Pollo Loco is a beloved fast-casual restaurant famous for its flavorful flame-grilled chicken and authentic Mexican-inspired dishes. This restaurant has carved a niche for itself by offering fresh, high-quality ingredients paired with bold, vibrant flavors.
Whether you’re a fan of classic grilled chicken or crave hearty burritos and tacos, the Pollo Loco menu has something to satisfy every palate.
In this article, we will explore the full Pollo Loco menu, highlighting key items, nutritional information, and some tips on how to customize your meal for the best experience. From appetizers to desserts, you’ll discover why Pollo Loco remains a favorite for many food lovers.
Pollo Loco’s Signature Flame-Grilled Chicken
At the heart of Pollo Loco’s menu is its signature flame-grilled chicken. Marinated in a special blend of herbs and spices, the chicken is grilled over an open flame to lock in juiciness and deliver a smoky, tender bite every time.
This chicken is available in various portion sizes including quarter, half, and full chicken options. Customers can choose from classic white meat or dark meat depending on their preference.
The flavor profile is slightly tangy with a hint of citrus and garlic, making it a versatile base for many dishes.
“The flame-grilled chicken at Pollo Loco is unmatched — juicy, tender, and bursting with authentic Mexican flavors that keep me coming back.” — Food Enthusiast
Menu Categories
The Pollo Loco menu is thoughtfully divided into several categories to help customers easily find what they want. These include:
- Pollo Loco Chicken – Signature flame-grilled chicken served in various sizes and meal combos.
- Burritos & Tacos – Filled with chicken, beef, or vegetarian options, served with fresh toppings.
- Bowls & Salads – Healthy options featuring grilled protein, rice, beans, and fresh veggies.
- Sides & Appetizers – From chips and guacamole to fresh salsa and rice.
- Desserts & Drinks – Sweet treats and refreshing beverages to complete your meal.
Pollo Loco Chicken Menu Items
| Item | Description | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 Chicken | Choice of white or dark meat, flame-grilled and seasoned. | $5.99 | 350-450 |
| 1/2 Chicken | Half chicken, marinated and flame-grilled to perfection. | $9.99 | 650-800 |
| Whole Chicken | Whole flame-grilled chicken, perfect for sharing. | $17.99 | 1200-1400 |
| Chicken Meal Combo | Includes 1/2 chicken, rice, beans, and a side salad. | $12.99 | 850-1000 |
The chicken is often served with sides such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or fresh house salad. These sides complement the main dish well, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Burritos and Tacos
Burritos and tacos are staples on the Pollo Loco menu, featuring fresh ingredients wrapped in either soft flour tortillas or crispy taco shells. These items are perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal.
| Item | Description | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pollo Loco Burrito | Flame-grilled chicken, rice, beans, cheese, and salsa wrapped in a large flour tortilla. | $7.49 | 700-800 |
| Beef Burrito | Seasoned ground beef with rice, beans, and cheese. | $7.29 | 750-850 |
| Veggie Burrito | Grilled veggies, rice, beans, and cheese with fresh salsa. | $6.99 | 600-700 |
| Chicken Tacos (3 pcs) | Three soft corn tortillas filled with flame-grilled chicken, lettuce, and cheese. | $6.99 | 500-600 |
| Beef Tacos (3 pcs) | Three beef tacos with lettuce, cheese, and salsa. | $6.99 | 600-700 |
The burritos and tacos can be customized with additional toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, or extra cheese. Pollo Loco encourages customization to cater to individual preferences.
Bowls and Salads
For those seeking healthier or lighter options, Pollo Loco offers a variety of bowls and salads. These dishes combine the signature chicken with fresh vegetables, rice, beans, and flavorful dressings.
| Item | Description | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Avocado Bowl | Grilled chicken, avocado slices, rice, black beans, and pico de gallo. | $8.99 | 650-750 |
| Caesar Salad with Chicken | Classic Caesar salad topped with flame-grilled chicken and croutons. | $7.99 | 450-550 |
| Southwest Salad | Mixed greens, grilled chicken, corn, black beans, cheese, and chipotle dressing. | $8.49 | 500-600 |
These bowls and salads are popular among customers who want a nutritious yet flavorful meal. The use of fresh ingredients ensures that every bite is crisp and satisfying.
Sides and Appetizers
Pollo Loco’s menu is rounded out by a range of sides and appetizers that are perfect for sharing or complementing your main dish. These include traditional Mexican accompaniments as well as house specialties.
| Item | Description | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chips & Guacamole | Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh guacamole. | $3.99 | 300 |
| Mexican Rice | Seasoned rice with tomatoes and onions. | $2.49 | 180 |
| Refried Beans | Creamy refried pinto beans, a classic side dish. | $2.49 | 200 |
| House Salad | Mixed greens with carrots, tomatoes, and choice of dressing. | $3.99 | 150 |
| Salsa & Chips | Fresh tomato salsa served with tortilla chips. | $2.99 | 250 |
Many customers enjoy starting their meal with the chips and guacamole or salsa and chips, as these dishes showcase the freshness and quality Pollo Loco prides itself on.
Desserts and Drinks
To finish off your meal, Pollo Loco offers a selection of desserts and refreshing beverages. The dessert options are sweet but not overly heavy, providing a perfect balance after a hearty meal.
| Item | Description | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Churros | Classic fried dough pastry sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. | $3.49 | 300 |
| Flan | Rich caramel custard dessert. | $3.99 | 250 |
| Horchata | Traditional sweet rice milk drink with cinnamon. | $2.99 | 180 |
| Soft Drinks | Variety of sodas and bottled beverages. | $1.99 | 150-200 |
Many customers recommend pairing the churros with a cold horchata for a truly authentic Mexican dining experience.
Customization and Dietary Options
Pollo Loco understands the importance of catering to different dietary needs and preferences. Customers can customize their orders by requesting extra toppings, removing certain ingredients, or choosing vegetarian options.
For example, many burritos and bowls can be made vegetarian by substituting grilled vegetables for meat. Additionally, gluten-free customers can opt for salads or bowls without tortillas.
Pollo Loco’s staff are trained to assist with dietary requests to ensure a satisfying dining experience for all.
Nutritional Information and Health Conscious Choices
Pollo Loco provides detailed nutritional information for all menu items, allowing customers to make informed decisions. Many of the chicken dishes are high in protein and relatively low in fat compared to traditional fried fast food options.
Some of the healthiest choices on the menu include the grilled chicken salads and avocado bowls, which combine lean protein with fresh vegetables and heart-healthy fats. Avoiding heavy dressings and fried sides can further reduce calorie intake.
Tip: To reduce sodium intake, request sauces and dressings on the side and opt for grilled vegetables instead of fried sides.
Popular Meal Combos
Pollo Loco offers convenient meal combos that bundle main dishes with sides and drinks at a value price. These combos are perfect for those looking for a complete meal without the hassle of ordering multiple items separately.
| Combo | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Combo | 1/2 chicken, rice, beans, and drink. | $11.99 |
| Burrito Combo | Burrito of choice, chips, and drink. | $9.49 |
| Taco Combo | Three tacos, rice, and drink. | $8.99 |
These combos offer excellent value and are designed to provide a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and taste.
Conclusion
The Pollo Loco menu is a vibrant collection of flavorful Mexican-inspired dishes centered around their famous flame-grilled chicken. With a wide range of options including burritos, tacos, bowls, salads, and sides, there is something for everyone.
The ability to customize meals and choose healthier options makes Pollo Loco a great choice for casual dining or quick meals on the go. Whether you want a hearty chicken dinner or a light salad, Pollo Loco delivers consistent quality and authentic flavor.
Next time you’re craving bold, flame-grilled Mexican cuisine, Pollo Loco’s menu offers a delicious journey that is sure to satisfy your appetite and delight your taste buds.
