I have been eating here since the 2000s and it is still my favorite place to get Peruvian chicken. Juicy flavorful chicken every time. Fast service and good food. Every. Time. And you get so much food in a meal. Fast delivery too! I don't even think I need to review this place because everyone else agrees. I'm just here to spread my love for this place and everyone that works there. read more

I love El Pollo Rico. They definitely live up to their name! Better than the known chains like Sardis and Crispy Juicy. Everything is cooked to perfection. I love yucca fries. The make it crispy and that yellow sauce! Buy extras!! Normally I opt for dark meat but the white meat is extra juicy and tender!! The tortillas are heavenly delicious. I dont like plantains.. I never like the texture, but I do love tostones .. Definitely recommend. Service is great too!! I wish they had locations closer to my house. read more

Food is good service is good but their hours are inconsistent.... I just went there and it's for some reason lights off on a Friday evening (8:40 PM) this has happened to me twice now. read more

Tuesday 1/21/25 Came across this spot on an Instagram post that regarded this restaurant as having the best Peruvian chicken in Maryland, so today I tried it. I ordered in person to try and avoid the dumb family meal ordering process that, for some odd reason, included all sides EXCEPT for plantains & yuca, but I was unsuccessful. I ordered the family meal $27 and a chicken empanada $4. - The family meal: a whole chicken, white rice, beans, and fries. The chicken, although smaller, was good and is what you'd expect from a Peruvian chicken spot. The rice & beans were average. The fries were alright: very potato-forward but didn't have any seasoning. - The chicken empanada was unique: it had a crossiant-type of dough texture, but the chicken was DRY. The empanada would've benefitted if they had a special sauce specifically for it. All in all, the food was okay, but the family meal problem was very off-putting. The only way to get plantains or yuca is by ordering a side of it, and that's just a horrible business practice. I have never (until now) gone to a Peruvian chicken spot where they operate with these business practices, and that automatically makes me not want to return, as there are better options elsewhere, like Sardis. read more

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Thanks, food is good and clean preparation order is ready on time and fast transaction read more

Over all their Rotisserie chicken was OK. The meat texture seem a little dry, it was all well done but I might like a little bit less cooked. The flavor was so-so. Parking is quite limit and tiny. Anyway the restaurant hour it is good choice for people who want to get late dinner, night time. (Wheaton, MD Location- open 10 am and close 10 pm) read more

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Pollo Rico is a Wheaton institution for a reason! They specialize in rotisserie chicken cooked over charcoal, and the flavor is simply unbeatable. The chicken is always incredibly juicy, tender, and perfectly smoky, and the skin is seasoned just right. Don't forget to load up on the awesome sauces, especially the green sauce! It's an excellent value for a delicious, quick, and reliably fantastic meal. If you want the real deal, this is it. read more

It's not the original but it will get you through. Nice relax chill vibe in this place and the customer service was absolutely outstanding. Also you can't go wrong with a half of chicken from the Rico its one of my favorites. read more

El Pollo Rico - Fried Yucca - Latin American Near Me - Wheaton, Maryland

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this place has been a staple for me for as long as i can remember (minus the years they weren't in business iykyk). the chicken has always been good, flavorful and not dry. huge fan of the fries as well and always order the bigger tubs of their sauces. service is always very quick even when the line is looking super long it'll go quick. the only issue is the parking lot is small and services a bunch of businesses so often i have to wait a bit to get a spot. there's seating inside and it's a nice place to sit and eat although i usually take my food home. read more

I no longer live in Maryland so I to stop by every time I'm in town. I was recently there and had a great experience. You know what to expect with this spot and I loved how the menu was easy to read. The food was delicious and I thought the chicken was incredibly tender and juicy. It was an amazing lunch and I'll be back again when I'm in town. read more

El Pollo Rico - Electronic menu - Latin American Near Me - Wheaton, Maryland

Review: El Pollo Rico - Wheaton, MD (Sunday, March 9, 2:00 PM) If you're looking for the best Pollo a la Brasa in the DMV, El Pollo Rico in Wheaton, MD continues to reign supreme. We visited on Sunday at 2:00 PM, and despite the weekend rush, the service was efficient, the food was fresh, and the flavors were absolutely on point. The Chicken - Perfection on a Plate The charcoal-broiled chicken is the undeniable star. The skin is crispy and well-seasoned, with just the right balance of smoky, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. Every bite of the meat is juicy and tender, infused with the deep flavors of the marinade and the slow rotisserie-style cooking over charcoal. The Sides - The Perfect Compliment We went with French fries and a house salad, and both delivered. The fries were crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, with a golden-brown crunch that paired perfectly with the chicken. The salad added a refreshing contrast, bringing a crisp, fresh bite to the meal. Other sides like fried yucca, rice, and plantains are also popular choices, and judging by what we saw around the restaurant, they don't disappoint. Fast, No-Frills Service El Pollo Rico has always been a no-nonsense, get-your-food-and-enjoy-it kind of place, and this visit was no different. Despite a packed house, the staff kept the line moving, and we got our order in minutes. They're focused on efficiency, and they deliver--hot food, quickly, with no compromise on quality. Atmosphere - Classic & Functional The restaurant is simple and functional, built for quick service and high turnover. There's no fancy décor, but the focus here is clear: serve the best charcoal chicken in the area, and keep it moving. The place was bustling, filled with families and regulars who know where to find real flavor. Great Value for What You Get For the portion sizes and high-quality, authentic Peruvian flavor, the prices at El Pollo Rico remain very reasonable. Whether you're getting a quarter, half, or whole chicken, you're getting a meal that fills you up and keeps you coming back. Final Verdict: 5/5 El Pollo Rico in Wheaton is still the gold standard for Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, expect consistently amazing chicken, crispy sides, and fast service. If you haven't been yet, you're missing out on one of the best bites in the DMV. Highly Recommended - and we'll definitely be back! read more

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Very unassuming spot. But the chicken here is so flavorful and juicy. Don't even need sauce really. Idk what seasoning they use but it's great. The perfect combo would be Sardis sauce and arroz chaufa with Pollo Rico chicken. Staff were friendly and quick. Definitely would go back. read more

El Pollo Rico - Half chicken with yuca and white rice - Latin American Near Me - Wheaton, Maryland

The food and service is great at El Pollo Rico in Virginia, the chicken is well seasoned and the mild sauce is great with the fries.

I ordered takeaway here. I got the 1/4 chicken dark, cole slaw, and house salad. There definitely was flavor on the chicken but one spice/herb threw it off a bit and I almost questioned if the owners are from the culture they're cooking. I guess not all Peruvian chicken has the same flavor profile. Major complaint is the cole slaw. It was basically a cole slaw sloppy soup, pretty gross. And the house salad, why would there not be a house made dressing. Disappointing. read more

Once upon a time this was the standard in Peruvian chicken. Unfortunately it's rested too long on its laurels. The chicken is decent but could be better, with less dry breast. The sauces are bland and they've gotten stingy about giving them out anyhow. The interior is in disrepair with the bathrooms trending towards scary. You won't have a bad meal but it won't be great either. So many other good choices I'll pass this one up going forward read more

El Pollo Rico was my guilty pleasure when visiting family (It was close by so I ordered ubereats a second time! ) Location is nice, inviting, smelling of delicious rotisserie chicken. You order the size of chicken you want, sides, and drinks. It's great for families! Peruvian rotisserie chicken reminds me a lot of Bolivian flavors and it was delicious! Their picante was delicious, yuca frita is my weakness, and Inca Cola was refreshing. I was most definitely a happy customer and would most definitely be ordering again when back in town! :) read more

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2/27/25: 2nd visit was ok. The 1/4 breast was dried out BUT, the rice & beans. Yes yes yes perfectly made: moist rice and beans w/ a delectable taste. Definitely worth the trip. Services: great! My first visit was EXCELLENT, same selection BUT the breast & wing, super moist!!! Do yourself a favor drop by IF you need a quick tasty lunch or takeout for dinner! read more

El Pollo Rico - 1/4 Chicken WHITE w/ beans rice - Latin American Near Me - Wheaton, Maryland

If you are looking for something yummy and cost effective, please stop by this spot! You will eat well and feel completely satisfied with the taste! I ALWAYS GET FOOD FROM HERE WHEN I HAVE OUT OF TOWN GUESTS. They live this local business and I LOVE TO SUPPORT THEM! read more

El Pollo Rico - My plate for tonight! - Latin American Near Me - Wheaton, Maryland

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Everything is great here, I will never forget the original in MD. I loved the food, the employees, everything!

Keto friendly protein options:) Loved the ability to make an order our way. Most chicken places don't offer 8pc dark meat and that's our fave. And the ability to choose sides or not is awesome.! So often we have to choose sides we dont want (carbs, carbs n carbs) because they come with the meal and they don't discount if you leave them off (we freeze them sometimes, toss them others or worse yet, eat them when we shouldn't). We made a couple of healthy sides to compliment the lovely chicken, enjoyed the spicy condiments and had a fantastic meal... without a bunch of carbs! read more

*Covid-19 take-out review* Good food. Great prices. After getting a little lost, I found my way into this basement eatery! I entered from the back of the business after being "greeted" by several panhandlers! Parking is somewhat limited. I wanted to check this place out after a great review by fellow Yelper, Sandra! A few evenings ago, I placed an online order for a quarter chicken with a double order of fries! It only cost $8.27! What a deal. The chicken was very flavorful and I was satisfied with my meal! My food was ready upon my arrival. I can't wait to come back here for my Peruvian chicken cravings! Beware, that great sauce is really hot! My kinda hot though. Don't get it if heat isn't your thing! read more

El Pollo Rico - 1/4 chicken with double fries. The green sauce is very hot (love it) - Latin American Near Me - Wheaton, Maryland

My go to spot every time I'm visiting Silver Spring. I used to live here 20 years ago and have been to their other spot across University until it got burn down one day. The food is just as I remember the smell is unique right up your nose when you walk in. The service is quick and direct to point. It has this homie feel where family can gets together pulling a couple tables and just feast. I love this place and I highly recommended to anyone who lives in the area. read more

El Pollo Rico - a tray full of food - Latin American Near Me - Wheaton, Maryland

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The flavors on the chicken are truly unique and remarkable. The wall of rotisserie chickens tells you this place is popular. I did not care for the slaw but the fries were amazing. read more

Been here dozens of times over the years. And the rumors are true. Easily the best pollo a la brasa place in the area. Chicken and sauces are reliably excellent and very reasonably priced. Feeding a family of four with room to spare for $22 is something you can't even do at McDonalds these days. Sides are limited in variety, but they're ok. Only gripe is the fried yuca is often chewy, hard, and/or dry. But skip that menu item, and you'll be fine. read more

To expensive. Also Cole slaw was uneatable. Super Chicken around the corner is much better.

Delivery order 2/11/25. I paid $ 59.00 (including food, tip, and store service fee) for a "white meat family dinner and 3 sides". A day later I noticed that dark meat was under the white meat. Wrong items and overcharged. Another issue I had and continue to have is that their delivery people don't read the "delivery instructions" they ask you for when ordering online. The delivery person called me from his cell phone at my door. I kept telling him to press the code so I could buzz him in but he said he couldn't speak English. I asked him to call the store for help. About 10 minutes later he figured it out. I was sick so I included a nice tip for him to bring my food (1 floor up, elevator included). When he got to my door I told him I was sick and that I had tipped him nicely to bring it to my door. He said in perfect English that it was snowing and he said to me that I didn't give him a tip, that I paid the store fee and he wouldn't give me my food. I asked for my receipt twice and he finally gave it to me. That's when I showed him the word "Tip" on the receipt. I took my food out of his hand and I said goodnight. read more

I got nervous when I saw Mike B.'s poor review, but we tried it anyway because we were nearby, hubby wanted chicken, and I'm really glad we did. Mike, I think you went on an off day and should give them another shot. Either that, or other options are just out of this world if this is the worst of them. Our chicken was very flavorful, great "smoky" flavor and plenty moist. While the rice was plain white, when you put the red beans on top the juice soaks in for a great effect. I loved the french fries, they hit my sweet spot for steak fries (I'm pretty picky about fries.) I thought the coleslaw was super creamy and didn't have the bitter taste some store-bought coleslaws do. Our plan on a future visit is to get a half chicken meal instead of two quarter chickens and then get a side of yucca fries or plantains on the side, since those aren't an option with the meal. I couldn't actually finish all the fries and hubs couldn't finish the rice and beans, so splitting three sides instead of having two each would be not only more cost effective but also less wasteful. It's not really an ambience place, but they had plenty of tables for dining in. Pro tip - Check out the Ethiopian grocer across the parking lot if you need any spices, he had a great selection and was very friendly. I was bummed the game store across the parking lot was closed on Sunday. We'll have to go back on a Saturday next time. read more

Consistent great service and food! We been a fan since moving to Silver Springs 7 years ago. We highly recommend the family meal with two sides--a great value! read more

Closed prior to the advertise time.... Not ideal when you get there 10 minutes before and the employees are ready to get out the restaurant.

So good!! No frills, quick service, some of the best Peruvian chicken I've had. A whole chicken and 2 sides for for $21 total. We got the rice and beans. The beans were delicious on top of the rice. The green and yellow sauces were great together as well. We didn't try the yuca this time, but will definitely be back! read more

I have been eating this chicken for over 20 years. The best you can fine. I have tried all the others and they still don't compare

Bueno, pero se a puesto mucho más caro 1/4 pollo casi $10/11 no vale la pena. Mejor comprar un pollo entero en el mercado. Cuando habrieron un cuarto estaba 7$. No regresaria. read more

I have been coming here since I was a little girl and it is literally the best flavor in the area. It's straight to the point but everything is always fresh, fries cooked perfectly, sauces are delicious, chicken has the best flavor! A lot of popular spots are good but Pollo Rico has always had the best flavor that gets all the way into the meat. Idk if they marinate it for longer or what. But we always say other spots don't compare to Pollo Rico! Never close please my son is now addicted too read more

El Pollo Rico - Half chicken white with French Fries - Latin American Near Me - Wheaton, Maryland

This is an excellent chicken shop and probably the best one in the area out of many. I haven't had it for two years and was so impressed when I ordered it on Postmates back then. I look forward to eating their excellent chicken again read more

Great tasting chicken. Plantains were also good. I go out of my way to pick up take out from this place

We just got 5 whole chickens. They were delicious as always. This is the best Peruvian chicken spot in the DMV. The yuca and plantains are the best. read more

It's o.k. Standard Peruvian chicken joint turning out standard fare. Tried chicken, tamale and empanada. Price is on the lower side when compared to other chains. Chicken is precooked and comes out of a warmer. Chicken is juicy enough but can never tell how long it's been in the warmer. Sides are good and serving size. Staff is polite and provide condiments as requested. This place is busy and parking in the plaza is available. read more

El Pollo Rico - 1/2 Chicken (Regular) and Chicken Empanadas (1) - Latin American Near Me - Wheaton, Maryland

A community staple and a go to when you are looking for some fresh chicken and fried yucca! The chicken does not disappoint, well seasoned and good quality. Keep in mind that fried yucca is not a regular side so you will be charged additional for that. I decided to get the empanada and I would not recommend that -- crust is doughy rather than flaky. Overall, I have had a good experience here. I recommend calling ahead and placing an order so that food is ready upon arrival. read more

El pollo Rico is the OG of Peruvian chicken restaurants. I've frequented them when they were at there old location before the fire/relocation. Ever since they had the issue with IRS and started taking credit cards I've had no so great experiences. The chicken is great when it's fresh. Unfortunately they have a bad habit of making as much chicken as they can and store the chicken in a warmer. Sides such as the French fries and yuca is 90% of the time a miss. It's either over fried and oily or dry as hell. They could do so much bettter but their just isn't any love in the food and you can tell. The sauces are the only consistent thing they make and no one makes it better. They have their sauce recipes down. read more

Hubby, son and I were in the area to pick up some things from Dick's Sporting Goods at Wheaton mall. It was a bit late so we decided to pick up dinner while we were out. Checked the internet for the best spots in the area and this spot jumped up. As we walked through the door, I was a bit impressed to see one of the workers wiping down the handle rails and floor with bleach. With COVID-19 on the rise, can't be too safe. Now on to the food. The chicken was delicious, a bit salty for me but still really good. I got a 1/2 chicken with salad and cole slaw. The cole slaw has to be one of the best that I've tasted. It wasn't dry and didn't have too much vinegar. My hubby raved about the french fries. He got 1/2 dark chicken with fries. He even went back and got another order of fries. The food never made it home. We ate in the parking lot. My son is really funny about what he eats and didn't want to get anything. I only ate 1/4 chicken. Let's just say he crushed the rest of my food. Will definitely revisit when in the area. read more

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