The Best Food on the El Pollo Loco Menu
El Pollo Loco has been one of the best Mexican fast food chains since it opened its doors in Los Angeles, CA, in 1980.
“El Pollo Loco” means “the crazy chicken,” so the star of the show on El Pollo Loco’s menu is their famous chicken grilled over an open flame.
You can order protein-packed burritos, tacos, quesadillas, tostadas, and other traditional Mexican dishes made with fresh ingredients.
All entrees come complete with freshly made salsas, guacamole, and tortilla chips.
For those looking to add some side dishes to their meal, El Pollo Loco offers several options just as great as their main courses.
From Mexican rice and refried beans to chips and quesadillas, there’s something for everyone on the menu.
And if you’re feeling extra hungry, you can opt for family combos or finish your meal with their tasty churros.
To help you decide what to order on your next visit, I’ve compiled a list of the 20 best El Pollo Loco menu items!
20. Loco Side Salad
I love ordering the Loco Side Salad to balance out my meals.
This salad starts with a bed of fresh greens, topped with purple cabbage, shrimp, and crumbles of Jack cheese.
Depending on whether you plan to share it with someone, you can choose between small and large sizes.
Nutritional Information: (Small)
160 calories, 3g protein, 8g carbohydrates, 14g fat
19. Coleslaw
The crunchy cabbage and carrots with the sweet and savory dressing from El Pollo Loco are just too good to pass up.
Whether you eat this with chicken, beef, or shrimp, it always compliments your meal.
Nutritional Information: (Small)
130 calories, 1g protein, 9g carbohydrates, 10g fat
18. Classic Tostada Salad
The Classic Tostada Salad features a crunchy fried tostada shell loaded with rice, pinto beans, chopped chicken breast, and shredded lettuce for an extra flavor boost and texture.
This protein-packed salad also includes Monterey jack cheese, perked up with El Pollo Loco’s signature Pico de Gallo salsa and a dollop of sour cream.
It is a great option for a light but filling meal.
Nutritional Information:
830 calories, 40g protein, 79g carbohydrates, 39g fat
17. BRC Burrito
The Original BRC Burrito features many vegetarian-friendly ingredients, including fluffy rice, pinto beans, and Monterey jack cheese, all encased in a soft flour tortilla.
The combination of flavors creates an incredibly satisfying dish that pleases vegetarians and meat-eaters alike!
The ingredients pair nicely, and you can taste each flavor without one overpowering the other.
Nutritional Information:
410 calories, 13g protein, 63g carbohydrates, 11g fat
16. Chicken Taco Al Carbon
El Pollo Loco’s chicken is so delicious that you don’t need other ingredients to overshadow its flavor.
The Chicken Taco Al Carbon is a great example with its simple yet flavorful combination of tortilla, chopped boneless chicken, diced onion, and cilantro.
You can swap the chicken for Baja shrimp for a street shrimp taco experience!
Nutritional Information:
170 calories, 15g protein, 17g carbohydrates, 5g fat
15. Double Shredded Beef Tostada Salad
The Double Shredded Beef Tostada Salad is a mouth-watering Mexican-style dish.
This hearty salad has a burst of flavor and texture, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a flavorful meal without sacrificing nutrition.
It has nutrient-rich ingredients like rice, pinto beans, and shredded lettuce, beginning with the crunchy fried tostada shell.
The salad also features Monterey jack cheese and rich shredded beef for a boost of flavor and protein.
To top it off, El Pollo Loco adds their signature Pico de Gallo salsa and avocado slices to finish the salad.
You also have the option to add the creamy cilantro dressing to amp up the creaminess factor.
Nutritional Information:
930 calories, 43g protein, 84g carbohydrates, 47g fat
14. Double Chicken Bowl
If you always find that there isn’t enough meat on your plate, you’ll love the Double Chicken Bowl from El Pollo Loco.
This dish has a double order of chicken, so you don’t have to worry about not feeling full after your meal.
It is full of enticing veggies and protein, along with a bed of fluffy rice, diced onions, pinto beans, and cabbage.
If you crave a little more variety in protein sources, add some shrimp to your order.
Nutritional Information:
930 calories, 74g protein, 87g carbohydrates, 33g fat
13. Chicken Avocado Street Taco
If you are craving real street tacos, the Chicken Avocado Street Taco is the closest you can get to that experience.
It starts with a flour tortilla topped with juicy chicken marinated in El Pollo Loco’s special seasoning blend.
Creamy avocado slices are added for a touch of creamy freshness, followed by fresh pico de gallo salsa and shredded lettuce for an authentic Mexican-style flavor.
The melted Jack cheese offers an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
These are all finished with a drizzle of creamy cilantro dressing to give the taco final a flavor kick.
This taco is sure to hit the spot every single time!
Nutritional Information:
340 calories, 24g protein, 18g carbohydrates, 19g fat
12. Fire-Grilled Chicken Breast
This is the perfect choice for a healthier, lighter option that still packs plenty of flavors.
The fire-grilled chicken breast from El Pollo Loco is savory and incredibly delicious.
With juicy chicken breast marinated in a blend of traditional Mexican spices and grilled to perfection over an open flame, this dish has a smoky and slightly spicy flavor.
The skin provides an extra crunch while adding a hint of char-grilled goodness.
Although it is great by itself, you can also choose the combo option that includes a small Tortilla Soup and Avocado Loco Side Salad.
Nutritional Information:
200 calories, 34g protein, 0g carbohydrates, 8g fat
11. Double Chicken Tostada Salad
The Double Chicken Tostada Salad is another satisfying dish on the El Pollo Loco menu.
The crunchy fried tostada doubles duties as a serving bowl and chips to pair with the shredded chicken, pinto beans, shredded lettuce, and rice.
The melted Monterey Jack cheese, pico de gallo salsa, and sour cream add an extra punch of flavor.
You can also add the creamy cilantro dressing for an extra flavor boost.
Nutritional Information:
990 calories, 64g protein, 82g carbohydrates, 46g fat
10. Fire-Grilled Chicken Wing
The Fire-Grilled Chicken Wing is a great choice if you want a more tender meat texture.
Like their chicken breast, the chicken wings are seasoned with traditional Mexican spices and cooked to juicy perfection over an open flame.
Instead of slathering plenty of sauces on the chicken, El Pollo Loco’s wings are flavorful without being too greasy.
Nutritional Information:
70 calories, 10g protein, 0g carbohydrates, 3g fat
9. Queso Blanco Burrito
El Pollo Loco’s Queso Blanco Burrito is a flavor explosion that’ll have you return for more.
The savory combination of pinto beans, queso blanco, and pico de gallo salsa makes this burrito special.
You get the perfect balance between flavorful savory ingredients with just enough spice.
The tortilla wraps up the ingredients nicely and is grilled to an ideal consistency – not too hard or soft.
All these ingredients combine to create a wonderful dish that will get you hooked!
Nutritional Information:
870 calories, 58g protein, 83g carbohydrates, 35g fat
8. Fire-Grilled Chicken Thigh
If you are looking for a happy medium between Chicken Wings and Chicken Breast, this is it.
The Fire-Grilled Chicken Thigh is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
The meat is cooked until well done without being dry and strappy.
The Mexican spices offer a wonderful flavor that will surely please your taste buds.
Nutritional Information:
70 calories, 10g protein, 0g carbohydrates, 3g fat
7. Keto Burrito
The Keto Burrito is a unique item on El Pollo Loco’s menu.
The flour tortilla, cabbage, and cotija cheese provide the perfect foundation for the creamy cilantro dressing, lettuce blend, chopped chicken avocado slices, and pico de gallo salsa to come together in this nutritious meal.
All these flavors create a perfect harmony that is savory and slightly spicy.
This is the perfect burrito for anyone on a keto diet who wants to enjoy great taste without compromising nutrition.
Nutritional Information:
510 calories, 52g protein, 30g carbohydrates, 29g fat
6. Chicken Tinga Burrito
The Chicken Tinga Burrito is a perfect mix of savory and spicy flavors.
The flour tortilla shell is filled with pinto beans, Jack cheese, avocado slices, and rice for an indulgent texture.
Additionally, the chicken tinga adds a distinctive tangy flavor to the burrito.
The pico de gallo salsa gives it just enough heat to make every bite a unique experience.
Nutritional Information:
780 calories, 42g protein, 87g carbohydrates, 30g fat
5. Chipotle Chicken Avocado Burrito
The Chipotle Chicken Avocado Burrito includes chopped boneless chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, rice, and pinto beans on top of the cabbage, avocado slices, and sour cream.
Everything is then wrapped in a tortilla and slightly grilled on all sides.
The smokiness of the chipotle chicken and the richness of the avocado combine for a tasty burrito that you won’t be able to resist.
I sometimes add Baja shrimp to make it a surf and turf burrito!
Nutritional Information:
920 calories, 61g protein, 81g carbohydrates, 40g fat
4. Classic Chicken Burrito
The Classic Chicken Burrito is an excellent choice for a healthy yet meaty snack.
The soft flour tortilla contains shredded chicken tinga, pinto beans, rice, and Monterey Jack cheese.
This burrito has tons of flavor from the tender grilled chicken tinga mixed with the savory creaminess of the Monterey Jack cheese.
It’s a satisfying snack that will keep you full for hours.
Nutritional Information:
480 calories, 25g protein, 66g carbohydrates, 13g fat
3. Original Pollo Bowl
The Original Pollo Bowl is a hearty and tasty meal.
It starts with a layer of fluffy rice, topped with chopped chicken marinated in El Pollo Loco’s traditional seasoning blend.
Then comes the diced onion for an added crunch, followed by pinto beans for protein and fiber.
The pico de gallo salsa, cilantro, and a drizzle of creamy dressing finish the bowl with a zesty kick.
Nutritional Information:
580 calories, 41g protein, 83g carbohydrates, 10g fat
2. Chicken Avocado Burrito
If you are looking for an option low in carbs but high in flavor, the Chicken Avocado Burrito is a perfect choice.
This burrito combines savory ingredients such as Monterey Jack cheese, pinto beans, and chopped boneless chicken for a high-protein meal.
The creamy cilantro dressing and avocado slices add a hint of creamy sweetness to the dish, while the pico de gallo salsa adds a subtle heat.
The shredded cabbage increases the fiber to fill the burrito without increasing calories and grease.
If you’re looking for something new and exciting, this burrito from El Pollo Loco will surely delight you.
Nutritional Information:
920 calories, 60g protein, 68g carbohydrates, 47g fat
1. Grande Avocado Chicken Bowl
I always love corn and beans, but they’ve never been combined with chicken quite like this!
El Pollo Loco’s Grande Avocado Chicken Bowl is an absolute delight.
It starts with a bed of fluffy white rice, topped with chunks of marinated chicken.
Then comes the Monterey Jack cheese for cheesy goodness, followed by sweet kernels of corn and nutty pinto beans.
Shredded cabbage adds some refreshing, crispy texture, and it’s all brought together with the zesty kick of pico de gallo salsa.
Finally, you get creamy avocado slices to top it off – what more could you want?
If you want to make this bowl keto-friendly, simply request no rice.
Nutritional Information:
790 calories, 50g protein, 90g carbohydrates, 27g fat
Conclusion
You can expect to be satisfied no matter what you order from the El Pollo Loco menu.
From their famous chicken bowls and tacos to tasty sides and salads, there is something for every palate.
So if you’re looking for delicious and wholesome Mexican-style fast food, you know where to go!
