Pollo Loco prices and menu highlight flame-grilled chicken meals with rice and beans for a filling dinner. This Mexican-inspired fast-food chain offers a wide range of options from individual plates to family bundles. You can grab a quick lunch or feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
The menu is built around citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken. Sides like pinto beans, Mexican rice, and fresh salsa round out the meals. Prices vary by location, but most items fall between $3 and $20.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about Pollo Loco prices and menu choices. We’ll cover combos, a la carte items, family meals, and tips for saving money.
Pollo Loco Prices And Menu
This section covers the core menu categories. You’ll find prices for popular items like the Classic Chicken Breast, Chicken Tortilla Soup, and the famous Double Chicken Avocado Bowl. Prices are averages and may differ slightly by region.
Classic Chicken Meals
The foundation of the menu is the flame-grilled chicken. You can get it as a breast, leg, thigh, or wing. Most meals come with two sides and tortillas.
- 2-Piece Chicken Meal (leg and thigh): $7.49
- 2-Piece Chicken Meal (breast and wing): $8.29
- 3-Piece Chicken Meal (mixed pieces): $9.99
- 4-Piece Chicken Meal (mixed pieces): $12.49
- Whole Chicken Meal (8 pieces, serves 3-4): $18.99
Each meal includes your choice of two sides. Popular sides are Mexican rice, pinto beans, coleslaw, and corn on the cob. You also get warm flour or corn tortillas.
Bowls And Salads
For a lighter option, bowls and salads are popular. They pack protein and veggies without the carbs.
- Chicken Avocado Bowl: $9.49
- Double Chicken Avocado Bowl: $11.29
- Chicken Tostada Salad: $8.79
- Street Corn Chicken Bowl: $9.79
- Caesar Salad with Chicken: $8.49
The Double Chicken Avocado Bowl is a fan favorite. It has double the chicken, black beans, corn, pico de gallo, and creamy cilantro dressing. It’s filling and high in protein.
Tacos And Quesadillas
Tacos come in soft or hard shells. You can choose chicken, steak, or veggies.
- Chicken Taco (single): $2.49
- Steak Taco (single): $2.99
- Chicken Quesadilla: $6.79
- Steak Quesadilla: $7.49
- Taco Plate (3 tacos with rice and beans): $8.99
The Taco Plate is a good value. You get three tacos plus sides for under $9. Add guacamole for $1.29 extra.
Family Meals And Bundles
Feeding a group? Family meals save you money per person. They include multiple entrees and large sides.
- Family Fiesta (12 pieces chicken, 4 large sides, 20 tortillas): $34.99
- Family Fiesta with 8 pieces: $24.99
- Chicken for 6 (18 pieces, 6 large sides, 30 tortillas): $49.99
- Pollo Loco Party Pack (whole chicken, 2 large sides, tortillas): $21.99
The Family Fiesta is the best deal for 4-5 people. It includes enough food for leftovers. Sides like rice and beans stretch the meal further.
Kids Meals
Kids meals come with a smaller portion and a toy or activity.
- Kids Chicken Breast Meal: $5.49
- Kids Chicken Taco Meal: $4.99
- Kids Quesadilla Meal: $5.29
Each kids meal includes a small side, a drink, and a treat. It’s a simple option for picky eaters.
Sides And Extras
You can add sides a la carte. They are perfect for rounding out a meal or sharing.
- Mexican Rice (regular): $2.29
- Pinto Beans (regular): $2.29
- Coleslaw: $2.29
- Corn on the Cob: $2.49
- Guacamole (small): $1.79
- Guacamole (large): $3.49
- Chicken Tortilla Soup (cup): $3.99
- Chicken Tortilla Soup (bowl): $5.49
The Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hidden gem. It’s hearty with shredded chicken, vegetables, and crispy tortilla strips. A bowl makes a light meal on its own.
Desserts And Drinks
Finish your meal with a sweet treat or a refreshing drink.
- Churro (2 pieces): $1.99
- Churro Sundae: $3.49
- Flan: $2.79
- Soft Drink (regular): $1.99
- Soft Drink (large): $2.49
- Bottled Water: $1.79
- Horchata (regular): $2.49
- Horchata (large): $3.29
Horchata is a sweet rice drink that pairs well with spicy chicken. It’s a customer favorite. The churro sundae has vanilla soft serve, a churro, and caramel sauce.
How To Save Money At Pollo Loco
You don’t have to spend a lot to eat well here. Use these tips to keep your bill low.
Order Family Meals For Groups
Family meals offer the best per-person cost. For example, the Family Fiesta with 12 pieces costs about $7 per person for 5 people. That’s cheaper than buying individual meals.
Skip The Drink
Drinks add $2 to $3 to your total. Water is free. Or bring your own bottle. You’ll save a few dollars each visit.
Use The Pollo Loco App
The app has exclusive deals. You can get a free item with purchase or a discount on your first order. Check it before you go.
Look For Combo Deals
Combos include a drink and a side. They cost slightly more than the entree alone but less than buying everything separately. For example, a Chicken Avocado Bowl Combo is $11.49 versus $9.49 for the bowl alone plus $2 for a drink and side.
Share A Whole Chicken
A whole chicken meal costs $18.99 and feeds 3-4 people. That’s about $5 per person. Add a large side of rice for $3.49 and you have a feast.
Nutritional Information
Knowing what’s in your food helps you make better choices. Here are key nutrition facts for popular items.
Classic Chicken Breast
A single fire-grilled chicken breast has about 280 calories, 12g fat, and 38g protein. It’s low in carbs and high in lean protein.
Chicken Avocado Bowl
This bowl has around 580 calories, 28g fat, and 42g protein. It includes black beans, corn, avocado, and cilantro dressing. The fiber content is high due to the beans and veggies.
Chicken Tostada Salad
This salad has about 450 calories, 24g fat, and 30g protein. The crispy tostada shell adds crunch but also extra carbs. Ask for dressing on the side to control calories.
Chicken Tortilla Soup (Bowl)
A bowl of soup has around 220 calories, 8g fat, and 18g protein. It’s a lighter option that still fills you up. The sodium is moderate at 850mg.
Churro (2 Pieces)
Two churros have about 200 calories, 10g fat, and 18g sugar. They are a treat, not a daily snack. Share them to cut calories in half.
How To Order Online Or In-Store
Ordering is easy whether you’re at the counter or on your phone. Follow these steps.
In-Store Ordering
- Look at the menu board above the counter. Prices are listed clearly.
- Choose your entree. Popular picks are the 2-Piece Chicken Meal or the Chicken Avocado Bowl.
- Pick two sides. Rice and beans are classics. Corn on the cob is a good veggie option.
- Select your tortillas. Flour or corn, both are warm and soft.
- Add a drink if you want. Horchata or a soft drink work well.
- Pay at the register. Cash or card is accepted.
- Wait for your number to be called. Food comes out in 5-10 minutes.
Online Ordering
- Visit the Pollo Loco website or open the app.
- Enter your location to find the nearest restaurant.
- Browse the menu. You can filter by category like bowls or tacos.
- Customize your order. Add extra guacamole or remove onions.
- Choose pickup or delivery. Delivery may have extra fees.
- Pay online. Use a credit card or digital wallet.
- Pick up your order at the counter or drive-thru. Show your order number.
Drive-Thru Tips
Drive-thru is fast but the menu is limited. You can order most items, but some family meals may not be available. Have your order ready before you pull up. Speak clearly so the staff hears you.
Regional Price Variations
Prices are not the same everywhere. They change based on location, taxes, and local costs. Here are some examples.
California Locations
In Los Angeles or San Francisco, prices are higher. A 2-Piece Chicken Meal might cost $8.49 instead of $7.49. The Chicken Avocado Bowl can be $10.29. This is due to higher rent and wages.
Texas Locations
Texas has lower prices. The same 2-Piece Meal is around $7.29. Family meals are also cheaper, with the Family Fiesta at $32.99. The cost of living is lower here.
Florida Locations
Florida falls in the middle. A 2-Piece Meal is about $7.79. The Chicken Avocado Bowl is $9.79. Prices are close to the national average.
Online Vs In-Store Prices
Sometimes online prices are slightly higher. This covers the cost of the app or delivery service. Check both before ordering. In-store is often cheaper for pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Cheapest Item On The Pollo Loco Menu?
The cheapest item is a single Chicken Taco at $2.49. You can also get a small side of rice or beans for $2.29. Kids meals start at $4.99.
Does Pollo Loco Have A Senior Discount?
Some locations offer a senior discount, usually 10% off. It’s not advertised on the menu. Ask at the register if you qualify. Policies vary by franchise.
Are There Any Vegetarian Options On The Pollo Loco Menu?
Yes, there are vegetarian options. The Veggie Bowl has rice, beans, corn, and guacamole. You can also order sides like Mexican rice, pinto beans, and coleslaw. The Churro and Flan are vegetarian too.
Can I Order A Whole Chicken Without Sides?
Yes, you can order a whole chicken a la carte. It costs around $14.99 without sides. This is a good option if you want to make your own sides at home.
Does Pollo Loco Offer Catering?
Yes, catering is available for large groups. You can order party packs with multiple whole chickens and large sides. Contact your local restaurant 24 hours in advance. Prices start at $49.99 for a 6-person pack.
Tips For First-Time Visitors
If you’ve never been to Pollo Loco, here’s what to expect.
Start With A Classic
Order the 2-Piece Chicken Meal with rice and beans. It’s the most popular item for a reason. The chicken is juicy and smoky. The sides are simple but tasty.
Try The Salsa Bar
Most locations have a salsa bar with pico de gallo, green salsa, and red salsa. Add them to your tacos or chicken. They add flavor without extra cost.
Ask For Extra Tortillas
Your meal comes with two tortillas. You can ask for more for free. They are warm and soft, perfect for making mini tacos with your chicken and salsa.
Check For Specials
Some locations have daily specials. Taco Tuesday might offer discounted tacos. Wednesday could have a buy-one-get-one deal on bowls. Ask the staff or check the app.
Don’t Skip The Dessert
The churro sundae is worth the extra $3.49. It’s a fun way to end your meal. Share it with a friend to keep calories in check.
Comparison With Other Fast-Food Chains
How does Pollo Loco stack up against competitors? Let’s compare prices and value.
Pollo Loco Vs Chipotle
Chipotle’s chicken burrito bowl costs about $9.50. Pollo Loco’s Chicken Avocado Bowl is $9.49, similar in price. But Pollo Loco’s bowl includes more protein and fiber. Chipotle has more customization options.
Pollo Loco Vs KFC
KFC’s 2-piece chicken meal is around $6.99, slightly cheaper than Pollo Loco’s $7.49. But Pollo Loco’s chicken is flame-grilled, not fried. It has fewer calories and less fat. KFC has more sides like mashed potatoes and biscuits.
Pollo Loco Vs El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco is a different chain with similar food. El Pollo Loco’s 2-piece meal is about $7.99, higher than Pollo Loco. El Pollo Loco has a larger menu with more seafood options. Pollo Loco focuses on chicken and classic sides.
Pollo Loco Vs Del Taco
Del Taco’s chicken taco costs $1.99, cheaper than Pollo Loco’s $2.49. But Del Taco’s chicken is not flame-grilled. Pollo Loco’s chicken has a smokier flavor. Del Taco has a bigger variety of tacos and burritos.
How To Customize Your Meal
You can tweak your order to fit your taste or diet. Here are some ideas.
Make It Low-Carb
Skip the rice and beans. Order extra veggies like corn on the cob or a side salad. Replace tortillas with lettuce wraps. The Chicken Avocado Bowl is already low in carbs if you omit the rice.
Make It High-Protein
Add extra chicken to any meal. A double chicken breast costs $2.49 extra. Order a side of beans for more protein. The Double Chicken Avocado Bowl has 42g of protein.
Make It Spicy
Ask for jalapeños on your tacos or bowl. Use the green salsa from the salsa bar. Some locations have a spicy habanero sauce. Add it carefully, it’s very hot.
Make It Kid-Friendly
Order a kids meal for smaller portions. The chicken breast is mild and easy to eat. Skip the spicy salsa. Add a churro for dessert.
Seasonal And Limited-Time Offers
Pollo Loco sometimes has special items. These are available for a short time.
Summer Grilled Chicken Salad
In summer, they offer a grilled chicken salad with mango and avocado. It costs around $9.99. It’s refreshing and light for