Key Takeaways
- El Pollo Loco specializes in grilled chicken and Mexican-inspired dishes, offering a menu that caters to various preferences and dietary needs.
- The calorie counts for popular menu items vary significantly, enabling customers to make informed choices based on their caloric intake.
- Low-calorie options include Grilled Chicken Breast (320 calories) and Chicken Tostada Salad (430 calories), ideal for health-conscious diners.
- High-calorie items such as the Chicken Loaded Nachos (1,240 calories) should be consumed with caution for those monitoring their calorie intake.
- Sides like Spicy Pinto Beans (210 calories) and Fresh Guacamole (120 calories) complement meals while keeping nutritional goals in mind.
- Overall, understanding the caloric breakdown of El Pollo Loco’s menu helps patrons enjoy flavorful food without compromising their dietary strategies.
If you’re a fan of flavorful Mexican-inspired food, El Pollo Loco is likely on your radar. Known for its delicious grilled chicken and vibrant sides, this fast-casual chain has something for everyone. But if you’re watching your calorie intake, it’s essential to know what you’re biting into.
Overview of El Pollo Loco Menu
El Pollo Loco menu features a variety of delicious Mexican-inspired dishes. It focuses on grilled chicken, tacos, burritos, and fresh sides. Below is a detailed table of menu items, prices, and calorie counts for a quick reference.
Grilled Chicken
| Menu Item | Price (USD) | Calories | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 Chicken | 9.99 | 700 | A classic grilled chicken, marinated for flavor. |
| 3-piece Chicken Meal | 10.99 | 740 | Three pieces of grilled chicken served with sides. |
| Chicken Combo Meal | 12.49 | 900 | A mix of grilled chicken with rice and beans. |
Tacos
| Menu Item | Price (USD) | Calories | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Taco | 2.49 | 200 | Soft taco filled with grilled chicken and toppings. |
| Steak Taco | 2.99 | 250 | Tender steak inside a soft tortilla. |
| Shrimp Taco | 3.49 | 280 | Grilled shrimp seasoned with a spicy sauce. |
Burritos
| Menu Item | Price (USD) | Calories | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Burrito | 7.49 | 830 | Loaded with grilled chicken, beans, and rice. |
| Carne Asada Burrito | 8.99 | 850 | Burrito with marinated steak and fresh ingredients. |
| Bean & Cheese Burrito | 5.99 | 550 | A vegetarian option filled with refried beans and cheese. |
Sides
| Menu Item | Price (USD) | Calories | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice | 2.29 | 210 | Flavorful Mexican rice. |
| Black Beans | 2.29 | 120 | Seasoned black beans served warm. |
| Street Corn | 2.99 | 150 | Grilled corn with spicy sauce and cheese. |
Salads
| Menu Item | Price (USD) | Calories | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Salad | 7.99 | 400 | Grilled chicken served on a fresh salad bed. |
| Taco Salad | 8.49 | 550 | Crisp greens topped with taco fixings. |
| Southwest Chicken Salad | 9.49 | 480 | A blend of flavors with grilled chicken and zesty dressing. |
This structured overview of El Pollo Loco’s menu allows you to assess options based on your calorie intake and preferences.
Popular Menu Items
El Pollo Loco offers a variety of popular menu items that satisfy different tastes and preferences. Below are details about chicken options and sides, including prices and calorie counts.
Chicken Options
El Pollo Loco’s chicken options feature marinated, grilled perfection, catering to those wanting flavorful protein sources. Each item comes with specific calorie counts to guide your choices.
| Menu Item | Price | Calories | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 Chicken | $8.49 | 380 | Grilled chicken seasoned with citrus and spices, served with two sides. |
| Chicken Burrito | $7.99 | 650 | Flour tortilla filled with grilled chicken, rice, beans, and fresh salsa. |
| Chicken Tenders | $6.99 | 460 | Tender, marinated chicken served with your choice of sauce and one side. |
| Chicken Street Tacos | $4.99 | 290 | Two tacos filled with grilled chicken, topped with cilantro and onions. |
Sides and Salads
El Pollo Loco provides a range of sides and salads, perfect for complementing your meal while keeping health in mind. Each side item offers a distinct flavor and nutrient profile.
| Menu Item | Price | Calories | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Guacamole | $2.49 | 120 | Creamy avocado dip made with fresh ingredients, great for flavor enhancement. |
| Side Salad | $3.49 | 150 | Mixed greens topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, and your choice of dressing. |
| Spicy Pinto Beans | $2.29 | 210 | Flavorful beans cooked with spices, perfect as a protein-rich side. |
| Sweet Corn | $2.29 | 150 | Sweet corn served with a hint of seasoning, a family-friendly favorite. |
Each menu item at El Pollo Loco combines quality ingredients with exciting flavors, allowing you to make informed choices based on calorie intake.
Caloric Breakdown of Menu Items
Understanding the caloric content of El Pollo Loco’s menu items helps you make informed dining choices. Below are low-calorie and high-calorie options with detailed information.
Low-Calorie Choices
El Pollo Loco offers several low-calorie items perfect for health-conscious diners. These options provide flavorful meals without excessive calories.
| Menu Item | Price | Calories | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken Breast | $6.49 | 320 | Tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection. Served with your choice of two sides. |
| Chicken Tostada Salad | $7.99 | 430 | Fresh salad topped with grilled chicken, black beans, and avocado, served with a lime vinaigrette. |
| Chicken Avocado Salad | $8.49 | 480 | Lime marinated chicken served on a bed of greens with avocado and a zesty dressing. |
| Side Salad | $2.49 | 150 | Mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers with a light dressing. |
High-Calorie Items to Avoid
Certain items on the menu contain higher caloric values. Being aware of these options helps you maintain your dietary goals.
| Menu Item | Price | Calories | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 Chicken | $9.49 | 600 | A generous portion of marinated chicken, grilled and served with two sides. |
| Chicken Burrito | $8.99 | 950 | Flour tortilla stuffed with grilled chicken, rice, beans, cheese, and creamy sauce. |
| Chicken Loaded Nachos | $9.99 | 1,240 | Crispy tortilla chips topped with grilled chicken, cheese, beans, sour cream, and jalapeños. |
| Pollo Fit Bowl | $10.49 | 630 | Grilled chicken served over rice and beans, garnished with avocado and a rich sauce. |
Nutritional Information
El Pollo Loco offers a variety of menu items, each with specific calorie counts, allowing you to make informed dietary choices. Below are sections grouped by item types, detailing calories and prices.
Grilled Chicken Options
| Menu Item | Price | Calories | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 Chicken | $8.49 | 660 | Marinated and fire-grilled chicken, juicy and flavorful. |
| Chicken Breast | $6.99 | 320 | Tender grilled chicken breast, a healthier choice. |
| Chicken Tenders | $8.29 | 410 | Crispy, marinated chicken tenders served with dipping sauce. |
| Chicken Street Tacos | $6.49 | 370 | Three soft corn tortillas filled with grilled chicken and toppings. |
Salads and Lighter Options
| Menu Item | Price | Calories | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tostada Salad | $8.99 | 430 | Crisp tortilla bowl with greens, grilled chicken, and avocado. |
| Chicken Avocado Salad | $8.79 | 480 | Fresh greens topped with grilled chicken and creamy avocado dressing. |
| Side Salad | $2.49 | 150 | Mixed greens with a variety of vegetables and dressing choices. |
Tacos and Burritos
| Menu Item | Price | Calories | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Burrito | $9.29 | 950 | Large tortilla filled with grilled chicken, rice, beans, and sauce. |
| Chicken Soft Tacos | $6.49 | 420 | Soft tortillas, grilled chicken, and vibrant toppings. |
| Spicy Chicken Taco | $1.99 | 230 | Flavorful chicken taco with a spicy kick. |
Sides
| Menu Item | Price | Calories | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spicy Pinto Beans | $2.29 | 150 | Seasoned pinto beans, a flavorful side. |
| Fresh Guacamole | $2.99 | 220 | Creamy avocado dip made daily, pairs perfectly with dishes. |
| Sweet Corn | $2.29 | 130 | Sweet corn complemented with mild spices. |
This table format provides a clear overview of your options while dining at El Pollo Loco, ensuring you can maintain your dietary goals. Make choices that align with your nutritional preferences.
Conclusion
When you choose El Pollo Loco, you’re not just enjoying delicious food but also making informed choices about your meals. With a variety of options ranging from grilled chicken to fresh salads, there’s something for everyone. By understanding the calorie counts of your favorite dishes, you can easily align your dining experience with your health goals.
Whether you opt for a lighter option or indulge in a heartier meal, El Pollo Loco’s menu caters to your cravings while keeping your nutritional needs in mind. Enjoy the flavorful offerings guilt-free and savor every bite.
