El Pollo Loco menu prices and pictures show flame-grilled chicken served with rice, beans, and tortillas. This quick-service Mexican chain is known for its citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken. You can find meals that fit most budgets and taste preferences.
In this guide, we break down the full menu, current prices, and what each item looks like. We also include tips for ordering and saving money. Let’s get started.
El Pollo Loco Menu Prices And Pictures
Below is a complete look at the menu categories. Prices may vary by location. Pictures are described to help you visualize each dish before you order.
Fire-Grilled Chicken Meals
These are the core offerings. Chicken is marinated in a citrus and spice blend, then grilled over an open flame. You get a choice of sides and tortillas.
- ¼ Chicken Dark Meal – Includes leg and thigh. Served with two sides and tortillas. Price: around $8.49. Picture: A small tray with a golden-brown leg and thigh, a scoop of rice, and a side of beans.
- ¼ Chicken White Meal – Includes breast and wing. Same sides. Price: around $8.99. Picture: A breast piece with crispy skin, a wing, and a small cup of salsa verde.
- ½ Chicken Meal – Half a chicken. Served with two sides and tortillas. Price: around $11.99. Picture: A plate with a half chicken, charred edges, and a pile of pinto beans.
- Whole Chicken Meal – Full chicken. Served with four sides and tortillas. Price: around $19.99. Picture: A large platter with a whole chicken, four side cups, and a stack of warm tortillas.
Bowl And Salad Options
These are lighter choices. They come with rice, beans, and your choice of protein. Some include avocado or cheese.
- Chicken Avocado Bowl – Grilled chicken, rice, black beans, pico de gallo, and sliced avocado. Price: around $9.49. Picture: A bowl with green avocado slices on top, red tomatoes, and white rice underneath.
- Classic Bowl – Chicken, rice, pinto beans, corn, and cheese. Price: around $8.29. Picture: A bowl with yellow corn kernels, shredded cheese, and a scoop of sour cream.
- Street Corn Salad – Grilled chicken, romaine, street corn, cotija cheese, and lime dressing. Price: around $8.99. Picture: A salad bowl with charred corn kernels, crumbled white cheese, and a lime wedge.
Tacos And Tostadas
Tacos come on soft corn tortillas. Tostadas are crispy. You can choose chicken or other proteins.
- Chicken Taco (Single) – One taco with chicken, cilantro, and onions. Price: around $2.49. Picture: A small taco with green salsa drizzled on top.
- Chicken Taco Meal (3 Tacos) – Three tacos with rice and beans. Price: around $8.99. Picture: A tray with three tacos lined up, a side of rice, and a side of black beans.
- Shrimp Taco – Grilled shrimp, cabbage, and chipotle sauce. Price: around $3.49. Picture: A taco with pink shrimp visible, shredded purple cabbage, and a white sauce.
- Tostada – Crispy tortilla with chicken, beans, lettuce, and cheese. Price: around $4.49. Picture: A round tostada with a layer of refried beans, shredded chicken, and diced tomatoes.
Burritos And Quesadillas
These are filling options. Burritos are large and wrapped in a flour tortilla. Quesadillas are grilled and cheesy.
- Chicken Burrito – Grilled chicken, rice, beans, cheese, and salsa. Price: around $8.29. Picture: A large, foil-wrapped burrito cut in half, showing rice and chicken inside.
- Shrimp Burrito – Grilled shrimp, rice, black beans, and avocado. Price: around $9.49. Picture: A burrito with a green avocado slice visible at the cut end.
- Chicken Quesadilla – Grilled chicken and melted cheese in a flour tortilla. Served with salsa. Price: around $7.49. Picture: A triangular quesadilla with golden brown spots, served with a small cup of salsa.
Kids Menu
Smaller portions for children. Each meal comes with a drink and a small side.
- Kids Chicken Taco – One small taco with rice or beans. Price: around $4.99. Picture: A small tray with a single taco, a tiny cup of rice, and a juice box.
- Kids Chicken Meal – One piece of chicken (leg or thigh) with a side. Price: around $5.49. Picture: A small plate with a drumstick and a scoop of mashed potatoes.
Sides And Extras
Add these to your meal. They are also available a la carte.
- Mexican Rice – Price: around $2.29. Picture: A cup of orange-tinted rice with small vegetable pieces.
- Pinto Beans – Price: around $2.29. Picture: A cup of brown beans in a light broth.
- Black Beans – Price: around $2.29. Picture: A cup of dark black beans with a few cilantro flecks.
- Street Corn – Price: around $2.99. Picture: A cup of corn kernels with cotija cheese and chili powder.
- Guacamole – Price: around $2.49. Picture: A small cup of green guacamole with a few tomato chunks.
- Flan – Price: around $2.99. Picture: A small dish of caramel-topped custard.
- Churros – Price: around $2.49. Picture: Two golden churros dusted with cinnamon sugar.
Drinks
Beverages include soft drinks, iced tea, and horchata.
- Soft Drink – Price: around $2.19. Picture: A large cup with ice and a soda logo.
- Horchata – Price: around $2.49. Picture: A clear cup with a white, creamy drink and ice.
- Agua Fresca – Price: around $2.49. Picture: A cup with a pink or green fruit drink.
How To Read The Menu Board
When you walk into El Pollo Loco, the menu board can look busy. Here is how to scan it quickly.
- Look for the “Fire-Grilled Chicken” section first. That is the main draw.
- Check the “Combos” area for meals that include a drink.
- Find the “Sides” section if you want to add extras.
- Notice the “Loco Deals” or value menu for cheaper options.
Prices are usually listed on the board. Some locations have digital boards that change. If you do not see a price, ask the cashier.
Pictures Of Popular Items
Visualizing your meal helps you decide. Here are descriptions of what common items look like.
¼ Chicken Dark Meal Picture
Imagine a rectangular tray. On the left, a leg and thigh piece sit together. The skin is dark brown with grill marks. On the right, a scoop of Mexican rice and a scoop of pinto beans. A small plastic cup of salsa verde sits on the side. Three warm corn tortillas are wrapped in foil.
Chicken Avocado Bowl Picture
A medium bowl. At the bottom, white rice. On top, grilled chicken strips. Then a layer of black beans. Finally, fresh pico de gallo and three slices of avocado. A lime wedge is tucked on the side. The colors are green, red, and white.
Chicken Taco Picture
A small corn tortilla. Folded in half. Inside, shredded chicken, diced white onion, and fresh cilantro. A drizzle of green salsa on top. The tortilla has slight char marks. Served on a small paper plate.
Churros Picture
Two long, golden-brown sticks. They have a ridged surface. Dusted with cinnamon sugar. Served on a small napkin or in a paper sleeve. They look crispy on the outside.
How To Save Money At El Pollo Loco
You can get good value here. Follow these tips.
- Order a meal instead of a la carte. Meals include sides and tortillas for a better price.
- Check the app. The El Pollo Loco app often has coupons and BOGO deals.
- Look for Loco Deals. These are smaller, cheaper items like a taco and a drink for $5.
- Skip the drink. Water is free. Drinks add $2 or more.
- Share a whole chicken. A whole chicken meal feeds 3-4 people. It is cheaper than buying individual meals.
Nutritional Information
If you care about calories, here are some numbers. These are approximate.
- ¼ Chicken Dark Meal – About 600 calories without sides.
- Chicken Avocado Bowl – About 550 calories.
- Chicken Taco – About 180 calories each.
- Chicken Burrito – About 700 calories.
- Street Corn – About 200 calories.
You can find full nutrition info on the El Pollo Loco website. Ask for a printed sheet at the restaurant if needed.
What To Order For Different Needs
For A Quick Lunch
Order a Chicken Taco Meal. It comes with three tacos, rice, and beans. You can eat it in 15 minutes. Price is around $8.99.
For A Family Dinner
Order a Whole Chicken Meal. It includes a full chicken and four sides. Add extra tortillas. Feeds 4 people. Price is around $19.99.
For A Low-Carb Option
Order a Chicken Avocado Bowl without rice. Ask for extra lettuce or beans instead. Price is around $9.49.
For A Treat
Order a Shrimp Taco and a Churro. The taco is light and fresh. The churro is sweet. Total is about $6.
How To Order Online Or In The App
- Download the El Pollo Loco app from your app store.
- Create an account or sign in as a guest.
- Choose your location. This shows the correct menu and prices.
- Browse categories. Add items to your cart.
- Customize sides or remove items if needed.
- Select pickup or delivery.
- Pay with card or cash at pickup.
- Show your order number at the restaurant.
Online ordering often has exclusive deals. Check the app before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does El Pollo Loco Have A Secret Menu?
Not officially. Some locations will make a “double chicken” bowl if you ask. You can also request extra sauce or no rice. It is not a published menu.
Are El Pollo Loco Menu Prices The Same Everywhere?
No. Prices vary by state and city. California locations tend to be higher. Texas and Arizona are often lower. Check your local store for exact prices.
Can I See Pictures Of El Pollo Loco Menu Items Before Ordering?
Yes. The El Pollo Loco website has pictures for most items. The app also shows images. Some third-party delivery apps show photos too.
What Is The Most Popular Item On The Menu?
The ¼ Chicken Dark Meal is the best seller. It is the classic combination of chicken, rice, beans, and tortillas. People also love the Chicken Avocado Bowl.
Does El Pollo Loco Offer Catering?
Yes. You can order large trays of chicken, rice, beans, and tortillas. Catering is available for parties and events. Call your local store or order online 24 hours in advance.
Final Tips For Your Visit
Arrive during lunch (11am-2pm) for the freshest chicken. The grill is running constantly. Avoid peak dinner hours (6pm-7pm) if you want a shorter line.
Bring cash if you want to avoid card fees. Some locations charge a small fee for credit cards. Cash is always accepted.
Check the salsa bar. You can add pico de gallo, salsa verde, and jalapenos for free. Grab extra napkins and wet wipes.
If you have dietary restrictions, ask the cashier. They can tell you which items are gluten-free or dairy-free. Most chicken dishes are gluten-free if you skip the tortillas.
El Pollo Loco menu prices and pictures give you a clear idea of what to expect. The food is simple, fresh, and affordable. Whether you want a quick taco or a family meal, this chain delivers consistent quality. Use this guide to order with confidence next time you visit.