Chili's
How to Order Lighter at Chili's
The standard advice — "just get a salad" — collapses immediately at most casual dining chains, because the salads are often the most calorie-dense items on the menu thanks to creamy dressings, candied nuts and fried protein. Chili's is no exception. Here is what actually works.
Five lighter picks
- Chicken Enchilada Soup (Cup) — 230 cal, 11g protein
- 6oz Classic Sirloin — 290 cal, 46g protein
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes — 390 cal, 11g protein
- Grilled Chicken Salad — 430 cal, 52g protein
- Skillet Queso — 590 cal, 28g protein
Five to plan around (or split with a friend)
- Texas Cheese Fries — 1880 cal, 3870 mg sodium
- Full Rack Baby Back Ribs — 1620 cal, 4350 mg sodium
- Honey-Chipotle Chicken Crispers — 1370 cal, 2450 mg sodium
- Big Mouth Bites — 1320 cal, 2680 mg sodium
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas — 1310 cal, 3100 mg sodium
A couple of universal moves at Chili's
- Skip the complimentary bread/breadsticks at the table — they are easily 300+ calories before the meal arrives.
- Order any creamy or vinaigrette dressing on the side; it usually doubles a salad's calorie count.
- When in doubt, swap fries for a side of seasonal vegetables or a side salad with vinaigrette on the side.
- Box half before you start. Restaurant portions are calibrated for sharing, even when they are not labeled that way.
Browse the full Chili's nutrition guide on the brand page above for any item we did not call out here.