El Pollo Loco is introducing new Loco Tenders alongside new sauces. | Photo courtesy of El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco debuted its new Loco Tenders last weekend at the Revolve Festival, an invite-only party hosted during Coachella.
The company describes the Loco Tenders as a “Mexican-spiced twist on the classic chicken tender.” They are available in two varieties — classic and spicy — and are paired with signature dipping sauces including the new Pollo Loco Sauce and Baja Lime. The Loco Tenders will be available systemwide beginning April 23.
They are the latest menu innovation to come from El Pollo Loco since Liz Williams was named chief executive officer in early 2024. In 2025, for instance, the chain introduced Mango Habanero Fire-Grilled Chicken, which marked the company’s first chicken flavor innovation in nearly a decade and drove trial.
The launch was followed by new Fresco wraps, salads and quesadillas. In the fourth quarter, El Pollo Loco added Queso Crunch Burrito Bowls and Double Chicken Street Corn Bowls, which bolstered the chain’s performance and earned a permanent spot on the menu. The Double Pollo Salad launch in January has also already earned a permanent spot on the menu.
This menu work has helped create some momentum for the brand, which reported 2.1% same-store sales growth in Q4, as well as margin and traffic improvements.
Loco Tenders should continue to drive momentum, as the category is wildly popular. Technomic data shows that chicken chains outperformed the overall industry in 2024, driven by a 15% sales increase for the top 500 chicken chains. Chicken tenders are increasingly favored for their versatility, portability, and appeal as comfort food, with nearly 40% of U.S. restaurant menus now offering them.
They’re also a suitable canvas for sauces, which is a big deal as 34% of consumers now consider what sauces are available when deciding on a restaurant.
“Our all-white meat boldly seasoned tenders … represent our entry into the rapidly growing chicken tender category. Loco Tenders provide a unique El Pollo Loco twist on a classic tender, which we believe will make them stand out and have strong appeal for new and existing customers,” Williams said in March.
Notably, El Pollo Loco is also testing a new loaded quesadillas platform and crispy grilled chicken sandwich, as well as horchata-based beverages and Aguas Frescas. Williams said the company’s innovation pipeline is the most robust it’s been in years.
“The consumer wants innovation,” Williams said last year. “They want a reason to come in, whether they’re a new or lapsed user.”
Contact Alicia Kelso at Alicia.Kelso@informa.com
Follow her on TikTok: @aliciakelso
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