El Pollo Loco Rings In The New Year By Introducing Five New Meals Under 500 Calories

COSTA MESA, Calif., Dec. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time to help consumers achieve their healthful eating New Year's resolutions, El Pollo Loco unveiled today a new line-up of hand-crafted entrees that deliver the authentic flavors of Mexico, each under 500 calories. With an emphasis on El Pollo Loco's all-natural, fire-grilled chicken breast, the 5 Meals Under 500 Calories Menu features reduced calorie entrees that don't skimp on flavor.

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The five meals featured on the menu are Mango Grilled Tostada, Black Bean Bowl, Avocado Salad, Avocado Burrito and Mango Taco Plate.

"We know keeping those New Year's resolutions are a challenge and our calorie-counting customers want and deserve more than just a salad when they go out to eat," said Ed Valle, chief marketing officer, El Pollo Loco. "El Pollo Loco has long been recognized for healthier options.  Our new 5 Under 500 Calories Menu extends those offerings to give our guests more choices at a caloric count they can feel good about."    

The 5 Under 500 Calories Menu will be prominently displayed on in-store and drive-thru menu boards and easy for consumers to locate. Served a la carte or as part of a combo meal with a small drink, the new menu is available at all El Pollo Loco restaurants for $5.99 each.  Price and participation may vary. 

The Mango Grilled Tostada features hand-sliced avocado, seasoned black beans, freshly chopped lettuce blend, citrus marinated, fire-grilled chicken breast, and sweet mango salsa all wrapped in a warm artisan whole wheat tortilla and made to order.

The Black Bean Bowl includes slow-simmered, authentically seasoned black beans, fresh steamed broccoli florets, citrus marinated, fire-grilled chicken breast, fresh pico de gallo salsa and hand-sliced avocado all topped with cotija cheese.

The Avocado Salad features slow-simmered authentically seasoned black beans, citrus marinated, fire-grilled chicken breast, hand-sliced fresh avocado, steamed broccoli florets, handmade pico de gallo salsa, all topped with cotija cheese and a light creamy dressing.

The Avocado Burrito contains citrus marinated, fire-grilled chicken breast, crispy cabbage, slow-simmered seasoned black beans, hand-sliced avocado and two varieties of fresh salsa: poblano and pico de gallo all wrapped in a fresh, artisan whole wheat tortilla and grilled to order at the restaurant.

The Mango Taco Plate features citrus marinated, fire-grilled chicken breast, crispy green cabbage, handmade pico de gallo salsa and mango salsa, and topped with fresh cilantro all wrapped in a warm white corn tortilla and served with a side salad of freshly chopped lettuce, slow-simmered seasoned black beans, hand-sliced avocados, cotija cheese and dressed with a light creamy salad dressing.

About El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco is the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken chain which operates more than 400 company-owned and franchised restaurants in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas and Utah.  El Pollo Loco masterfully citrus-marinates and fire-grills chicken and handcraft entrees using fresh ingredients inspired by authentic Mexican recipes.  Chicken meals are available in individual, family and catering-sized portions. Some say the lengths we go to create fresh, delicious food are crazy. We say it's Crazy You Can Taste. Visit us on our website at ElPolloLoco.com.

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SOURCE El Pollo Loco