El Pollo Loco Menu Prices 2026: Flame-Grilled Chicken, Burritos & Combos

El Pollo Loco's flame-grilled chicken is priced as follows as of May 2026: 1/4 Chicken (leg/thigh or breast/wing) $5.99, 1/2 Chicken $9.49, Whole Chicken $16.99, 2-Piece Meal $7.99, 3-Piece Meal $10.49, Family Meal (8 pc) $29.99. As a combo with a side and drink, the 1/4 Chicken Combo runs $9.99. The Double Chicken Avocado Burrito — the most popular non-chicken-piece order — is $10.99, or $13.99 as a combo. Prices vary by market; California typically runs 10–15% above the national averages shown.

Pollo asado means 'grilled chicken' in Spanish, but El Pollo Loco's version is more specifically a citrus-herb marinated flame-grilled chicken. The chicken is marinated for 12+ hours in a blend of citrus (orange and lime juice), garlic, herbs, and spices — the exact recipe is proprietary — then cooked over an open flame grill. The marinade produces a subtly citrusy, herbal flavor profile that distinguishes EPL from plain rotisserie or fried chicken. The flame-grill char is visible and adds a smoky note. El Pollo Loco does not fry its chicken, which is a deliberate brand positioning — lower fat content than Popeyes or KFC while still having char flavor.

The Double Chicken Avocado Burrito ($10.99) is El Pollo Loco's most popular single menu item. It contains a double portion of the flame-grilled pollo asado chicken, fresh avocado, pico de gallo, and cilantro in a freshly made flour tortilla. The 'double chicken' part is the key — it has substantially more protein than a standard burrito, which is part of why it became popular with protein-focused diners. As a Combo with a side and drink it's $13.99. Available at all EPL locations; one of the most searched individual items on the chain's menu.

Yes — El Pollo Loco makes its flour tortillas fresh in-store throughout operating hours. The in-store tortilla press is a deliberate differentiator and a significant part of the EPL brand promise; customers can often watch the tortillas being made. The fresh tortillas are notably softer and more flavorful than the pre-made flour tortillas used by most fast-food Mexican chains. This is one of the most frequently cited reasons customers prefer EPL over Taco Bell for a burrito — the tortilla quality alone. Corn tortillas for the Tacos al Carbon are also made fresh at most locations.

El Pollo Loco operates approximately 480 locations as of 2026, heavily concentrated in the American Southwest. The distribution: roughly 300+ in California (LA and Southern California particularly heavy), 50+ in Arizona, 40+ in Nevada, 30+ in Texas, and additional locations in Utah, Idaho, and select other Western states. The chain is publicly traded (LOCO) and has been expanding beyond its California core market through franchise agreements. Use the store locator at elpolloloco.com for the nearest location.

The Chicken Taco at $2.99 is the cheapest hot food item on El Pollo Loco's standard menu — a flame-grilled chicken taco in a fresh corn or flour tortilla with cabbage, pico, cilantro, and salsa. The Bean & Cheese Burrito at $6.49 is the cheapest burrito. Sides like coleslaw, beans, and Spanish rice start at $2.49. El Pollo Loco also runs rotating $5 Loco Deals (check the in-store board) that can include a taco + drink for $5. For the biggest value per calorie, the 1/4 Chicken ($5.99) or 2-Piece Meal ($7.99) provides the best protein-per-dollar on the menu.

El Pollo Loco consistently markets itself as a healthier fast-food alternative, with some legitimate basis: the chicken is flame-grilled, not fried, which reduces fat content significantly vs. KFC, Popeyes, or Chick-fil-A. The 1/4 Chicken (leg/thigh) is approximately 180–220 calories without sides. The Pollo Bowl with rice and beans is approximately 490 calories. The Double Chicken Avocado Burrito is around 670 calories. The main calorie additions come from the rice, beans, tortilla, sour cream, and cheese — the chicken itself is lean. EPL is consistently ranked in the 'healthier fast casual' category by nutrition publications alongside Chipotle and Chick-fil-A.

The key differences: El Pollo Loco specializes in citrus-marinated flame-grilled chicken (pollo asado) with a Mexican-origin recipe. The chicken is the star — you can order it as pieces (1/4, 1/2 chicken) rather than only in a burrito or bowl format. Fresh in-store tortillas are a differentiator. Chipotle is a build-your-own format (burrito, bowl, tacos, salad) with multiple protein options (chicken, steak, carnitas, sofritas, barbacoa) and a heavy focus on ingredients sourced to specific standards. Chipotle's portions are generally larger and its pricing is slightly higher. EPL has been in the Western U.S. since 1980 and feels more rooted in regional Mexican-American cuisine; Chipotle is a national chain with a more uniform format.