Are you craving some Mexican-inspired chicken but worried about the calories? I’ve been there! As someone who’s always balancing my love for El Pollo Loco with trying to eat healthier, I decided to dive deep into the nutrition facts of their popular Double Chicken Bowl. Let’s explore exactly what you’re getting when you order this protein-packed menu item
The Quick Calorie Breakdown
Let’s cut to the chase – the El Pollo Loco Double Chicken Bowl contains 860 calories. That’s about 43% of the daily recommended 2,000 calorie intake for the average adult.
But calories aren’t the whole story,
Complete Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 860 | – |
| Calories from Fat | 250 | – |
| Total Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | – |
| Cholesterol | 185mg | 62% |
| Sodium | 2200mg | 92% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 86g | 29% |
| Dietary Fiber | 13g | 52% |
| Sugars | 5g | – |
| Protein | 65g | 130% |
*Percent daily values based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Where Do Those Calories Come From?
According to the nutrition information, the calories in the Double Chicken Bowl come from:
- Carbohydrates: 40% (primarily from the rice and beans)
- Fat: 28% (250 calories from fat)
- Protein: 32% (from the double portion of chicken)
Is the Double Chicken Bowl Healthy?
This is where things get interesting! According to customer ratings on the El Pollo Loco website 63% of voters think the Double Chicken Bowl is healthy. And they might be onto something…
The Good Stuff
✅ High Protein Content: With a whopping 65g of protein (130% of daily value), this bowl will definitely keep you full.
✅ Good Fiber Source: 13g of dietary fiber (52% of daily value) supports digestive health.
✅ Low Sugar: Only 5g of sugar, which is pretty good for a restaurant meal.
✅ Zero Trans Fat: No artificial trans fats to worry about.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
❌ High Sodium: At 2200mg (92% of daily value), the sodium content is definitely on the high side.
❌ Significant Saturated Fat: 10g (50% of daily value) comes from saturated fat.
What’s Actually in the Double Chicken Bowl?
Based on El Pollo Loco’s nutrition guide, the Double Bowl with chicken contains:
- Double portion of fire-grilled chicken
- Rice
- Pinto beans
- Various seasonings and sauces
The total serving size comes to about 25.3 oz, which is quite substantial!
Calorie Burning
If you’re wondering how to work off that Double Chicken Bowl, here’s what it would take:
- Running: 75 minutes
- Walking: 123 minutes
Weight Watchers Points
For those tracking with Weight Watchers:
- Freestyle Points: 21
- SmartPoints: 23
- PointsPlus: 21
How It Compares to Other El Pollo Loco Bowls
| Bowl Type | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Pollo Bowl® | 530 | 36g | 7g | 80g |
| Double Bowl | 860 | 65g | 27g | 86g |
| Grande Avocado Bowl | 780 | 45g | 26g | 89g |
The Double Bowl essentially adds more protein compared to the Original Pollo Bowl, but also significantly increases the calories, fat, and sodium.
Customer Opinions
According to voting on the nutrition facts page:
- Taste: 95% of voters think the Double Chicken Bowl tastes good (20 out of 21 voters)
- Health: 63% think it’s healthy (15 out of 24 voters)
My Personal Take
I gotta say, the Double Chicken Bowl is my go-to when I’m super hungry after a workout. The protein is amazing, and it keeps me full for hours! But I definitely watch my sodium intake the rest of the day when I indulge in this dish.
For those trying to cut calories but still want that El Pollo Loco flavor, you might consider the Original Pollo Bowl instead, which has just 530 calories but still packs 36g of protein.
Tips for Making It Healthier
If you love the Double Chicken Bowl but want to reduce calories or sodium:
- Ask for light rice – This can cut down on carbs significantly
- Skip the cheese or sour cream (if included in your local version)
- Add extra veggies if available
- Share it with a friend – It’s a large portion!
When to Choose the Double Chicken Bowl
The Double Chicken Bowl might be a good choice if:
- You’re very hungry or have been very active
- You’re looking to increase protein intake
- You’re sharing a meal with someone
- You’re planning it as your main meal of the day
It might not be the best choice if:
- You’re watching sodium intake
- You’re on a calorie-restricted diet
- You have heart concerns (due to sodium and saturated fat)
Nutritional Value Compared to Daily Needs
For an average 2,000 calorie diet, here’s how the Double Chicken Bowl stacks up:
- Calories: 43% of daily intake
- Protein: 130% of daily needs (amazing!)
- Fiber: 52% of daily recommendation
- Sodium: 92% of daily limit (caution here)
The Verdict
The El Pollo Loco Double Chicken Bowl is definitely a filling, protein-rich option that most customers seem to enjoy. At 860 calories, it’s not exactly a “light” meal, but with 65g of protein and 13g of fiber, it offers substantial nutritional benefits alongside its caloric content.
If you’re an active person with higher calorie needs or looking to increase protein intake, this could be a solid choice. For those watching calories or sodium, you might want to opt for one of El Pollo Loco’s lighter options or plan to share this hearty bowl.
FAQs About El Pollo Loco’s Double Chicken Bowl
Q: How many calories are in the Double Chicken Bowl?
A: 860 calories.
Q: Is the Double Chicken Bowl high in protein?
A: Yes! With 65g of protein, it provides 130% of the daily recommended value.
Q: Is the Double Chicken Bowl keto-friendly?
A: Not really. With 86g of carbohydrates, it exceeds what’s typically allowed on a ketogenic diet.
Q: How much sodium is in the Double Chicken Bowl?
A: 2200mg, which is 92% of the recommended daily limit.
Q: Can I customize the Double Chicken Bowl to reduce calories?
A: Yes, try asking for less rice or no cheese if your location includes it.
