What new chicken tenders are launching nationwide?

El Pollo Loco’s new “Loco Tenders” go live April 23

El Pollo Loco is rolling out a new chicken-tender product line called Loco Tenders. The chain previewed the concept at Revolve Festival, then set a national menu launch for April 23.

The move matters because it signals a direct push into the same craveable category that’s dominated by fast-casual chicken formats—especially for customers looking for handheld shareables beyond traditional chicken plates and burritos. “Tender chat” is the theme, but the underlying strategy is straightforward: expand a signature protein offering into a format designed for grab-and-go convenience and social sharing.

For shoppers and home cooks watching restaurant trends, this launch also reflects a broader menu pattern: chains often test new tender flavors/seasoning approaches at events and then scale quickly once the concept proves out. That can mean more attention on batter/coating texture and dip-ready sauces, since tenders are typically built to pair with ranch, barbecue, or spicy options.

If you’re planning a meal around it, the key timing detail is the April 23 nationwide start; the story doesn’t provide pricing, nutrition facts, or specific flavor variations beyond the product name, so those details may vary by location once the launch hits.