El Pollo Loco Menu

El Pollo Loco Menu USA Prices 2026

Craving fire-grilled chicken but want to know the cost before you order? This guide covers the full El Pollo Loco menu with prices for 2026, plus calories, deals, catering, and allergen tips. All prices are updated for October 2026 and reflect what most US diners pay.

Keep in mind that each restaurant sets its own prices. Your local store may be a little higher or lower than the numbers below.

El Pollo Loco at a Glance: What Makes the Fire-Grilled Chicken Different

El Pollo Loco started in 1975 in Guasave, Mexico, and opened its first US restaurant in Los Angeles in 1980. Today, it runs hundreds of restaurants, mostly in California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Utah, and Colorado.

What sets it apart is the cooking method. The chicken is marinated in citrus, garlic, and spices, then grilled over an open flame. It is never breaded or deep-fried.

  • Signature style: Citrus-marinated, flame-grilled chicken
  • Menu focus: Bowls, burritos, tacos, salads, and family meals
  • Service: Dine-in, drive-thru, takeout, delivery, and catering

El Pollo Loco Menu Prices 2026 (Quick Price Chart)

Short on time? This quick chart shows the most popular items and their typical prices. Use it to get a fast idea of what your meal will cost.

ItemTypical PriceCalories
Original Pollo Bowl$5.99580
Classic Chicken Burrito$5.99480
Chicken Taco al Carbón$2.89170
2pc Leg & Thigh Meal$12.29470-1,310
Double Chicken Bowl$14.29930
8pc Family Meal26.99-31.491,470-3,560
Kids Meal$6.99220-930
2 Cinnamon Churros$3.39300-330

El Pollo Loco Menu Prices by Category

Below, you’ll find every main section of the menu with prices and calories. Calories come from the chain’s official nutrition guide, valid as of September 2026.

Fire-Grilled Chicken Meals Prices

Chicken meals come with two small sides and tortillas. Leg and thigh meals cost less than breast and wing meals at almost every location.

ItemPriceCalories
Chicken Leg (à la carte)$2.99110
Chicken Wing (à la carte)$2.1970
Chicken Thigh (à la carte)$3.39200
Chicken Breast (à la carte)$4.39200
2pc Leg & Thigh Meal$12.29470-1,310
2pc Breast & Wing Meal$13.29430-1,280
3pc Leg & Thigh Meal$13.89660-1,510
3pc Breast & Wing Meal$14.89640-1,480
4pc Half Chicken Meal$16.19740-1,590
Meal for Two$13.991,400-2,260
Whole Chicken$19.791,160

Family Meals and Family Style Bundles Prices

Family meals are a top choice for weeknight dinners. The 8-piece comes with two large sides, the 12-piece with three, and the 16-piece with four. Tortillas and salsa are included.

ItemPriceCalories
8pc Chicken Only16.79-19.791,160-1,230
8pc Family Meal26.99-31.491,470-3,560
12pc Family Meal38.69-43.192,210-5,350
16pc Family Meal45.49-49.993,080-7,130
Fam Feast (select stores)About $40.09Varies

Pollo Bowls Prices

Pollo Bowls layer rice, beans, chicken, and salsa in one easy meal. This fall, the chain added three limited-time Cheesy Enchilada bowls.

ItemPriceCalories
Original Pollo Bowl$5.99580
Street Corn Chicken Bowl$7.80600
Grande Avocado Chicken Bowl$12.99790
Double Chicken Bowl$14.29930
Queso Crunch Double Chicken Burrito Bowl$15.991,080
Red Chile Cheesy Enchilada Double Chicken Bowl (LTO)$15.991,090
Green Chile Cheesy Enchilada Double Chicken Bowl (LTO)$15.991,100

Burritos and Wraps Prices

The BRC Burrito (beans, rice, and cheese) is the cheapest burrito and has no chicken. The guacamole burritos and Fresca Wraps are the premium picks.

ItemPriceCalories
Original BRC Burrito$5.99410
Classic Chicken Burrito$5.99480
Queso Guacamole Chicken Burrito$12.79780
Guacamole Chicken Burrito$12.79920
Chipotle Guacamole Chicken Burrito$12.791,010
Citrus Avocado Fresca Wrap$12.19600
Mexican Cobb Fresca Wrap$12.19940

Tacos Prices

Tacos are sold one at a time, so you can mix and match. The Taco al Carbón is the lightest and cheapest choice.

ItemPriceCalories
Chicken Taco al Carbón$2.89170
Chicken Avocado Taco$6.69330
Shredded Chicken Crunchy Taco$6.79210
Baja Shrimp Taco (select stores)$6.79320

Tostadas and Fresca Salads Prices

Salads are a great pick if you want something fresh. Note that salad calories do not include dressing, which adds about 150 to 440 calories.

ItemPriceCalories
Classic Chicken Tostada$13.49820
Double Chicken Tostada$14.99990
Citrus Avocado Fresca Salad$14.29350
Mexican Cobb Fresca Salad$14.29500
Street Corn Salad$15.79390
Mexican Caesar Salad$15.79420

Quesadillas and Nachos Prices

The Cheese Quesadilla is a small, budget-friendly snack. The chicken quesadillas and nachos are full, filling meals.

ItemPriceCalories
Cheese Quesadilla$5.19530
Salsa Verde Chicken Quesadilla$9.99810
Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla$9.99930
Shredded Chicken Nachos$12.49940

Build Your Own Nachos Options

For parties, you can order a large Build Your Own Nachos kit. It includes chips, chicken, queso, beans, and toppings so guests can make their own plates.

  • Price: About $149.99
  • Calories: 1,230-1,530 per serving
  • Best for: Office parties, game days, and birthdays

Fire-Grilled Combos and Individual Entrées Prices

Combos are one of the best ways to save money. Each one pairs a main item with a side or drink for one low price.

ItemPriceCalories
Original Pollo Bowl Combo$5.99680-1,070
3 Tacos al Carbón Combo$5.99610-910
Classic Chicken Burrito Combo$5.99580-880
BRC Burrito Combo$5.99410-870

Kids Meals Prices

Each kids meal includes a small side and a choice of tortillas or chips. A drink is included at many locations.

ItemPriceCalories
2pc Chicken Leg Kids Meal$6.99220-930
BRC Kids Meal$6.99410-910
Cheese Quesadilla Kids Meal$6.99530-1,030

Sides, Sauces and Fresh Salsas Prices

Sides come in small, regular, and large sizes. The fresh salsas from the salsa bar are free with your meal.

ItemPriceCalories (small)
Pinto Beans5.19-6.69140
BBQ Black Beans5.19-6.69120
Rice5.19-6.69160
Macaroni & Cheese5.19-6.69310
Mashed Potatoes with Gravy5.19-6.69100
Corn5.19-6.69140
Coleslaw5.19-6.69120
Broccoli5.19-6.6930
Sour Cream / Dressings0.75-0.7980-310
Salsa Fresca, Avocado Salsa, Salsa RojaFree5-20

Snacks and Sweets Prices

These small bites are great for sharing. This fall, look for Pumpkin Pie Mini Churros as a seasonal treat.

ItemPriceCalories
1 Cinnamon Churro$2.19170
2 Cinnamon Churros$3.39330
Caramel Flan Cup$4.39230
Pumpkin Pie Mini Churros (LTO)$4.49140
Chicken Tortilla Soup$5.59240
Chips & Guacamole3.59-5.29490-980
Chips & Queso Blanco3.59-5.29540-1,080
2 Tortillas$0.79100-190

Drinks Prices

Fountain drinks are priced by cup size. The ChataCoffee line, made with horchata, is a fan favorite, and a Caramel Apple version is out for fall.

ItemPriceCalories
Regular Fountain Drink$3.190-200
Large Fountain Drink$3.490-310
Horchata$3.49Varies
ChataCoffee$5.09160
Cold Foam Cooler$3.99150-300
Bottled Water$3.190

Cheapest El Pollo Loco Menu Items and Best Value Picks

You don’t need a big budget to eat well here. Several filling items cost less than $6, and family meals bring the cost per person down even more.

El Pollo Loco $5 Value Menu

The value lineup changes from time to time, but these items usually sit near the $5 mark:

  • Original Pollo Bowl: about $5.99
  • Classic Chicken Burrito: about $5.99
  • BRC Burrito: about $5.99
  • 3 Tacos al Carbón Combo: about $5.99
  • Cheese Quesadilla: about $5.19

Lowest-Priced Items Under $5

If you just want a quick snack, these items cost the least:

  1. Chicken Wing à la carte: $2.19
  2. Cinnamon Churro: $2.19
  3. Chicken Taco al Carbón: $2.89
  4. Chicken Leg à la carte: $2.99
  5. 2 Cinnamon Churros: $3.39

Best Value Family Meal for Groups

The 8pc Family Meal is the best deal for a family of four. At about $27 to $31, it works out to roughly $7 to $8 per person, with chicken, two large sides, and tortillas included.

El Pollo Loco Catering Menu Prices

Planning an office lunch or party? Catering orders usually need 24 to 48 hours’ notice, so plan ahead.

Catering Platters

ItemPriceCalories
24 Taco Platter$83.19340-810
48 Taco Platter$155.99340-810
12 Burrito Platter$93.59780-1,120
24 Burrito Platter$176.79780-1,120
24pc Chicken Meal$103.99610-1,290
48pc Chicken Meal$187.19610-1,290

Individual Lunch Boxes

Lunch boxes are perfect for meetings because each guest gets their own meal. Each box costs about $8.31.

  • Burrito Box
  • Taco Box
  • Quesadilla Box
  • Pollo Bowl Box

Asado Add-Ons and Bulk Sides

Add-ons help you round out a catering order. Bulk sides come in Extra Large (15.59)andJumbo(28.07) sizes.

ItemPrice
8 Piece Whole Chicken$18.69
6 Taco Platter$21.83
Chips & Guacamole$14.55
12 Churros + 6 Dips$19.51
Rice, Beans, or Corn (XL)$15.59

El Pollo Loco Nutrition and Calories

El Pollo Loco is one of the lighter fast-food choices in the US, but calories still vary a lot. A single taco can be under 200 calories, while loaded bowls go over 1,000.

Lowest-Calorie Menu Items

  • Broccoli side: 30 calories
  • Chicken Wing: 70 calories
  • Chicken Leg: 110 calories
  • Taco al Carbón: 170 calories
  • Citrus Avocado Fresca Salad: 350 calories (without dressing)

High-Protein Picks

These options help you hit your protein goals:

  • Double Chicken Avocado Salad: about 51g protein
  • Original Pollo Bowl: about 41g protein
  • Chicken Breast à la carte: about 34g protein

Grilled vs. Fried: Why El Pollo Loco Stays Lower in Calories

Fried chicken soaks up oil and comes coated in batter. Grilled chicken skips both, so it has less fat and fewer calories. That’s the main reason El Pollo Loco’s chicken stays lighter than most fried chicken chains.

El Pollo Loco Allergen Menu and Gluten-Free Options

If you have food allergies, check before you order. Kitchens share grills and prep space, so cross-contact can happen.

Gluten-Free Menu Items

These items are commonly ordered by gluten-free diners:

  • Fire-grilled chicken pieces
  • Pinto beans and rice
  • Corn and broccoli sides
  • Fresh salsas
  • Salads or tostadas without the flour shell

Skip flour tortillas, churros, and tortilla strips.

Dairy, Soy and Other Common Allergen Notes

  • Dairy: Cheese, sour cream, queso, and creamy dressings
  • Soy: Found in some marinades and sauces
  • Wheat: Flour tortillas, churros, soup strips
  • Eggs: Present in select dressings

Does El Pollo Loco Have a Breakfast Menu?

No, El Pollo Loco does not serve a breakfast menu. Most stores open around 10 AM and serve the same menu all day. If you want something light early, the Chicken Tortilla Soup or a BRC Burrito is a good choice.

How El Pollo Loco Prices Vary by Location in the USA

Prices are set by each restaurant, so the same item can cost several dollars more in one city than another. Rent, wages, and local taxes all play a part.

Price Differences by State (California, Texas, Arizona and More)

Here is how delivery-menu prices compared across three major cities in October 2026:

ItemLos Angeles, CAPhoenix, AZHouston, TX
Original Pollo Bowl$6.39$8.99$8.99
8pc Family Meal$35.69$35.99$33.99
16pc Family Meal$61.79$57.99$55.99
Double Chicken Tostada$16.69$18.99$14.99

Houston was often the cheapest, while Phoenix tended to run highest.

El Pollo Loco Deals, Loco Rewards and the App

Loco Rewards is the chain’s free loyalty program. You earn points on every order and trade them for free food.

  • Points on every dollar spent
  • A free birthday reward
  • App-only deals and coupons
  • Early access to new menu items

Frequent guests often earn a free side or drink within a few visits.

El Pollo Loco Hours, Drive-Thru and Dining Options

Most El Pollo Loco locations open at 10 AM and close between 10 PM and 11 PM, seven days a week. Hours can differ on holidays, so check your local store.

  • Dine-in seating
  • Drive-thru
  • Takeout and curbside pickup
  • Delivery through apps
  • Catering for groups

El Pollo Loco vs. Other Fast-Casual Chains: Price and Value Comparison

El Pollo Loco usually costs less than most fast-casual Mexican chains for a full chicken meal. Here’s a general look at how it stacks up:

FeatureEl Pollo LocoTypical Fast-Casual Mexican ChainTypical Fried Chicken Chain
Entry-level entréeAbout $6About 10-12About 7-9
Cooking styleFlame-grilledGrilledDeep-fried
Family mealYesLimitedYes
Free salsa barYesVariesNo

How We Checked These Prices

We built our item list from the official El Pollo Loco menu and nutrition guide. We then compared prices from in-store menus and delivery menus in several US cities, including Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Houston, in early October 2026.

Prices shown are typical, not guaranteed. Always confirm the final price with your local restaurant.

FAQs

Are El Pollo Loco prices the same at every location?

No. Each restaurant sets its own prices, so costs vary by city and state.

Why are online menu prices higher than what I paid in the restaurant?

Delivery apps often mark up menu prices and add fees. Ordering in store or through the official app is usually cheaper.

What is the cheapest meal at El Pollo Loco?

The Original Pollo Bowl, Classic Chicken Burrito, and $5.99 combos are the cheapest full meals.

How much is an El Pollo Loco family meal?

Family meals range from about $27 for 8 pieces to about $50 for 16 pieces, depending on location.

What is the most popular item on the El Pollo Loco menu?

The Original Pollo Bowl is the most popular single item, and the 8pc Family Meal leads for groups.

What is the lowest-calorie item on the menu?

The broccoli side has just 30 calories. For entrées, the Taco al Carbón is lightest at 170 calories.

How many calories are in an Original Pollo Bowl?

The Original Pollo Bowl has 580 calories.

Does El Pollo Loco have gluten-free options?

Yes. Grilled chicken, rice, beans, corn, and fresh salsas are popular gluten-free picks. Cross-contact is possible.

Can I swap chicken for shrimp or steak in a burrito or taco?

Many stores let you swap to shrimp for an extra charge. Steak is not on the standard menu, so ask your local store.

Does El Pollo Loco have a rewards program?

Yes. Loco Rewards gives you points, a birthday treat, and app-only deals.

Where can I find full nutrition and allergen details?

The official El Pollo Loco website posts its full nutrition and allergen guides. Ask staff if you have a serious allergy.

Conclusion

The El Pollo Loco menu offers great value, with $5.99 combos, family meals for under $8 per person, and lighter grilled options than most fast-food spots. Prices do change by city, so check your local store before you order. For the best deal, skip delivery markups and use the Loco Rewards app for pickup.

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