What Oil Does El Pollo Loco Use? A Complete Guide to Their Cooking Methods and Ingredients

If you’ve ever savored El Pollo Loco’s signature fire-grilled chicken, you might wonder: what oil does El Pollo Loco use to get that juicy texture and smoky flavor? While their marination and flame-grilling techniques take center stage, the choice of oil plays a key supporting role. In this article, we uncover the specific oils used by El Pollo Loco, how they impact flavor and nutrition, and why it matters to health-conscious diners.

What Oil Does El Pollo Loco Use?

When it comes to the signature grilled chicken at El Pollo Loco, one of the most common questions is, “What oil do they use at El Pollo Loco?” The type of oil they choose directly affects the flavor, cooking process, and even the nutritional profile of their dishes. Let’s dive deeper into the specific oil used, its properties, and why this choice matters.

Understanding the Type of Oil Used at El Pollo Loco

At El Pollo Loco, the oil used serves a functional purpose rather than taking center stage. Unlike deep-fried fast food, the restaurant uses oil minimally—mainly for marination and enhancing the grilling process. The most commonly reported oil used at El Pollo Loco is canola oil or a blend of vegetable oils, including soybean oil.

Here’s how the choice of oil influences their cooking process:

• Marination Aid: The oil helps carry the flavors of the marinade—like garlic, citrus, and spices—deep into the chicken. Without oil, the marination wouldn’t be as effective in creating the tender, flavorful results customers love.
• Grilling Performance: Canola and vegetable oils have a high smoke point, making them perfect for high-heat grilling. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly over open flames without burning.
• Flavor Balance: These oils have a neutral taste, allowing the chicken’s natural smokiness and marinated seasoning to shine without overpowering them.

While oil is used sparingly, it still plays a critical role in achieving El Pollo Loco’s juicy texture and perfectly crisp skin.

Is El Pollo Loco’s Oil a Vegetable Oil?

Yes, El Pollo Loco predominantly uses vegetable oil—specifically canola oil or soybean oil—for their grilling and marination process.

• Canola Oil: Known for its light and neutral flavor, canola oil is a popular choice in restaurants because it doesn’t alter the taste of food. It’s also low in saturated fats, making it a relatively healthier option.
• Soybean Oil: This oil is often included in commercial vegetable oil blends because it’s cost-effective and widely available. Like canola oil, it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.

So, why vegetable oils like canola or soybean? Primarily because they check off all the important boxes:

1. Neutral Taste: This doesn’t interfere with the marinade or smokey grill flavor.
2. High Smoke Point: Perfect for high-heat grilling without burning or turning bitter.
3. Healthier Fat Content: Lower in saturated fats compared to oils like palm or coconut oil.

While some customers speculate about other oils, El Pollo Loco consistently uses these vegetable oils to maintain flavor consistency and grilling efficiency.

Why Does El Pollo Loco Use This Specific Oil?

There’s more to the choice of oil than meets the eye. El Pollo Loco has carefully selected vegetable oils like canola and soybean for several reasons:

1. Cost-Effectiveness and Availability
   Vegetable oils are widely available, affordable, and reliable for large-scale restaurant operations. Since El Pollo Loco operates over 400 locations, they need cost-efficient oil without sacrificing quality.
2. Performance During Grilling
   Grilling requires an oil with a high smoke point, like canola oil (around 400°F) or soybean oil. These oils withstand high heat without breaking down or smoking excessively, ensuring perfectly cooked chicken every time.
3. Impact on Taste and Texture
   These oils don’t add unwanted flavors to the food. Instead, they complement the marination process, allowing the seasoning to penetrate the meat while keeping it moist during grilling. Additionally, the oil contributes to that crisp, golden texture on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
4. Health Consciousness
   Compared to alternatives like palm oil or butter, canola and soybean oils contain less saturated fat and are free of trans fats. This aligns with El Pollo Loco’s mission to deliver healthier fast-food options without compromising flavor.

Has El Pollo Loco Changed Its Oil Over Time?

Over the years, fast-food chains have faced growing scrutiny regarding their cooking methods and ingredients. While El Pollo Loco has always focused on fire-grilled chicken rather than frying, there have been occasional concerns about the oils used.

• Past Oils: Some restaurants previously used partially hydrogenated oils, which contain trans fats. However, due to health concerns and FDA regulations, most establishments, including El Pollo Loco, have phased out these unhealthy oils in favor of healthier alternatives.
• Current Oils: Today, El Pollo Loco primarily uses canola oil or soybean oil—both of which are free of trans fats and offer a healthier profile for consumers.

While some customers have raised questions about allergens in soybean oil, it’s worth noting that highly refined soybean oil is typically safe for individuals with soy allergies.

Customer Concerns:
With increasing awareness of health and allergens, many customers want transparency about the oils used in their food. El Pollo Loco continues to reassure its audience by focusing on oils that balance performance, taste, and nutritional value.

For those looking for a healthier fast-food option, El Pollo Loco’s commitment to using minimal oil in their fire-grilling process is a refreshing change. By relying on canola or soybean oil, they maintain the integrity of their marinated chicken without adding unnecessary fat or flavor.

Nutritional Implications of El Pollo Loco’s Oil

For health-conscious diners wondering what oil does El Pollo Loco use, the answer directly impacts not just flavor, but nutrition. While the fire-grilling technique takes the spotlight, the oil used plays an important supporting role in the overall health profile of their meals.

Nutritional Composition of the Oil Used

Understanding what oil does El Pollo Loco use reveals why their meals are often considered healthier than typical fast food. The brand primarily relies on canola oil and soybean oil, both of which are known for their favorable nutritional properties:

• Canola Oil: Roughly 7% saturated fat, 63% monounsaturated fat (heart-healthy), and 28% polyunsaturated fat (including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids).

• Soybean Oil: Slightly higher in polyunsaturated fats, also low in saturated fat.

The low saturated fat content means these oils help maintain better cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular health.

Trans Fats and Healthier Changes

Many fast-food chains once used partially hydrogenated oils containing trans fats. However, knowing what oil does El Pollo Loco use today—trans-fat-free canola and soybean oils—reassures health-conscious consumers. These changes comply with FDA regulations and meet modern nutritional expectations.

Caloric Impact

Even though oil is used sparingly in El Pollo Loco’s marination and grilling, it still contributes some calories:

• One tablespoon of canola oil = ~120 calories

• Since the chicken is fire-grilled, most excess oil burns off during cooking

Compared to fried chicken from other chains, the caloric impact of El Pollo Loco’s oil is minimal, making it a smarter option for those watching their intake.

Health Impact on El Pollo Loco’s Meals

One of the main reasons health-conscious customers choose El Pollo Loco is its emphasis on flame-grilled chicken over deep-fried options. But an important part of that health profile involves understanding what oil does El Pollo Loco use, and how it affects the overall nutritional value of their meals.

High in Healthy Fats

The answer to what oil does El Pollo Loco use is primarily canola and soybean oil, both of which are rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats—specifically monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These oils offer several nutritional advantages:

• Help reduce bad cholesterol levels (LDL)

• Support improved heart health

• Provide essential omega-3 fatty acids, especially from canola oil

This makes El Pollo Loco a healthier option compared to chains that fry their food in oils high in saturated or trans fats.

Comparison with Competitors

When evaluating what oil does El Pollo Loco use versus other fast-food giants, it’s clear they take a lighter and more health-conscious route:

• KFC: Frequently uses deep-frying oils that are higher in saturated fat, increasing calorie density.

• Chipotle: Commonly uses sunflower oil, which is higher in polyunsaturated fat but lacks the omega-3 benefits found in canola oil.

In terms of health impact, the oils used by El Pollo Loco strike a well-balanced combination of flavor, cooking performance, and nutritional value. Their focus on grilling, combined with smarter oil choices, reinforces their appeal as a better-for-you fast-food option.

Allergens and Dietary Concerns

Many consumers today are concerned about allergens and specific dietary restrictions—and that includes understanding what oil does El Pollo Loco use in their cooking process. Here’s what you need to know:

Soy Allergens

Soybean oil, one of the oils used at El Pollo Loco, is common in the food industry. Fortunately, highly refined soybean oil is generally considered safe for individuals with soy allergies, as the allergenic proteins are removed during processing. However, it’s still best for those with severe allergies to confirm with the restaurant or check official allergen information.

Suitability for Dietary Preferences

• Vegan: Wondering what oil does El Pollo Loco use if you’re vegan? Both canola and soybean oils are plant-based, making them suitable for vegans and vegetarians. El Pollo Loco also offers several vegan-friendly sides like beans, rice, and certain salads.

• Keto and Low-Carb: Since El Pollo Loco’s chicken is grilled and only lightly coated with oil, it’s an excellent fit for keto and low-carb diets. The high protein and low carbohydrate content support these lifestyles.

• Low-Fat Diets: While all oils contain fat, the small amount used at El Pollo Loco—especially compared to fried alternatives—keeps total fat content relatively low, ideal for those on a low-fat plan.

For individuals following specific dietary regimens, knowing what oil does El Pollo Loco use helps ensure meals align with health goals and food sensitivities.

In short, the canola and soybean oils used at El Pollo Loco offer minimal saturated fat, zero trans fat, and a healthier fat profile overall. Their careful oil selection supports both flavor and wellness—without compromising on taste.

Health Considerations of the Cooking Oil

The question of whether El Pollo Loco’s oil is healthy often comes up among health-conscious diners. Since oils vary widely in their nutritional properties, analyzing the type of oil they use—typically canola or soybean oil—helps us understand its overall impact on our health. Here’s a closer look at the health profile of these oils and how they stack up against competitors.

Is El Pollo Loco’s Oil Considered Healthy?

Yes, the oils used at El Pollo Loco—primarily canola oil and sometimes soybean oil—are considered healthier options compared to oils with high saturated fats, like palm or coconut oil.

1. Canola Oil Health Benefits:
   • Low Saturated Fat Content: Canola oil contains just 7% saturated fat, which is much lower than oils like coconut oil (87%).
   • Rich in Monounsaturated Fats (MUFAs): Monounsaturated fats help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) while maintaining good cholesterol (HDL).
   • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Canola oil is one of the few cooking oils that naturally contains omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health and reduce inflammation.
2. Soybean Oil Benefits:
   • Soybean oil has a similar low saturated fat profile.
   • It’s rich in polyunsaturated fats, including omega-6 fatty acids, which help regulate blood pressure and improve heart health.

When used in moderation, both canola and soybean oils support heart health, lower cholesterol levels, and provide essential fatty acids. Since El Pollo Loco uses minimal oil for marination and grilling, the health benefits remain intact without excessive fat or calories.

How Does It Compare to Other Fast-Food Chains?

Compared to other popular fast-food chains, El Pollo Loco’s choice of oil offers a significant advantage in terms of health.

1. KFC: Known for its fried chicken, KFC often uses oils higher in saturated fats for deep frying. This contributes to higher calorie and fat content in their meals.
2. Popeyes: Another fried chicken giant that uses palm oil, which has a higher saturated fat content and fewer nutritional benefits than canola oil.
3. Chipotle: Chipotle primarily uses sunflower oil, which is high in polyunsaturated fats but lacks the omega-3 content found in canola oil.

Why El Pollo Loco Stands Out:
Because El Pollo Loco focuses on grilling rather than deep frying, the total oil consumption—and the associated fat and calorie content—is much lower. This positions El Pollo Loco as a healthier option among fast-food competitors.

Customer Perspectives on Healthier Options

The rise of health-conscious eating trends means that customers are paying more attention to cooking methods and oil choices. But do diners consider the oil used when they choose El Pollo Loco?

1. Health-Conscious Consumers:
   For those prioritizing healthy eating, knowing that El Pollo Loco uses heart-healthy oils like canola and soybean is reassuring. The fact that the chicken is fire-grilled rather than fried further boosts its appeal.
2. Diet-Specific Preferences:
   • People following low-fat or keto diets appreciate the minimal use of oil while maintaining high protein content.
   • Vegans and vegetarians value that the oils are plant-based and align with their dietary needs.
3. Flavor vs. Health Trade-Off:
   Many customers feel they don’t have to sacrifice taste for health. The use of canola or soybean oil ensures the chicken remains flavorful, moist, and crispy without being greasy.

In essence, customers seeking healthier fast-food alternatives often gravitate toward El Pollo Loco because of its lighter approach to cooking oil and its focus on quality ingredients.

Customer Preferences and Common Questions About El Pollo Loco’s Oil

Many health-conscious diners today are asking the same thing: what oil does El Pollo Loco use, and why does it matter? Whether driven by dietary needs, allergy concerns, or general wellness trends, consumers are more aware than ever of what goes into their meals—including cooking oils.

Do Customers Really Care What Oil El Pollo Loco Uses?

Yes—and increasingly so. With growing demand for transparency, many customers appreciate that El Pollo Loco opts for canola or soybean oil, both of which are lower in saturated fats and free from trans fats. Compared to fried fast food, El Pollo Loco’s use of minimal oil in a flame-grilled process appeals to those looking for healthier choices.

• Health-conscious diners value the light oil usage and heart-friendly fats.

• Diet-specific customers, including vegans, keto followers, and those with soy sensitivities, often ask what oil does El Pollo Loco use to ensure it fits their lifestyle.

What Are People Saying Online?

On social media platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and Facebook, the question of what oil does El Pollo Loco use pops up regularly. Users praise the light, fresh taste of the chicken and appreciate the absence of greasy, fried textures. While some inquire about possible alternatives like avocado oil, most commend the brand for balancing flavor, health, and cost.

Common Misconceptions About El Pollo Loco’s Oil

To clear up confusion, here are a few quick clarifications:

• Does El Pollo Loco use peanut oil?
  No—they use canola or soybean oil, which are safer for those with peanut allergies.

• Is the oil unhealthy or full of saturated fat?
  Not at all. Both oils are low in saturated fat and contain no trans fats.

• Why not use olive or avocado oil instead?
  While healthy, those oils have strong flavors and high costs. Canola and soybean oil offer a neutral taste ideal for preserving El Pollo Loco’s signature flavor.

By answering these questions and staying transparent about what oil El Pollo Loco uses, the brand reinforces its commitment to customer trust, health, and quality ingredients.

Frequent Ask Questions (FAQs) 

For those looking for quick answers about El Pollo Loco’s cooking oil, here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

What oil does El Pollo Loco use for grilling?

El Pollo Loco primarily uses canola oil or soybean oil in their marination and grilling process. These oils are chosen for their neutral flavor, high smoke points, and health benefits, ensuring the perfect fire-grilled texture without being greasy.

Is El Pollo Loco’s oil healthy?

Yes, the oils used at El Pollo Loco are considered healthier options. Canola oil is low in saturated fats, contains heart-friendly monounsaturated fats, and provides essential omega-3 fatty acids. Soybean oil, often used in blends, is also low in unhealthy fats and free of trans fats.

Does El Pollo Loco use peanut oil?

No, El Pollo Loco does not use peanut oil. They opt for canola or soybean oil, which are allergen-friendly and widely used in the food industry for their neutral taste and versatility.

Has El Pollo Loco changed its oil in recent years?

Yes, like many fast-food restaurants, El Pollo Loco phased out partially hydrogenated oils, which contain trans fats. Today, they use healthier alternatives like canola and soybean oils to meet health regulations and customer expectations.

Is El Pollo Loco’s oil vegan-friendly?

Yes, canola and soybean oils are plant-based and vegan-friendly. This aligns with the needs of customers following vegan and vegetarian diets, as no animal products are involved in the cooking oil.

How does the oil affect the flavor of El Pollo Loco’s chicken?

The neutral flavor of canola and soybean oils enhances the marinade without overpowering it. These oils also help lock in moisture and crisp the skin during grilling, giving El Pollo Loco’s chicken its signature juicy and smoky taste.

Conclusion

So, what oil does El Pollo Loco use? Primarily canola oil or soybean oil—both chosen for their high smoke point, neutral taste, and health benefits. These oils enhance the marination process and grilling performance without overpowering flavor or adding unnecessary fat. By sticking to these heart-healthy oils and a flame-grilled approach, El Pollo Loco delivers delicious meals that satisfy both taste buds and dietary goals. Whether you’re counting calories or just curious, now you know the simple yet smart oil choices behind that iconic chicken.