Is El Pollo Loco Healthy? Quick User-Guide to Make Healthy & Nutritious Choices
El Pollo Loco is the most popular Mexican cuisine brand in the USA. It is widely known for its citrus-marinated fire-grilled chicken and other Mexican-style food dishes. But many of you are wondering, “Is El Pollo Loco Healthy?” The simplest answer is ‘Yes’, and it depends on making informed choices.
This quick user guide explains ‘How healthy is El Pollo Loco’, with an exploration of the El Pollo Loco healthy options. We will also share tips for making healthier choices at El Pollo Loco. This guide will help you align your meals with your dietary goals. Let’s wait no further and explore the article to know ‘What is the healthiest food at El Pollo Loco?’!
About the El Pollo Loco Menu USA?
The El Pollo Loco menu features a variety of food options at the El Pollo Loco restaurant. It includes fire-grilled chicken, family meals, burritos, tacos, bowls, tostadas, salads, sides, and drinks. The unique signature fire-grilled chicken is citrus-marinated and is a perfect lean keto option. Understanding this menu is the key to identifying and choosing healthy options at El Pollo Loco.
Nutritional Analysis of Key Menu Items
After analyzing the entire menu, we have provided the healthiest and least healthy options on El Pollo Loco’s menu. Please note that these choices are based on nutritional data like carbs, protein, fats, sodium, etc. To make informed and preferred choices, please check the El Pollo Loco menu nutrition.
Fire-Grilled Chicken Options
El Pollo Loco’s fire-grilled chicken is the signature item on the menu. It offers the best source of lean protein with minimal fat.
| Item | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Protein (g) | Sodium (mg) | Notes |
| Chicken Breast | 220 | 9 | 36 | 820 | Higher protein, moderate fat, moderate sodium |
| Chicken Thigh | 210 | 15 | 21 | 420 | Higher fat, medium protein |
| Chicken Wing | 90 | 5 | 12 | 150 | Low calorie, low protein, low sodium |
| Chicken Leg | 80 | 4 | 12 | 380 | Low fat, low calories, low protein, moderate sodium |
| 4-Piece Chicken Meal | 610 | 29 | 65 | 1,650 | Higher sodium, higher calories, higher fat |
Healthiest Option
Fire-Grilled Chicken Breast is the most picked item as a healthy option in chicken meal options. It is high in protein and has low to moderate saturated fats.
Least Healthier Option
4PC Chicken Meal is the least selected healthier option due to its higher caloric and sodium content. Note down, this option is the least healthy if you choose to have it for an individual only, instead of two.
Salads and Bowls
El Pollo Loco’s Salads and Bowls could be the healthiest options in the entire menu if you choose the ingredients wisely. They contain the most nutritious options like avocados, lettuce, beans, cilantro, onions, etc.
| Item | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Protein (g) | Sodium (mg) | Notes |
| Original Pollo Bowl | 580 | 10 | 41 | 2030 | High protein, low fat, high sodium |
| Double Chicken Avocado Salad | 350 | 12 | 51 | 801 | Low calories, moderate sodium, high protein |
| Double Chicken Bowl | 940 | 26 | 74 | 2670 | High calories, high sodium, high protein |
Healthiest Options
The Original Pollo Bowl is the healthiest option in Bowls, and Double Chicken Avocado Salad is the healthiest Salad option.
Least Healthy Option
Double Chicken Bowl is the least healthy option in El Pollo Loco bowls. Although it has the highest protein, but also has excessive sodium and high calorie content.
Tacos and Burritos
El Pollo Loco’s Tacos and Burritos contain multiple ingredients. Their nutritional values depend on the ingredients you choose.
| Item | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Protein (g) | Sodium (mg) | Notes |
| Chicken Taco Al Carbon | 170 | 5 | 15 | 250 | Low calories, moderate protein, low fat |
| Guacamole Chicken Burrito | 920 | 47 | 59 | 1990 | High sodium, calories, and protein |
| Chipotle Guacamole Chicken Burrito | 1020 | 51 | 61 | 2350 | High calories, fat, protein, and sodium |
Healthiest Option
Chicken Taco al Carbon is the healthiest option in Tacos due to its low calories and sodium content. Guacamole Chicken Burrito is the healthiest on the burritos menu.
Least Healthy Option
Chipotle Chicken Avocado Burrito is the least healthy option in burritos due to high sodium and caloric content.
Sides
Sides are chosen with care with every meal. They can significantly enhance or lower the overall nutritional content of the meal.
| Item | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Protein (g) | Sodium (mg) | Notes |
| Broccoli | 30 | 0 | 2 | 30 | Low calories, no fat, nutritionally dense |
| Macaroni & Cheese | 310 | 19 | 9 | 870 | Moderate calories, high fat, high sodium |
Healthiest Option
Broccoli is the healthiest and most nutritious option in the entire sides menu due to its low caloric and high fiber content.
Least Healthy Option
Mac and Cheese is the least healthy option as it has the highest fat and sodium content in the entire sides menu.
Drinks
| Item | Calories | Sugars (g) | Notes |
| Water & Unsweetened Drinks | 0 | 0 | Calorie-free and sugar-free |
| Coca-Cola (Regular) | 180 | 48 | High calories and sugar |
Healthiest Option
Unsweetened Tea and Bottled Water are the healthiest El Pollo Loco Drinks. They contain zero calories and are completely sugar-free.
Is El Pollo Loco Chicken Healthy?
El Pollo Loco’s signature fire-grilled chicken is a standout menu item due to its high lean protein content. Additionally, it has low saturated fat content as compared to other fast food restaurants that mostly serve fried chicken, which has high saturated fat content. Also, the Chicken Breast at El Pollo Loco has 36g of protein with only 220 calories. This makes it a perfect choice for muscle building, repair, and weight management.
On the other hand, other chicken items like thigh, leg, and wings are also healthy but provide low protein comparably. The sodium content in the El Pollo Loco chicken is also low to moderate is below half the level of the upper tolerable level. One important thing to note is the sides or salsa you choose with chicken and chicken meals. The choices of these could make or break your nutritional meal.
Healthy Eating at El Pollo Loco for Different Diets
El Pollo Loco restaurant is a perfect place for various dietary needs, including keto, vegan, and gluten-free diets. The customization option helps you make perfect meals as per your dietary preferences.
Gluten-Free Options
Fire-grilled chicken, chicken meals, salads, bowls, multiple sides, and drinks are gluten-free options at El Pollo Loco. However, there could be a risk of cross-contamination. You can check the more options in our gluten-free menu.
Vegan & Vegetarian Options
Multiple sides, including Beans, Tortilla Chips, Rice, Broccoli, and Corn, are vegan options available at El Pollo Loco. You can also enjoy desserts like Churros and salads without chicken. Check all available vegan options.
Low-Carb & Sodium Choices
You can choose El Pollo Loco’s chicken for low-carb and sodium options. It is also a lean source of protein, perfect for Weight Watchers. Choose salads, fit bowls, and sides like broccoli. Check the nutrition guide for more options.
Weight Loss and El Pollo Loco
If you want to lose weight while still enjoying El Pollo Loco, focus on low-calorie, low-fat, and high-protein options. You can choose options like Chicken Breast and Pollo Fit Bowls as healthy options. You can also check the healthier options provided above. Follow the tips below to make healthier choices at El Pollo Loco:
Why is El Pollo Loco Healthy As Compared to Other Fast-Food Chains?
The El Pollo Loco menu offers mostly non-fried items. For example, El Pollo Loco’s chicken is grilled, not fried, unlike the food chains like McDonald’s and KFC. So, the low amount of fats, especially saturated fats, makes El Pollo Loco a perfect candidate for healthy dining. Compared to Taco Bell, El Pollo Loco options like Fit Bowls, Salads are more protein-rich. Although Chick-fil-A offers similar grilled options, El Pollo Loco’s Mexican flavors make it unique and stand out among other chain restaurants.
Tips to Choose Healthy El Pollo Loco Options
To choose the El Pollo Loco healthy menu for yourself while dining at the restaurant, please consider the following tips:
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
El Pollo Loco is a healthy dining option while maintaining the flavorful Mexican cuisine. All you have to do is make informed choices that align with your health goals. We have provided the least healthy and the healthiest El Pollo Loco menu item from each group above. Moreover, you can check the tips to choose a healthy menu that could help in meeting your dietary goals.