

El Pollo Loco, left vs. KGC, right
KFC’s new grilled chicken finally debuted this week in restaurants, including dozens in Orange County. This better-for-you, non-fried chicken has been in a “test phase” for quite some time, so I was eager to give it a try.
My first question: How does KGC stack up against Southern California’s reigning King of Grilled Chicken: El Pollo Loco? Can the Costa Mesa-based chain’s famous flame-grilled poultry pummel a powerful national competitor such as KFC in a mano a mano taste test?
To find out, I asked my co-workers to join me in sampling both brands — drumstick vs. drumstick, thigh vs. thigh. (Sorry, breast vs. breast was not possible)
Results: While some enjoyed the heartier, and more seasoned KGC, others thought the new chicken was way too greasy and dry compared to El Pollo Loco. I, for one, had to wash my hands three times after eating the KGC.
Still, KGC gives El Pollo Loco something to sweat about. Here’s what everyone had to say:
Matt Padilla, The Register’s Mortgage Insider blogger who occasionally counts calories via Weight Watchers, said:
“KFC grilled chicken struck me as dry, especially at first. It felt like I had to work a little extra hard to chew it. The KFC grill did have a stronger flavor – it was a little spicier — than the El Pollo Loco, but the spices didn’t amount to much. I prefer the subtler flavor of the El Pollo Loco. I have long avoided KFC, because of the fried food, and I visit El Pollo Loco only occasionally for a cilantro salad with chicken or a rice and chicken bowl. This new effort by KFC will not lure me back!”

KGC
Matt Degen, Food 101 writer, Orange Coast College culinary student and OCR’s Auto blogger, leaned toward KGC.
“While El Pollo’s was moister, I preferred KFC’s because it was better seasoned and had a texture that cried out: “Eat me!”
Investigative business reporter Ron Campbell, who consistently brings the most delicious home-cooked foods to our work potlucks, said:
“I found the El Pollo Loco flavor was better. KGC tasted greasier and the spices just didn’t work for me. They need take this one back to the test kitchen.”
Real estate reporter and calorie-counter Jeff Collins said this:
” Here’s the rub: KFC has not gotten my business more than 2-3 times in past 10 years (and then only b/c my wife did the buying), because its tasty succulent chicken and biscuits are decidedly too unhealthful to eat. Now comes “grilled” KFC chicken. I would give KFC my business now that they have this more healthful product. Indeed, W/skin, KFC was tastier than PL and good. But PL was juicier and more succulent.
Bottom line: If I were in a strip center with a KFC and El Pollo Loco side by side, I would go to El Pollo Loco every time.”
Business editor Julie Gallego, a self-described white meat gal, gave KGC points for having a charcoal-y flavor.
“But I still love the El Pollo Loco. Either one would be good for me.”
As for me? I’m going with the majority. Overall, El Pollo Loco tasted better and was less greasy. I needed several napkins and hand washings after eating KGC. However, I think the opinions varied, depending on what kind of meat everyone ate. Ron, who didn’t like KGC, ate the drumsticks. I tried the drumsticks first, and KGC did not go over well. Too little meat, not enough flavor.
However, when I ate KFC’s grilled chicken breast, it was juicier and much more girthy than El Pollo Loco. Note: My $4.99 six-piece EPL order came with legs & thighs. So, I did not compare the chicken breast in the same eating session. However, I’ve had the EPL breast before and I’d have to agree with some of my readers who have said in the past that El Pollo Loco chickens often seem malnourished.
But here’s the killer difference for me: price.
El Pollo Loco is selling six pieces of legs and thighs for $4.99. A six-piece bucket of KGC cost $9.99 and the 8-piece bucket (2 breasts, 2 thighs, 2 drumsticks and 2 wings) cost $12.99. I bought the 8-piece. (Note: prices are same for fried chicken.)
The 8-piece bucket comes with two chicken breasts, so I can understand why it’s more expensive. But, as long as EPL continues to offer its $4.99 deal, I’ll continue to buy from the veteran grilled chicken chain.
Tell us: Have you tried the new KGC? Is it worth a return trip?
Related stories:
Is EPL chicken malnourished, or is it simply not treated with hormones like KFC chicken is? That’s a good question to ask.
Nick– El Pollo Loco’s fresh, natural chicken marinated in herbs, spices and citrus juices and then grilled on an open flame is both hormone-free and antibiotic free.
That’s what I figured. My comment wasn’t clear. I meant to suggest that EPL is hormone free and that KFC is treated with hormones.
Thanks Julie for responding so quickly to Nick’s question. For anyone who doesn’t know, Julie is EPL’s spokeswoman, so I appreciate that she is paying attention to the comments here!
Thanks Nancy!
We invite all of you to join us on April 28th for El Pollo Loco’s FREE Taste the Fire Giveaway. Come into any El Pollo Loco on Tuesday, April 28th before 8:00 p.m. and receive not one, but TWO pieces of our delicious citrus-marinated, flame-grilled chicken PLUS two tortillas and our fresh salsa. Everyone should taste what REAL grilled chicken cooked over open flames tastes like! For more information about our FREE Taste the Fire Giveaway, visit us at http://www.ElPolloLoco.com. See you Tuesday!
Best,
Julie Weeks
VP, Communications
El Pollo Loco, Inc.
FYI: KFC just sent me this statement about their chicken’s cooking process: The “new Kentucky Grilled Chicken is cooked on grill racks inside KFC’s new patented ovens. The proprietary blend of herbs and spices and the patented cooking process are what make the new Kentucky Grilled Chicken taste so good because the moistness is sealed in the chicken.”
Hey Julie, I need a job. I would love to promote EPL any day. Hormone free is the way to be. Maybe EPL should mention that on their next commercial. Plain and simple EPL eradicates KFC. I’d rather eat a healthy chicken over a fat drugged up unhealthy chicken any day. Seriously though, been looking for work. I would be a great addition to sales and marketing. HA :p
Julie,
EPL rates a 9 in my book–KFC an 8. The difference for me is that EPL is not consistent–sometimes it is overcooked and extremely dry. KFC is the same way each time–maybe easier to cook. If I am taking out, I’ll do KFC. If I eat in, I’ll do EPL so if it isn’t right I can exchange it right away. Jim K
How many glasses of red wine did Ron Campbell consume while doing the testing?
I tried the KGC a couple of days ago. IMHO, it tasted alright, but nothing to write home about. Between KGC and EPL, I’ll go with EPL every time because I prefer the flamebroiled taste and the marinade they use. However, that being said, if I’m at KFC in the future, I’ll probably choose grilled over fried for health reasons.
Not a chance of beating Pollo Loco. That’s the only fast food place I get chicken. PERIOD! Although the slaw at KFC is much better then that at Pollo.
Greasy? I’ve had Kentucky Grilled Chicken a few times now and never had it greasy. I agree with your reviewer Matt, that KGC has a stronger flavor.
I can add more hotsauce for a stronger flavor, but I cannot fix the greasiness and dryness of KGC. The first time I had EPL, I thought, “Wow, this is really, really good! I can’t believe I never ate here before!”
I don’t understand the fascination with EPL… Every time I have eaten there, the chicken has been too dry to consume. How can a “chicken” chain not be able to cook chicken? As for KFC, it’s a valiant effort, but I don’t think it will make them relevant in today’s fast food world.
I like the flavor of EPL, but you barely find any meat in their chicken. I feel like I’m eating anorexic chicken. Maybe that’s how they can afford those cheap prices?
Quality (EPL) over quantity (KFC).
Health (EPL) over Heart Attack (KFC).
No Hormones (EPL) over Hormones (KFC).
Unless your an unhealthy fat guy, you make no sense.
Love it.. wasn’t greasy at all, however the wait for the chicken was too long, waited about 20 min, it was a hot seller.
I have a bad stomach and usually El Pollo Loco doesn’t agree with my stomach issues. I did not have any problems with the KFC chicken.
If they are going to keep this chicken, I suggest they have it ready and constantly cooking, no one wants to wait too long..
Juan Pollo chicken is the Best OC Bird by far!
Yes, Juan Pollo is very good. But, they only have a few stores in O.C., I think. I know of the one in Brea.
Juan Pollo is GREAT STUFF!
OC locations in Santa Ana (Memory/Bristol), La Habra (Harbor/La Habra) and Anaheim (Beach/Ball)
We walked to the KFC on Tustin in Orange last week and tried the grilled chicken and I wasn’t impressed at all. It basically looked as though it was cooked in a George Forman Grill and have very little flavor. It wasn’t too greasy though. It appeared that the skin had a very small amount of seasoning (no more then just some salt and pepper) and the meat lacked anything other then chicken flavor.
I’d much rather spend my money at El Pollo Loco or Juan Pollo if I’m looking for grilled chicken, they both do it right.
Given the choice, I always go to the place with tacos on the menu. My whole life is about tacos.
Sad.
Have you tried EPL’s crispy chicken tacos? Mmmmmmmm!!!
Costco is just down the street and for $4.99 you get the rotisserie chicken. Granted they have fallen off after dumping Foster Farms, but the EPL chicken is measly and the Costco chicken can feed 2 or 3 easily.
I’m also surprised at the improved quality of the Sam’s Club chicken in Long Beach Town Center. Juicier than Costco’s, if you get it off the spit, and can last you a week all for $4.99 (let’s not forget the 9.25 L.A. Tax vs. 8.75 OC tax).
i think i’ll stick with my unhealthy fried chicken. gunna have to grab some popeyes today. 8 pieces for $5 today, for that price, i dont really care about the fat content. maybe some popcorn shrimp as well. cant get that at kfc or epl.
EPL has better chicken, and a better overall menu than KF/GC. The not over-done citrus marinade is much tastier. I used to love Church’s and Pioneer’s chicken much better than KCF however all of the fried stuff is horribly unhealthy. As far as I am concerned, the crazy chicken folks really established the benchmark for more healthy fare years ago. Everyone else is playing catch up. I think that the Colonel might have had fowl relations with his flock. Sorry.
I have had issues with both EPL and KGC, it seems that because they keep dropping the prices, they are serving less quality food. I have gone to different EPL’s and the slaw is either super mayonaise-y or super dry. I remember when it used to be a perfect median.
I refuse to go to KGC because I feel like my heart stops pumping right after I eat there but may have to drop by and taste the grilled version.
Slaw? For God’s sake, no one eats slaw.
The EPL carnitas tacos are very good.
Which is the healthier choice is what I want to know, how KFC/EPL compare piece by piece with calories and grams of fat. Both taste fine to me, slightly different taste depending on what I want on a particular day. Both tend to be a little greasy but certainly not as much as KFC original recipe. I try to think “moist” instead of “greasy.”
I hope in the future KFC will start offering EPL type condiments to their menu because it would be nice to have the corn tortilla option over the biscuits at KFC.
I found KGC juicy, not greasy. My last few visits to EPL have been mediocre at best. The chicken is so dry, and the pieces have gotten increasingly smaller. C’mone - how in the world can you count that little shriveled up wing as an actual piece? The KGC pieces were bigger…
I don’t see what the big deal about EPL is. It tastes like something you could cook at home! You can’t cook anything that tastes like Kenneth Tuckey at home, so it is worth the extra bucks.
Juan Pollo bites big time.
It is a mess inside.
EPL has a good product but can’t run its stores, which are hit and miss.
Many just are plain nasty and not clean inside.
KFC- Welcome to KFC, how can I fool you?
It does in fact look and taste like the Foreman Grill was used; there has to be bad oils used to make it moist and the greasiness is proof.
Costco- used to taste good–last carcass we ate had NO flavor and the meat was sinewy/watery, an indication of hormones.
Perhaps Sam’s is not a bad idea.
seriously?? what happened to epl’s chicken?? i bought some two months ago and the size was normal, good size pieces, but when i went back 3weeks ago the chicken had shrunk!! i had to have 3pieces for my stomach to realize that i had eaten some food!
My wife picked up KGC last night for the family — which is odd cuz we never eat fast food for dinner (esp KFC). But it was the second time I tried it, and the taste was even better than the first. Its so much moister (sp?) than El Pollo, whicjh I used to love.
I am PUMPED on the new KFC grilled chicken and for one am tired of EPL. Don’t get me wrong I eat there all the time but you are crazy if anyone thinks the taste of EPL’s chicken even comes close to KFC’s new grilled. I love it! Also, being a health nut, I found out that KFC’s grilled chicken has less fat, sodium, and calories then EPL too!
I for one give KFC props for making some great tasting chicken!
Thats BS, where is the proof? Give a link to some stats. KFC SPY!
Alex have you ever worked behind a grill or even BBQ anything. where do you think the sweat drops at EPL. Those EPL grills are hot I’d spit on one just to see it sizzle between customers..
I don’t know what you all are talking about in terms of greasiness. There’s a difference between greasy and juicy! I also had to go thru a few napkins, but I welcome it. It’s the only chicken breast as juicy and moist as what we grill at home. El Pollo Loco is drier and not as flavorful. I didn’t know if Kentucky Fried could pull it off, but somehow they did and I’m glad.
While I understand many of you in So Cal have grown up with another brand’s grilled chicken and it’s hard to break old routines - I strongly encourage everyone who hasn’t tried our new KGC yet to give it a try. In fact - we’re giving away a FREE piece all day on Monday, April 27th. It’s UNFry Day at KFC so stop by!
Laurie Schalow
KFC Public Relations
KFC in general is a nasty unhealthy restaurant overall. Every time I ate there (about 5 times) the last 1-2 years I felt horrible. KFC is done in my book. You shouldn’t encourage people to eat your nasty HORMONE filled chicken. HEALTH is priority people. HORMONES in CHICKEN is not good for Humans and thats a FACT!
Nancy:
Eddie Sheldrake here, long-time KFC franchisee. You know I am a big fan of you
and your column. In fact, Fast Food Maven is one of the few print or online
columns that I read religiously.
Having said that, I must admit that you got it wrong, at least with respect to
your greasiness comment. It wasn’t grease you were washing off your hands.
It was juice. KFC created a very special oven that slow-grills the chicken, and
locks in the juices, herbs and spices to create a finger-licking-good grilled
chicken that is significantly juicier and moister than other grilled chicken on
the market. The public just isn’t used to this level of juiciness and
tenderness and just automatically assumes it to be grease. But I assure you it
isn’t.
In fact, the favorable nutrition numbers for Kentucky Grilled Chicken prove that
it simply couldn’t be grease. These numbers also compare quite favorably with
El Pollo Loco. A KGC breast has just 4 grams of fat (only 1 gram of saturated
fat) and 440 mgs of sodium, while an EPL breast has 9 grams of fat and 617 mgs
of sodium.
Thanks for allowing me to set the record straight, Nancy. I really love the
taste of KGC, and so does my girlfriend. I’d love to sit down with you sometime
and tell you about the response we’ve received in Southern California. People
really seem to love Kentucky Grilled Chicken - and we’re seeing a whole new
customer come in that we haven’t seen for years. This was the goal all along.
Love.
Eddie
Thanks, Eddie. You make some interesting points. What do you all think? Are we feeling the tender chicken juice of KGC as Eddie stated, or the greasy residue of slow-cooked oven grilled chicken skin? I don’t think anyone is saying this is grease from fried oil. Whatever it is, the KGC is very messy, but tasty chicken. At least, the breast, for me, was great.
By the way, for those who don’t know, Eddie also owns Polly’s Pies in O.C., so make sure you pay him a visit. He’s a great guy.
Quick question, does KFC chicken not have HORMONES? If it does its not worth eating PERIOD. Grilled and juicy doesn’t change the fact that KFC pumps its chickens with DRUGS. PEOPLE AVOID ALL MEATS WITH HORMONES. Shop at your local farmers market also. EL POLLO LOCO wins automatically.
Eddie, your grilled chicken may not be greasy but in visiting one of your stores in Hemet the manager refused to serve it to at least 4 couples at the buffet table. There was even a shortage of original. We were there at least 1 1/2 hours and not one piece was served to any buffet patrons. All left angry. The manager was rude and arrogant and finally hid in the back to avoid angry customers. He finally offered me ONE piece of white meat telling me I was lucky to get it because he usually charged more for it.
Calls to your Polly’s headquarters gave us a manager who’s name begins with M and she was just as nasty and arrogant. The only one who seemed to care was her boss, D.H. who actually seemed to care.
M called back to tell us that their solution was going to be not to serve the grilled at the buffet anymore. She never did address the fact that we did not get what we had paid for, grilled or original, nor did she care that there were more angry customers than us. Mind you this was at 3:30 in the afternoon which is hardly a rush hour and they did claim they were overwhelmed. A lot of the buffet was past its prime including soggy biscuits, rock hard bread pudding, and mashed potatoes and gravy that had become glue and paste.
You should know that us and some of our friends will never return to a KFC or Polly’s again.
By the way, that location is next to an El Pollo Loco which we went to so we could get something to eat.
I agree with other posters that EPL is hit and miss. And their cole slaw is way too dry for my taste.
I tried the new KGC today and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. I expected greasy based on the review, but I thought it was more juicy than greasy. I liked the flavor, and the thigh and leg meal was plenty for me. The chicken pieces had a distinct flavor that reminded me of rotisserie chicken. Plus, I think their cole slaw and biscuits are best in the biz!
I don’t frequent KFC, but I’ll be back for the KGC when I get the craving.
I am going to KFC tomorrow night to try their new grilled chicken and I never would have thought to go there before. I hope it is good as we have one close to my house and with a busy family don’t have alot of time to cook so will go there more often. We usually go to EPL once a week but I am getting tired of their dry and skinny chicken and boring side dishes.
The flavor of El Pollo Loco is so unique and craveable … can’t find it anywhere else and that’s what makes it better than KFC … ooops sorry KGC… I tried KFC’s new grilled chicken in San Diego a few months back and it was okay … I just felt it’s something I can get at the supermarket or any other rotisserie chicken place. El Pollo Loco’s taste is just MUY BUENO and one-of-a-kind. If I’m going to go spend money eating out, it will be on something that I can’t duplicate at home … Oven-baked chicken can be easily replicated at home … My whole family loves El Pollo Loco…we’re definitely not switching to an ordinary grilled chicken such as KFC’s.
the flavor of el Pollo Loco WAS cravaeble until they became just like any other chain and changed the way they cooked the stuff. i hear that they cook it in the back and then finish it off in the front so it looks all flame cooked. and that’s some dry chicken jerky at some el pollo locos. i have eaten a lot of it over the years but sometimes it’s just sooo dry
based on where el pollo is going it’s probably a smart move of KFC to give them a run for their money
whatever happens between these guys, i’m looking forward to some free chicken next week!! bring it on.
The only thing sold at KFC that I would purchase is their cole slaw which is outstanding and light. Until this grilled chicken was released I would stay clear away from their products as they basically put on weight big time and sell unhealthy foods. Did anyone try the KFC grilled breasts? This comparison did not sample breasts for some reason, and I prefer the white meat over the dark meat parts.
Hi, this message is for Julie. I first want to say that i LOVE EPL chicken, I think KFC chicken is absolutely disgusting, and i can’t agree with Julie more in that KFC has hormone injected chicken. One time i bought some chicken from KFC and there was this white gooey stuff coming out (dont know what it was) so needless to say, since then i’ve stopped eating KFC. Now all I’ll eat is EPL. Thanks Julie for your fresh food!!
I don’t know if these guys are still around…I last tried them over 6 years ago, just before I moved out of California….but the BEST fast-food chicken I EVER TRIED was from King Pollo Chicken in Anaheim. Their chicken is roasted over an open flame and is so tender, the meat literally falls off the bone, so juicy and yummy too. I’m not sure if it was part of a chain or was a 1-branch family operated business. But definitely SUPERIOR to EPL or KFC or any other fast food chicken I tried. It was also CHEAP!
I just tried the KFC grilled chicken breast after chilling it in my refrigerator for a few hours and it was delicious, light and not greasy. I would never touch KFC fried chicken but this new product that is grilled and the breast part is outstanding. I also peeled off the skin which makes up for most of the fat content in chicken and will be going back for more this week. I’d avoid the dark meat and only go for the white meat if you want a healthier meal. The grilled chicken breasts with their cole slaw makes a great meal.
if it has hormones the health is not complete. regardless if its grilled and tastes good, hormones = BAD STUFF.
The big problem with El Pollo Loco is their decided poor excuse for Iced Tea. I’m left to decide if I want to eat EPL’s good food and suffer through their poor concentrated iced tea. For a company that promotes “REAL chicken” it is strange that they choose not to offer fresh, and I would argue real, iced tea. If they did I would go there on a consisent basis…
yeah your right, the tea isn’t that good. I love tea so much. People stop drinking soda!!!
they both suk…
Lol, I will admit that EPL needs to change the Rice recipe. I for one make the most amazing mexican rice ever. Thanks to my momma.
The chicken tasted ok but IF I worked at KFC I Would be afraid to
serve a customer such small portions. Each piece had about two good bites. I did not know Sparrow tasted like chicken. They have to do something better to win back my money.
okay so I finally tried the new KFC grilled hicken today! It was too bland for me,but then again I think the king of all chicken is Boston Market. For some they are too salty but I just love it and everytime I try baked,roasted,grilled,whatever chicken, I compare it to Boston Market and they usually win! But between KFC and Elpollo Loco,I’d have to say El wins because of the flavor and also price!
Boston is so good. Love it.
Does Boston Market have Hormones in it?
I did a taste test and KGC can’t touch EPL chicken at all. I have never had greasy grilled chicken before, and I eat a lot of chicken; everyday to be exact. KGC was greasy and gross. I myself will be sticking with EPL because I like my chicken to taste wonderful, and EPL chicken is mad tasty.
I would like to know how the KFC grilled chicken had so much grease in it if it’s grilled? I used four napkins on two pieces of chicken!!
See, it was greasy. KFC tried to tell me it was the “locked in Juices” of the specially cooked chicken.
I don’t like El Pollo Loco chicken. Their chicken is small and bony. I eat KFC ocasionally. If given the choice between El Pollo Loco and KFC grilled chicken, I would choose El Pollo Loco. KFC misrepresent their grilled chicken in the commercial to be plump and juicy. This stuff was smaller than the pieces you get from El Pollo Loco and it was very dry and without flavor. I don’t know why these places don’t get it. When I grill chicken at home, it comes out plump and juicy, so I know it can be done. I will not be eating this chicken at neither place.
…and overpriced…it’s CHICKEN folks….
I DON’T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT HORMONES EITHER WAY!
I agree that KFC is greasy and love eating at a barbeque place called Sonny’s, which has a moist not greasy grilled chicken breast. It is done ove a real flame grill and has great seasoning.
Void the votes of anyone who thinks Panda Express or any Fast food chinese tastes good. I like the KFC grilled. EPL sides are garbage. Tasteless cole slaw, watery pinto beans, 1/4 of an ear of corn, Germ infested Salsa bar. Now 1 less tortilla in a package and the self serve Salsa containers are tiny. I just grab a bunch of small containers and pour across them maybe be a little messy but My inconvenience for yours.
I have to say I have tried them both. I prefer the EPL chicken. I find it reprehensible that KFC makes false claims about their actually grilling the chicken. It is really more like a rotisserie or roasted chicken. They have no grills anywhere on the premise.
Why would they not just call it what it is?
EPL anyday! I went to KFC on Brookhurst in HB with my coupon & they wouldn’t honor it, figures… They’re not used to that many customers I guess, so when all the EPL lovers finally decided to give them a try, they couldn’t handle that amount of traffic!!!!
EL POLLO LOCO!
Juan Pollo (located primarily in the Inland Valley) beats both of them as far as flavor - it’s the best!
KFC and El Pollo Loco side by side, I would go to El Pollo Loco every time.”
I tired the grilled chicken today, two piece special, breast and wing 2 sides,, first problem no wings..major problem the breast was very dry,so dry I couldn’t finish it because I needed to drink to help it go down. I will never buy the grilled chicken again.
El Pollo Loco restaurants cook their chickens in an oven, then throw them on the grill at the last second, from what i have heard through the grapevine. EPL should be honest as well, instead of picking on KFCs/ great grilled chicken.
El Pollo Loco, however, also uses an oven during the initial cooking process. In a February 2006 article, Chain Leader Contributing Editor Lisa Bertagnoli reported that the Los Angeles-based chain had “engineered a new process by which [El Pollo Loco's] chicken is marinated for 50 minutes in an automated tumbler, cooked in a convection oven, then finished to order on a flame broiler.” COURTESY OF http://WWW.CHAINLEADER.COM
I had my first KGC experience last night and it was negative. The chicken did not look like what has been advertised on TV. The chicken was neither plump nor juicy. It looked like it had been overcooked. The skin was dry and it was shrivled up. I would not recommend the KGC to anyone. It is a gross. Stick to the original fried stuff. Five thumbs down!
I worked at a meat packaging plant. You know what they did to make the meat juicer? They would inject it with water and flavorings. Does KFC also do this?