back-to-school, summer, and NFL season. Following them on Instagram or signing up for SMS alerts is the best way to catch these early.
El Pollo Loco Nutrition Information and Calories
Here is a consolidated calorie chart for the most-ordered items, drawn from the official El Pollo Loco nutrition PDF and cross-referenced with third-party tracking apps including MyFitnessPal and Cronometer.
| Item | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2PC Chicken (Breast & Wing) | 580–720 | 28–38 | 2–4 | 44–52 |
| 2PC Chicken (Leg & Thigh) | 560–640 | 32–42 | 2–4 | 38–46 |
| Original Pollo Bowl | 430–510 | 12–18 | 42–52 | 32–38 |
| Street Corn Chicken Bowl | 560–620 | 18–24 | 52–62 | 34–40 |
| BRC Burrito | 530–590 | 14–20 | 72–82 | 18–22 |
| Guac Chicken Burrito | 680–750 | 24–32 | 68–78 | 36–44 |
| Chicken Taco al Carbon | 190–240 | 6–10 | 18–22 | 16–22 |
| Double Chicken Avocado Salad | 440–560 | 22–30 | 18–26 | 42–52 |
| Fresca Chicken Wrap | 310–360 | 8–12 | 32–38 | 26–32 |
Lowest Calorie Items at El Pollo Loco
- Chicken Taco al Carbon, 190–240 cal
- Side Salad, 90–120 cal
- Fresca Chicken Wrap, 310–360 cal
- Coleslaw (side), 120–160 cal
- Original Pollo Bowl, 430–510 cal
High Protein Meals at El Pollo Loco
- Double Chicken Avocado Salad, 42–52g protein
- 2PC Breast and Wing Meal, 44–52g protein
- 4PC Chicken Meal, 72–88g protein
- Guacamole Chicken Burrito, 36–44g protein
- Street Corn Chicken Bowl, 34–40g protein
For high-protein fast food, El Pollo Loco is hard to beat. The fire-grilled chicken adds virtually zero carbs on its own, all the carbs come from sides and wraps.
El Pollo Loco Catering Menu
El Pollo Loco offers catering for parties, corporate events, and large gatherings. The catering menu is available through the website or by calling your local restaurant directly.
| Catering Item | Serves | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 16PC Chicken Party Pack | 8–10 | $38.99–$42.99 |
| 24PC Chicken Party Pack | 12–14 | $54.99–$59.99 |
| Large Rice Tray | 12–15 | $14.99–$17.99 |
| Large Bean Tray | 12–15 | $14.99–$17.99 |
| Chips & Salsa Tray | 15–20 | $12.99–$14.99 |
| Tortilla Pack (48 ct) | N/A | $6.99–$8.99 |
Per person catering cost: Approximately $6.50 to $10.00 per person depending on package selection. This is competitive with similar Mexican-style fast catering from Chipotle, which runs $12 to $18 per person for its catering trays.
For office lunches, the 24PC pack with two side trays is the sweet spot. It feeds 12 to 14 people cleanly and comes in under $90 total.
El Pollo Loco vs Other Fast-Casual Chains
| Chain | Known For | Entry Price |
|---|---|---|
| El Pollo Loco | Fire-grilled, citrus-marinated chicken, family meal value | $3.09 to $9.99 |
| Taco Bell | Value-priced Mexican-inspired fast food | Under $3 to $8 |
| Chipotle | Build-your-own bowls and burritos, higher price point | $9 to $13 |
| Del Taco | Combined Mexican and American fast food menu | $2 to $8 |
El Pollo Loco sits between Taco Bell and Chipotle on price, but its fire-grilled chicken is the clearest point of difference from all three. None of the others center their menu on grilled instead of fried protein.
Within this site’s chicken cluster, El Pollo Loco’s grilled format also stands apart from the fried chicken chains covered here. See the Zaxby’s Menu, Raising Cane’s Menu, and KFC Menu for the fried side of that comparison, or the Zaxby’s vs Raising Cane’s page for a direct chicken finger matchup.
Locations and Menu Near Me
El Pollo Loco operates roughly 480 to 500 locations, concentrated heavily in the western United States. Here is a regional breakdown with notes on menu variations.
| State | Approximate Locations |
|---|---|
| California | 395 |
| Texas | 33 |
| Nevada | 33 |
| Arizona | 28 |
| Utah | 10 |
| Colorado | 2 |
This breakdown totals close to 500 locations nationwide, with California alone accounting for roughly 4 out of every 5 restaurants. That heavy West Coast concentration is why menu availability and LTOs can vary noticeably once you leave California, Nevada, or Arizona.
Menu items and prices may vary by location. Seasonal and limited-time offerings are not available at every store. Always check the El Pollo Loco app or website for your nearest location’s current menu.
Finding locations: Use the store locator at elpolloloco.com or search “El Pollo Loco near me” in Google Maps. The app also shows real-time deals at your closest store.
The Story Behind El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco means “The Crazy Chicken” in Spanish. The chain was founded in 1975 in Guasave, Mexico, by Juan Francisco Ochoa, built around citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken instead of fried. The first US location opened in Los Angeles, California, in 1980, and Denny’s parent company acquired the US chain in 1983.
El Pollo Loco is not owned by Denny’s today. The two brands separated in 1987, and El Pollo Loco has operated independently since. It became a publicly traded company in 2014 and now trades on the Nasdaq under the ticker LOCO.
El Pollo Loco’s main competitors in the fast-casual Mexican-style category are Taco Bell, Chipotle, and Del Taco, though its fire-grilled cooking method sets it apart from all three.
Most Popular
Based on order frequency data, customer reviews, and menu tenure, here are the top-selling items as of 2026:
- 2PC Fire-Grilled Chicken Meal, the signature order, consistently the top seller
- Original Pollo Bowl, drives heavy repeat visits
- BRC Burrito, cult favorite, particularly among budget-conscious regulars
- Chicken Taco al Carbon, best single-item value, high reorder rate
- 8PC Family Meal, most ordered family option
- Guacamole Chicken Burrito, top premium burrito pick
- Street Corn Chicken Bowl, trending up in 2025 to 2026
- Churros, highest-ordered dessert item
The 2PC meal and the Pollo Bowl together account for a significant share of individual orders. First-time visitors should start with one of those two, they represent what this chain does best.
Best Value Meals and Cheapest Items
This is where most menu guides fail readers. Knowing the absolute cheapest items and the best calorie-per-dollar picks matters, especially when feeding a family or watching spending.
Cheapest Items on the Menu
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Small Side (rice or beans) | $2.49 |
| Chicken Wing (à la carte) | $2.49–$2.99 |
| Chicken Taco al Carbon | $3.29–$3.99 |
| BRC Burrito | $5.49–$6.49 |
| Kids Meal | $4.99–$5.99 |
Best Combo Deals for Value
- 2 Tacos al Carbon + side + water: ~$9–$10, ~400–500 calories
- BRC Burrito + side: ~$7.99–$8.99, ~700–780 calories
- $7.99 Meal Deal (when available): Best price-to-fullness ratio on the menu
Family Value Comparison
| Option | Total Cost | People Fed | Per Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8PC Family Meal | ~$23.99 | 3–4 | ~$5.99–$8.00 |
| 4x Individual 2PC Meals | ~$39.96 | 4 | ~$9.99 |
| Catering 16PC Pack | ~$40.99 | 8–10 | ~$4.10–$5.12 |
The math is clear: family meals and catering packs are significantly cheaper per person than ordering individual meals. For three or more people, the family meal is almost always the better choice. The same per-person math applies at Raising Cane’s Tailgates if you’re comparing group options across chains.
Rewards Program and App Benefits
The Loco Rewards program is the single best tool for saving money at El Pollo Loco long-term.
How the Points System Works
- Earn 10 points for every $1 spent
- Redeem points for free food starting at 250 points
- Higher tiers unlock better rewards faster
Free Food Rewards
| Reward | Points Required |
|---|---|
| Free Chips and Salsa | 250 points |
| Free Chicken Taco al Carbon | 400 points |
| Free 2PC Chicken Meal | 1,000 points |
Exclusive App Benefits
- Birthday reward: Free item on your birthday, no minimum purchase
- App-only deals: Weekly rotating discounts visible only in the app
- Early access: LTO items sometimes available to app users before in-store launch
- Order ahead: Skip the line with mobile ordering
At 10 points per dollar spent, roughly 10 to 12 typical visits is enough to unlock two free 2PC meals and a few free chip orders, real value from a loyalty program that costs nothing to join.
Downloading the app (iOS and Android), creating an account, and scanning every order is the fastest way to see that value compound.
FAQs
What is included in the Pollo Loco menu with prices?
The El Pollo Loco menu includes fire-grilled chicken meals, family meals, burritos, bowls, tacos, tostadas, salads, sides, drinks, and seasonal specials. Prices range from about $2.49 for sides to $38.99 for the largest family feast. All items are available for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.
How much is a 2 piece meal at El Pollo Loco?
A 2 piece meal at El Pollo Loco costs between $9.49 and $10.99 depending on your location and the chicken cuts selected. The meal includes two fire-grilled pieces, one side, and two tortillas.
What are the healthiest options at El Pollo Loco?
The healthiest options are the Fresca Chicken Wrap (310 to 360 calories), the Chicken Taco al Carbon (190 to 240 calories), and the Original Pollo Bowl (430 to 510 calories). The Double Chicken Avocado Salad is the top pick for high protein at 42 to 52 grams.
Does El Pollo Loco have coupons?
Yes. El Pollo Loco offers coupons through its Loco Rewards app, email list, and third-party coupon sites like RetailMeNot and Coupons.com. App-exclusive deals are the most reliable and updated most frequently.
What is the $7.99 deal at El Pollo Loco?
The $7.99 Meal Deal includes one piece of fire-grilled chicken, one side dish, and a medium drink. It is a recurring promotional offer available at most locations, check the app for current availability at your nearest store.
How much is a whole chicken at El Pollo Loco?
A whole fire-grilled chicken at El Pollo Loco costs approximately $14.99 to $16.99 and comes with two large sides. It is one of the best per-pound value options on the menu.
Does El Pollo Loco offer catering?
Yes. El Pollo Loco offers catering packages starting at approximately $38.99 for a 16PC chicken party pack. Side trays, tortilla packs, and chip trays are also available. Contact your local store or order through the website for catering.
Is El Pollo Loco gluten-free friendly?
The fire-grilled chicken itself is gluten-free. Corn tortillas are gluten-free while flour tortillas are not. However, El Pollo Loco does not certify gluten-free preparation areas, so cross-contamination is possible. Those with celiac disease should proceed with caution.
What does “El Pollo Loco” mean?
It translates to “The Crazy Chicken” in Spanish, a nod to the brand’s fire-grilled, citrus-marinated chicken.
Who founded El Pollo Loco?
Juan Francisco Ochoa founded El Pollo Loco in 1975 in Guasave, Mexico. The first US location opened in Los Angeles in 1980, and the US chain was later acquired by Denny’s in 1983.
How does El Pollo Loco compare to Taco Bell and Chipotle?
El Pollo Loco sits between the two on price. It is generally more expensive than Taco Bell but cheaper than Chipotle, and its fire-grilled chicken is the main thing that sets it apart from both.
Does El Pollo Loco have tostadas?
Yes. The Classic Tostada and Double Chicken Tostada are both available, built on a crisp tostada shell with beans, rice, cheese, and salsa.
Is El Pollo Loco owned by Denny’s?
No. Denny’s parent company acquired El Pollo Loco in 1983, but the two brands separated in 1987. El Pollo Loco has operated independently since and became a publicly traded company in 2014 under the Nasdaq ticker LOCO.
Does El Pollo Loco serve shrimp?
Yes. Baja Shrimp Tacos, Baja Shrimp Tostadas, and a mixed Chicken & Baja Shrimp Tostada are available at most locations, though availability can rotate more than the core chicken menu.
About This Menu
All prices listed on this page reflect national average pricing collected from official El Pollo Loco digital menus, in-store menu boards, and verified customer reports in early 2026. Prices vary by location, California markets typically run $0.50 to $1.00 higher than the national average due to labor and cost-of-living differences.
Last updated: April 2026. Data sources: El Pollo Loco official website (elpolloloco.com), USDA food data comparisons, MyFitnessPal nutrition cross-reference.
This content is maintained independently and is not sponsored by or affiliated with El Pollo Loco. If you notice a price discrepancy, check directly with your nearest location or the El Pollo Loco app.
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