El Pollo Loco Menu Nutrition Facts & Calorie Guide
Looking for El Pollo Loco menu nutrition facts and calories? Here’s the updated guide so you can plan your next meal with confidence.
El Pollo Loco is known for its fire-grilled chicken and Mexican flavors. This guide lists main menu items and prices. You can see how cost compares to calorie impact quickly. The information is current as of September 2025.
Key entrees and prices:
Chicken Avocado Salad Bowl — $8.79
Classic Chicken Burrito — $7.49
Double Chicken Burrito — $9.99
Pollo Bowl — $7.29
Three-Piece Classic Tacos — $6.99
Family Meal (8 pcs Chicken + 4 Sides) — $29.99
Street-Style Chicken Bowl — $6.49
Fire-Grilled Chicken Breast (Whole) — $12.99
Smoky Chipotle Queso — $1.49 (side)
Fresh Guacamole — $2.99 (side)
Chips & Salsa — $2.29
Small Fountain Drink — $1.99
Large Fountain Drink — $2.49
These menu items offer both price and calorie guidance. For example, the Chicken Avocado Salad Bowl is high in protein and healthy fats. The Double Chicken Burrito, on the other hand, has more calories for extra protein. Use el pollo loco calories to match portion sizes with your daily needs.
Nutrition information comes from El Pollo Loco’s Nutrition Guide (2019–2025) and lab testing. Values are for standard items and serving sizes. El Pollo Loco notes a ±10% variation due to preparation, supplier changes, and custom orders.
This section gives you clear prices and context for healthy choices. It also points to el pollo loco nutrition information for allergens, sodium, and saturated fat.
Who benefits most: food lovers who want healthy options without losing flavor. Choose grilled chicken or a Pollo Bowl for lean protein. For comfort and calories, go for the Double Chicken Burrito or Family Meal.
Next steps include breaking down el pollo loco calories by item. We’ll also highlight allergens and present a sample menu table. This table will help you find items that meet your dietary needs and budget.
Quick tip: small swaps like skipping queso or choosing salsa over guacamole cut calories and saturated fat. You won’t lose the flame-grilled flavor of El Pollo Loco.
Understanding El Pollo Loco Menu Nutrition
Want to know the facts before you order? This section explains how El Pollo Loco creates its nutrition data. It also shows what’s on each label. Use this info to compare items and choose what fits your goals.
How El Pollo Loco compiles its nutrition information
El Pollo Loco uses three main sources for its nutrition info. These are third-party lab tests, supplier ingredient specs, and their own Nutrition Guide. The values are based on standard recipes and typical serving sizes.
Regional or limited-time items, like some shrimp dishes in Houston or Lafayette, Texas, have their own data.
What the nutrition panel includes
The company lists important details per serving. You’ll see serving size in ounces, total calories, and calories from fat. It also shows total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, sugars, and protein.
Allergen flags are clear for each item. The guide points out Egg, Fish, Milk, Peanut, Sesame, Shellfish, Soy, Tree Nuts, and Wheat. For example, the Queso Crunch Double Chicken Burrito Bowl has 25.7 oz., 1080 Cal, 43 g fat, and 3180 mg sodium. It also has Milk and Wheat allergen flags.
Accuracy and margin of error
El Pollo Loco notes that real meals can vary. Serving size differences, on-site preparation, seasonal ingredient swaps, and substitutions all affect the final numbers. Sometimes, ingredient sources can make trans fat totals exceed single-item limits.
Independent estimates and nutrition calculators might be off by ±10% from what you get. For specific questions, contact El Pollo Loco or a trusted nutrition database to confirm figures for your meal planning.
| Data Source | Typical Attributes Reported | Common Variance Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Third‑party lab testing | Calories, macronutrients, sodium, trans fat | Sample size, lab method, batch differences |
| Supplier ingredient specs | Ingredient weight, allergen presence, nutrient estimates | Supplier changes, formulation updates, seasonal items |
| El Pollo Loco Nutrition Guide | Serving size (oz), calories, fat, carbs, protein, allergens | Regional items, limited‑time offers, on‑site prep variance |
| Aggregated menu analysis | Item comparisons, calories per oz, sodium density | Portion control, add‑ons like queso or guacamole |
Short practical tips
- Check serving size first; similar names can differ widely in ounces.
- Scan allergen flags when ordering for someone with food sensitivities.
- Expect about a ±10% swing from published el pollo loco nutritional value when portions vary.
Calorie Breakdown for Popular Fire-Grilled Chicken Items
Fire-grilled chicken is key to many El Pollo Loco meals. This section breaks down serving sizes and core nutrition. It helps you compare pieces and choose what fits your goals. We focus on calories, fat, sodium, and protein to match dietary concerns and the el pollo loco menu nutrition picture.
Chicken breast (4.3 oz.) — snapshot
A 4.3 oz. serving of chicken breast has about 200–220 Cal. Calories from fat are near 70–80, with total fat around 8–9 g and saturated fat 2–2.5 g. Cholesterol sits near 120–140 mg. Sodium ranges from 620–820 mg. Protein is high, about 34–36 g, making this the top pick for those tracking el pollo loco protein.
Chicken thigh (3.1 oz.) — snapshot
A typical thigh portion is about 200–210 Cal. Calories from fat fall between 110–130. Total fat tends to be 12–15 g and saturated fat near 3.5–4.5 g. Cholesterol ranges 115–180 mg. Sodium is lower than breast in some listings, roughly 320–420 mg. Protein sits near 21 g per serving.
Chicken leg (1.6 oz.) — snapshot
Leg entries show wide variation across guides. Values can range from about 110 to 220 Cal depending on portion size and preparation. Total fat can be 7–15 g. Protein ranges from roughly 11–22 g. Check portion notes when using el pollo loco menu nutrition panels for accurate comparisons.
Chicken wing (1.3 oz.) — snapshot
Wings are smaller but calorie-dense by ounce. Typical values fall near 70–90 Cal per wing, with total fat 3–5 g. Cholesterol is around 55–60 mg. Sodium spans 150–300 mg. Protein is about 10–12 g.
How to choose the leanest protein
For the leanest option, pick breast-based items. Breast gives the most protein per calorie — about 34–36 g for ~200–220 Cal — so it maximizes el pollo loco protein while keeping fat lower.
Avoid double-chicken entrées and creamy add-ons like queso or heavy sauces. Those choices raise total calories and saturated fat quickly.
Pay attention to sodium even on lean pieces. For example, the Original Pollo Bowl® can be 530–580 Cal but sodium often exceeds 1,600 mg depending on the version. Swapping high-sodium sides can lower total meal salt when you review el pollo loco calories and el pollo loco menu nutrition details.
| Item | Serving Size | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Protein (g) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | 4.3 oz. | 200–220 | 8–9 | 34–36 | 620–820 |
| Chicken Thigh | 3.1 oz. | 200–210 | 12–15 | 21 | 320–420 |
| Chicken Leg | 1.6 oz. | 110–220 | 7–15 | 11–22 | Varies |
| Chicken Wing | 1.3 oz. | 70–90 | 3–5 | 10–12 | 150–300 |
High-Calorie Entrées and What to Watch For
El Pollo Loco’s large bowls and burritos pack a lot of flavor and calories. This guide highlights the highest calorie dishes, common add-ons that increase calories, and the sodium and saturated fat to watch in the menu.
Many items on the menu have over 1,000 calories. For example, the Queso Crunch Double Chicken Burrito Bowl and Street Corn Double Chicken Burrito Bowl each have about 1,080 Cal. Shredded Chicken Nachos are close, with nearly 1,090 Cal. These high numbers are important if you’re tracking calories for your daily goals.
Adding extras like queso Blanco and guacamole can quickly increase fat and sodium. A regular queso serving adds about 320 Cal and 16 g of saturated fat. Guacamole, on the other hand, adds roughly 220 Cal with healthy fats but about 550 mg of sodium. Upgrading to double-chicken adds 300–400 calories and boosts protein by 30+ g, often doubling fat and sodium.
Large dishes often have high sodium and saturated fat. The Queso Crunch Double Chicken Burrito Bowl can have over 3,100 mg of sodium. Many double-chicken bowls have 2,600–2,700 mg of sodium. The FDA suggests a daily limit of about 2,300 mg. Seeing 2,000–3,200 mg in one meal shows why checking the menu’s nutrition is key.
Here’s a quick guide to spot the biggest calorie and sodium drivers. Make choices that meet your needs without losing flavor.
| Item (Entity) | Price (Attribute) | Calories (Attribute) | Vegan/Keto/Gluten-Free Options | Allergens (Nuts, Dairy, etc.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queso Crunch Double Chicken Burrito Bowl | $8.99 | 1,080 | Not vegan; Keto not suitable; Gluten possible from tortilla chips | Milk, Wheat |
| Street Corn Double Chicken Burrito Bowl | $8.99 | 1,080 | Not vegan; Keto not suitable; Check corn ingredients for gluten cross-contact | Milk, Wheat |
| Double Chicken Bowl | $7.49 | 890–930 | Not vegan; High-protein option; Gluten varies by toppings | Milk (if cheese added) |
| Shredded Chicken Nachos | $6.99 | 1,090 | Not vegan; Carb-heavy; Not keto | Milk, Wheat |
| Chips & Queso Blanco (regular) | $4.49 | 1,080–1,090 | Not vegan; Not keto; Contains gluten from chips | Milk, Wheat |
| Queso Blanco (6.4 oz) | $2.99 | ~320 | Not vegan; High saturated fat; Not keto | Milk |
| Guacamole (6.4 oz) | $2.79 | ~220 | Vegan; High-fat but heart-healthy fats; Low-carb | May contain added sodium |
Here’s a quick checklist for diners: skip queso or order it on the side to control portions, avoid double-chicken when sodium is a concern, and split large bowls to halve the calorie impact. Review the menu’s nutrition before ordering to compare calories across items.
Lower-Calorie and Under 500 Calorie Options
Looking for lighter choices at El Pollo Loco without losing flavor? This section highlights smart picks under 500 calories. It shows how small swaps can trim fat, sodium, and excess carbs. Use these tips with el pollo loco menu nutrition facts to make confident orders that match your goals.
Salads and bowls that fit lower-calorie goals
The Double Chicken Avocado Salad (13.3 oz) is a high-protein pick at about 350 Cal with 50 g protein, 12 g fat, and 820 mg sodium. Check dressing ingredients for dairy allergens.
The Citrus Avocado Fresca Salad (13.7 oz) runs near 360 Cal, provides 52 g protein, and keeps saturated fat low at 4 g. Both salads rank among el pollo loco healthy options for protein-forward meals.
A Classic Tostada Salad without the shell drops to roughly 400 Cal depending on protein. The Black Bean Bowl with chicken sits near 460 Cal, offers 19 g fiber and 37 g protein, and feels filling while staying in the el pollo loco under 500 calories range.
Smarter swaps and dressing choices
Choose citrus vinaigrette or a light dressing to save 150–250 calories compared with creamy options like cilantro crema or ranch. Some packet sizes vary; a 1.5 oz light packet can be about 70 Cal, while a larger 3 oz vinaigrette may be 150 Cal.
Skip queso and large guacamole portions to cut calories. A small guacamole is about 110 Cal; a regular portion can be roughly 220 Cal. Request no tortilla shell or chips to avoid an extra 200–760 Cal depending on portion size.
Kiddos and small-portion picks
For children or smaller appetites, the Kids’ Original BRC Burrito (entrée only) is about 410 Cal with 11 g fat and 13–14 g protein. The Mini Pollo Bowl (kid) is roughly 310 Cal and delivers 19 g protein, making it a balanced small-portion option.
| Item | Price | Calories | Vegan/Keto/Gluten-Free | Allergens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double Chicken Avocado Salad (13.3 oz) | $8.99 | 350 | Not vegan; can fit low-carb with modifications | Milk (dressing may contain dairy), avocado |
| Citrus Avocado Fresca Salad (13.7 oz) | $8.49 | 360 | Not vegan; lower-carb friendly | Avocado, possible dressing allergens |
| Classic Tostada Salad (no shell) | $7.49 | 400 | Can be made gluten-reduced by removing shell | Depends on protein; check for dairy and soy |
| Black Bean Bowl (chicken) | $7.99 | 460 | Vegetarian option available; high fiber | May contain soy; check cross-contact |
| Kids’ Original BRC Burrito (entrée only) | $3.99 | 410 | Not vegan; smaller portion for kids | Dairy in cheese or sauces |
| Mini Pollo Bowl (kid) | $4.49 | 310 | Not vegan; good protein-to-calorie ratio | Check for dairy in dressings |
- Order dressings on the side to control calories and sodium from el pollo loco menu nutrition panels.
- Substitute extra lettuce or vegetables for chips to lower carbs.
- Request small guacamole or skip queso to reduce fat and calories.
These lower-calorie choices and swaps make it easier to pick from el pollo loco healthy options while staying within el pollo loco under 500 calories targets. Use the nutrition facts to tailor orders to sodium, fat, and protein needs.
Sides, Snacks, and Beverage Nutrition to Consider
Choosing sides and drinks at El Pollo Loco can change a meal’s calorie total fast. This guide highlights common side portions, drink sizes, and simple swaps. It helps you match choices to your goals using El Pollo Loco menu nutrition details.
Common sides and their calorie profiles
Tortilla chips vary widely by portion. A 1.3 oz side is about 200 calories. A small 2.5 oz bag jumps to roughly 380 calories. A regular 5.0 oz serving can reach 760 calories.
Chips & guacamole is calorie-dense. Small portions run near 490–510 calories. Regular portions approach 980–1,010 calories. Chips & queso blanco follows a similar path, with small around 540 calories and regular around 1,080–1,090 calories.
Beans and rice give more modest totals. Pinto beans (6 oz) are about 140–150 calories. Charro beans (6 oz) come in at 170–190 calories. White rice (4.5 oz) is roughly 160 calories. Macaroni & cheese (6 oz small) is near 310 calories. A Loco side salad sits around 170 calories.
Popular drinks and added sugars
Soda and flavored beverages add sugar fast. A 21.2 oz Coca‑Cola is about 180 calories. A 32.2 oz large reaches roughly 270 calories. Sugar content can be 48–73 grams depending on size.
Sweetened iced teas and Minute Maid lemonade range widely by size, typically 100–270 calories. Gold Peak sweetened large examples are near 210 calories. Horchata clocks around 160–170 calories for regular and can rise to 260 calories in large portions. VitaminWater varieties often fall between 90–130 calories.
How sides and drinks affect total meal calories
Pairing choices changes totals quickly. Adding a regular chips & guac (980–1,010 calories) plus a large soda (250–270 calories) can double a standard entrée’s calorie load. A chicken bowl under 500 calories can become a high-calorie meal with those additions.
To lower totals, select an entrée under 500 calories and add a side salad instead of chips. Choose water, unsweetened iced tea, or zero-sugar beverages to cut drinks calories. Sharing a chips order or skipping queso keeps totals manageable while letting you enjoy the flavors the El Pollo Loco menu nutrition pages list.
| Item | Price (est.) | Calories | Vegan/Keto/Gluten-Free Options | Allergens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tortilla Chips (1.3 oz) | $1.79 | 200 | Vegan; not keto; may be gluten-free if processed without cross-contact | None typical; check cross-contact |
| Chips & Guacamole (small) | $3.99 | 500 | Vegan; not keto; gluten-free with caution | Avocado; possible cross-contact |
| Chips & Queso Blanco (small) | $4.29 | 540 | Not vegan; not keto; contains dairy | Dairy |
| Pinto Beans (6 oz) | $1.99 | 145 | Vegan-friendly; not keto; typically gluten-free | May contain onion/garlic |
| Charro Beans (6 oz) | $2.19 | 180 | Not vegan if with bacon; not keto; gluten-free if prepared separately | Pork in some versions; onion |
| Rice (4.5 oz) | $1.49 | 160 | Vegan; not keto; usually gluten-free | None typical |
| Macaroni & Cheese (6 oz) | $2.99 | 310 | Not vegan; not keto; contains gluten and dairy | Dairy, wheat |
| Loco Side Salad | $2.29 | 170 | Vegetarian option; can be vegan with dressing swap; not keto if with tortilla strips | Dairy in some dressings; nuts unlikely |
| Coca‑Cola (21.2 oz) | $2.09 | 180 | Not applicable; contains sugar | None typical |
| Coca‑Cola (32.2 oz) | $2.79 | 270 | Not applicable | None typical |
| Gold Peak Sweetened Iced Tea (large) | $2.29 | 210 | Not keto; vegan | None typical |
| Horchata (regular) | $2.49 | 165 | Not vegan if dairy used; not keto | Dairy |
| VitaminWater | $2.49 | 110 | Vegan; contains sugar | None typical |
Use the calorie examples above alongside official El Pollo Loco menu nutrition information when planning a meal. Small swaps and mindful portion choices make it easy to enjoy the flavors while managing totals and added sugars.
Allergen and Special Diet Information
Dining with food sensitivities requires clear facts. This section summarizes common allergen flags, gluten concerns, and practical tips. You can use El Pollo Loco menu nutrition details to plan safely and confidently.
El Pollo Loco marks many items for Egg, Fish, Milk, Peanut, Sesame, Shellfish, Soy, Tree Nuts, and Wheat. Queso Blanco items flag Milk. Burritos and quesadillas commonly flag Wheat and Milk. Some bowls and marinades list Soy because of soybean oil or soy-based additives.
Gluten considerations and cross-contact risk
El Pollo Loco does not claim any menu item as gluten-free. Flour tortillas, many sauces, and breaded or processed items contain wheat. Corn tortillas (2) run about 90–110 calories and may be a lower-wheat choice, yet cross-contact remains possible during prep.
Supplier and facility notes
Ingredients may come from suppliers that process peanuts or tree nuts. Even items without a nut flag could carry risk if shared equipment is used. For strict avoidance, ask about current supplier statements before ordering.
Actionable tips for customers with allergies
- Request the restaurant’s most recent allergen guide and ingredient list when you arrive.
- Call 1-800-EPL-4YOU (1-800-375-4968) for clarification or check elpolloloco.com for updates before visiting.
- Avoid queso, creamy dressings, and double-protein add-ons when lowering dairy or fat is important; creamy cilantro dressing contains about 310–320 calories per serving and flags dairy.
- For keto or low-carb needs, pick grilled chicken breast, skip rice, beans, tortilla chips, and sweet dressings. Monitor guacamole portions for calories while keeping in mind its healthy fats.
- If you need lower sodium, skip high-sodium toppings and large entrées. Ask staff to prepare items separately to reduce cross-contact risk.
Quick reference table
| Item | Common Allergens | Gluten Risk | Diet Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queso Blanco entrees | Milk | Low to high (depends on tortilla) | High in dairy and sodium; avoid for dairy-free |
| Burritos and quesadillas | Wheat, Milk | High (flour tortillas) | Not suitable for gluten-free; consider bowls without tortillas |
| Grilled chicken bowls | May list Soy | Lower if no tortilla | Good for lower-carb when rice and beans are removed |
| Corn tortillas (2) | May be processed in facilities with wheat | Lower than flour but cross-contact possible | About 90–110 Cal; better option for wheat avoidance when safe |
| Salads with creamy dressings | Milk, Egg | Low unless add-ons contain wheat | Avoid creamy dressings for lower calories and dairy-free needs |
Use el pollo loco allergen information and el pollo loco menu nutrition to guide choices. If el pollo loco gluten free options are essential for you, verify ingredients and prep practices before ordering to reduce risk.
Menu Analysis: Protein, Carbs, Fat, Fiber, and Sodium Trends
This analysis breaks down the macronutrients in El Pollo Loco items. It helps you spot trends and make better choices. The table and examples below show how protein, carbs, fat, fiber, and sodium vary in bowls, burritos, salads, and sides. Use these figures to compare el pollo loco nutritional value and el pollo loco calories for meal planning.
Grilled chicken entrées are high in protein. Many items have 30–78 g of protein per serving. For example, the Original Pollo Bowl® has about 36–41 g, while the Double Chicken Bowl has 66–74 g. The Queso Crunch Double Chicken Bowl has the most, with 78 g. High protein can help with feeling full and muscle growth, but watch the sodium and fat.
Carbohydrates vary by item. Burritos and bowls have 60–100+ g carbs. The Original BRC Burrito® has 61–67 g. Large bowls have 80–96 g. Sides like rice add about 33 g carbs per 4.5 oz portion. If you track carbs, compare el pollo loco calories and serving sizes before ordering.
Fat totals increase with cheese, queso, or chips. Entrées with queso or double chicken may have 26–65+ g of fat. Items like Shredded Chicken Nachos and chips with queso have high fat. Watch saturated fat and choose lower-fat dressings to lower fat intake.
Fiber increases with beans. Black Bean and Pinto Bean additions boost fiber a lot. A Black Bean Bowl has about 19 g of fiber. Beans and vegetables raise fiber without adding too many calories, improving nutritional value.
Sodium is often high in bowls, burritos, and nachos. Many large entrées have over 1,500 mg of sodium. Some double-chicken or queso-loaded bowls can have 2,200–3,200 mg. The Original Pollo Bowl® may have 1,680–2,030 mg. The Queso Crunch Double Chicken Burrito Bowl can have 3,180 mg. Chips & Queso Blanco (regular) may have 1,180–1,780 mg. Compare these numbers to the common 2,300 mg daily limit when assessing el pollo loco calories and overall meal impact.
When reading nutrition panels, focus on three things: serving size, protein versus sodium balance, and fat breakdown. Start by checking serving size in ounces and portions. Larger servings mean higher calories and sodium. Next, balance protein needs with sodium; a high-protein item with moderate sodium is often better for sports or recovery. Lastly, examine fat type. Favor items with lower saturated fat and avoid choices where saturated fat exceeds 10–15 g per serving when possible.
| Item | Price (est.) | Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fat (g) | Fiber (g) | Sodium (mg) | Dietary Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Pollo Bowl® | $7.99 | 520–820 | 36–41 | 60–82 | 12–28 | 6–9 | 1,680–2,030 | High protein; watch sodium |
| Double Chicken Bowl | $9.49 | 820–1,100 | 66–74 | 80–96 | 28–45 | 7–10 | 2,200–2,900 | Very high protein; high sodium |
| Queso Crunch Double Chicken Bowl | $10.49 | 1,000–1,400 | 76–78 | 85–100 | 45–65 | 8–11 | 2,800–3,200 | High fat and sodium; indulgent option |
| Original BRC Burrito® | $6.99 | 610–760 | 28–35 | 61–67 | 18–30 | 5–8 | 1,200–1,900 | Balanced carbs; moderate sodium |
| Black Bean Bowl | $6.49 | 420–580 | 10–18 | 50–68 | 8–16 | 15–19 | 900–1,400 | High fiber; plant-forward choice |
| Chips & Queso Blanco (regular) | $3.49 | 420–760 | 6–12 | 40–60 | 26–48 | 3–6 | 1,180–1,780 | High fat and sodium; shareable |
| Shredded Chicken Nachos | $8.49 | 950–1,300 | 38–50 | 85–110 | 59–65 | 7–12 | 1,700–2,500 | Very high fat; high sodium |
| 4.5 oz Cilantro Rice (side) | $1.99 | 170–210 | 3–4 | 32–34 | 3–5 | 1–2 | 140–260 | Common carb side; moderate sodium |
Use this analysis as a guide when checking el pollo loco menu analysis for your needs. Pay attention to serving size and sodium, and match choices to your goals by balancing protein benefits with calorie and sodium limits. All values are approximate and depend on customization and portioning, so confirm el pollo loco nutritional value details at the restaurant if exact numbers matter for your plan.
Healthy Ordering Strategies and Customization Tips
Want to make smarter choices at El Pollo Loco without sacrificing flavor? Follow the menu guide to cut calories, manage sodium, and boost protein. These steps help you enjoy healthy options without losing taste.
Simple swaps to lower calories and sodium
Opt for Citrus Vinaigrette or ask for dressing on the side to save 150–250 calories. Choose a single chicken breast to reduce fat and calories. Swap tortilla chips for a side salad or broccoli to cut calories.
Go for a small guacamole (about 110 calories) instead of the regular size. Skip queso Blanco to avoid adding 320 calories. These choices make a big difference in your daily calorie intake.
Portion control and sharing ideas
Split large items like chips & queso or nachos as an appetizer. This way, no one eats a high-calorie plate alone. Share a burrito bowl between two and add a side salad to lower calories per person.
Order entrées without shells or chips to save calories. A tostada salad without the shell is a good option. Use these tips to control portions without losing satisfaction.
Building a balanced meal at El Pollo Loco
Choose lean protein, fiber-rich sides, non-starchy veggies, and zero-sugar drinks. Opt for chicken breast (about 200 calories and 34 g protein) and pair it with black or pinto beans. Add broccoli or the Loco Side Salad for volume.
Drink water or a diet beverage. A balanced order could be a chicken breast bowl without queso, broccoli, and small guacamole. This keeps protein high while reducing sodium and calories.
Sodium and special requests
If you watch sodium for health reasons, ask for reduced-sodium options. Limit high-sodium add-ons like extra salsa or seasoned salts. Ask staff for ingredient notes and use nutrition info to make swaps before ordering.
Quick checklist for better choices
- Choose breast over extra chicken or cheese-heavy items.
- Pick Citrus Vinaigrette or dressing on the side.
- Swap chips for broccoli or a side salad.
- Order small guacamole; skip queso Blanco.
- Share large plates and split bowls to control portions.
These strategies combine practical customization tips with nutrition facts. They help you enjoy restaurant meals while staying healthy.
Conclusion
El Pollo Loco’s fire-grilled chicken menu has options for everyone. You can choose wisely by focusing on portion size, lean proteins, and smart side swaps. This helps you enjoy the taste without overdoing it.
High-calorie items include double protein, chips, creamy dressings, and guacamole. Some bowls and burritos can have too much sodium and calories. Always check the nutrition panel before you order.
For lighter options, try avocado salads under 500 calories, black bean bowls, and grilled chicken without chips or queso. Simple swaps like choosing vinaigrette or sharing sides can make your meal balanced. This way, you can enjoy the fresh flavors without overeating.
To get the latest nutrition info and allergen details, check El Pollo Loco’s Nutrition Guide or contact guest services. Use the nutrition numbers to plan meals that fit your diet goals. This way, you can enjoy the bold flavors of El Pollo Loco’s menu.
