Chili’s, known for its Tex-Mex cuisine and hearty dishes, offers several healthier options for diners looking to make mindful choices. While the menu features indulgent items like burgers and ribs, it also includes a selection of lighter fare. Chili’s Guiltless Grill section provides nutritious meals under 630 calories, such as the Grilled Chicken Salad and Ancho Salmon.
For those seeking lower calorie options, the Grilled Chicken Salad contains just 430 calories with 36 grams of protein. The Ancho Salmon, another Guiltless Grill item, offers a flavorful and satisfying meal without excessive calories. Diners can also find healthier choices beyond this specific menu section.
The Chicken Enchilada Bowl and 6 oz. Classic Sirloin with Grilled Avocado are additional options for health-conscious customers. These dishes provide balanced nutrition with lean proteins and vegetables while keeping calories in check. By exploring these alternatives, guests can enjoy a meal at Chili’s without compromising their dietary goals.
Understanding Healthy Options
Chili’s offers several nutritious menu items for health-conscious diners. The restaurant provides detailed nutritional information and accommodates various dietary needs.
Dietary Considerations at Chili’s
Chili’s menu features options suitable for different diets and health goals. For those watching calories, the Grilled Chicken Salad contains only 440 calories.
Vegetarians can order the Black Bean & Veggie Fajitas. Gluten-sensitive diners have choices like the Ancho Salmon or Classic Sirloin.
Low-carb eaters may opt for the 6 oz. Classic Sirloin with Grilled Avocado. This dish provides 420 calories and 5g of carbs.
Chili’s also offers customization. Guests can request grilled instead of fried items or swap sides for steamed broccoli to reduce calories and fat.
Nutritional Information Transparency
Chili’s provides detailed nutritional data for its menu items. The restaurant’s website and mobile app display calorie counts, macronutrients, and allergen information.
In-restaurant menus list calorie counts next to each dish. This helps diners make informed choices quickly.
For more specifics, Chili’s offers a comprehensive nutrition guide. It breaks down ingredients, portion sizes, and nutritional content for every menu item.
The restaurant also highlights its “Guiltless Grill” section. These dishes contain under 630 calories and are marked with a special icon for easy identification.
Healthy Menu Categories at Chili’s
Chili’s offers several menu categories featuring lower-calorie and more nutritious options for health-conscious diners. These selections provide balanced meals without sacrificing flavor.
Lighter Choices
The Lighter Choices category at Chili’s focuses on dishes under 630 calories. These options often include grilled proteins paired with vegetables or salads.
Popular items in this category are the Grilled Chicken Salad and the Ancho Salmon. The Grilled Chicken Salad contains fresh greens, tomatoes, and cheese, topped with a lean protein source.
Ancho Salmon provides heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids along with a flavorful seasoning. It’s typically served with steamed broccoli and rice for a well-rounded meal.
Guiltless Grill
Chili’s Guiltless Grill menu features entrees under 630 calories that are grilled rather than fried. This cooking method reduces added fats while maintaining flavor.
The Mango-Chile Chicken is a standout choice, combining lean grilled chicken breast with a zesty mango-chile sauce. It’s served with rice and seasonal vegetables.
Another popular option is the Margarita Grilled Chicken, which offers a citrusy twist on classic grilled chicken. The dish includes black beans and rice as sides, providing fiber and complex carbohydrates.
Guiltless Grill items often incorporate bold flavors through spices and sauces, ensuring satisfying meals despite their lower calorie content.
Salads and Soups
Chili’s offers several lighter options for those seeking healthier choices. Their salad and soup selections provide flavorful alternatives with lower calorie counts and nutritional benefits.
Salad Dressing Choices
Chili’s salads can be customized with various dressing options. Light ranch and low-fat vinaigrettes are smart choices for calorie-conscious diners. These dressings typically contain fewer calories and less fat than creamy counterparts.
Asking for dressing on the side allows better portion control. This technique lets guests add just enough for flavor without overdoing it.
Some salads come with nutrient-rich toppings like grilled chicken, black beans, or corn. These ingredients boost protein and fiber content, contributing to a more satisfying meal.
Low-Calorie Soups
Chili’s soup menu includes lighter options perfect for health-minded customers. The Original Chili is a popular choice, available as a cup for only 210 calories or a bowl for 420 calories.
Pairing a cup of soup with a house salad creates a balanced, lower-calorie meal. This combination provides variety and helps control portion sizes.
Broth-based soups generally have fewer calories than cream-based options. They can be filling while keeping the calorie count in check.
When selecting soups, be mindful of sodium content. Opting for low-sodium choices, when available, can support overall health goals.
Main Courses
Chili’s offers several healthier main course options for those looking to make nutritious choices while dining out. These dishes provide balanced meals with lean proteins, vegetables, and reasonable portion sizes.
Grilled Options
Grilled chicken and fish entrees are among the healthiest choices at Chili’s. The Grilled Chicken Breast comes with seasonal vegetables and rice, totaling around 490 calories. It provides lean protein without excess fat or calories.
The Ancho Salmon is another nutritious option at about 580 calories. It’s seasoned with spices and served with Mexican rice and steamed broccoli. The salmon offers heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
For red meat lovers, the 6 oz. Classic Sirloin with Grilled Avocado is a relatively lean choice at 420 calories. The avocado adds healthy monounsaturated fats.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Chili’s menu includes some plant-based entrees for vegetarians and vegans. The Santa Fe Salad without chicken is a filling vegetarian option with mixed greens, pico de gallo, avocado, and tortilla strips. It contains about 510 calories.
The Black Bean & Veggie Fajitas provide a vegan-friendly main course. Served with grilled bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, they offer plant-based protein and fiber. Guests can customize toppings to keep the meal vegan.
The Margarita Grilled Vegetable Bowl is another meat-free choice at around 460 calories. It features grilled zucchini, squash, tomatoes, and corn over cilantro-lime rice with black beans.
Side Dishes
Chili’s offers several healthier side dish options to complement your meal. These choices provide nutrients and flavor without excessive calories or unhealthy fats. Selecting the right sides can help create a more balanced and nutritious dining experience.
Vegetables and Salads
Steamed broccoli is a nutrient-dense side available at Chili’s. It’s low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The house salad with light dressing is another smart choice, providing leafy greens and vegetables.
Roasted asparagus offers a flavorful, low-calorie option rich in folate and vitamins A, C, and K. For those seeking variety, the restaurant’s seasonal veggies can be a great pick. These may include options like zucchini, squash, or green beans depending on availability.
Chili’s also offers fresh corn on the cob. While higher in carbs than other veggie sides, it provides fiber and essential nutrients when enjoyed in moderation.
Whole Grains and Healthier Carbs
Chili’s quinoa side dish is a nutritious whole grain option. It’s high in protein and fiber, making it more filling than refined grains. The restaurant’s black beans are another fiber-rich choice that pairs well with many entrées.
For a healthier alternative to fries, consider the sweet potato. It’s packed with vitamins and can be a tasty complement to various meals. Rice is available as a side, though brown rice would be a more nutritious option if offered.
When selecting bread-based sides, opt for whole grain choices when possible. These provide more fiber and nutrients than their refined counterparts.
Beverages
Chili’s offers a variety of beverage options for health-conscious diners. From low-calorie drinks to alcohol alternatives, there are choices to suit different preferences while keeping calorie counts in check.
Low-Calorie Drinks
Unsweetened iced tea is a popular low-calorie option at Chili’s, containing zero calories and providing a refreshing taste. For those craving flavor, diet sodas offer a sweet fix without the added sugar. Sparkling water with a splash of lime or lemon is another zero-calorie choice that can add a bit of zest to your meal.
Chili’s also serves light lemonades and flavored waters that typically contain fewer calories than their regular counterparts. These drinks can be a good middle ground for those wanting some sweetness without all the sugar.
Alcohol Alternatives
For guests avoiding alcohol, Chili’s offers several mocktail options. Virgin margaritas made with fresh lime juice and a splash of soda water provide a tangy, refreshing taste without the alcohol content. Fruit-infused waters are another popular choice, offering natural flavors without added sugars or calories.
Chili’s also serves non-alcoholic beers for those who enjoy the taste of beer but want to skip the alcohol. These options typically have fewer calories than regular beer. Smoothies made with fresh fruits and low-fat yogurt can be a more indulgent non-alcoholic choice, though they may contain more calories than other alternatives.
Kids’ Healthy Choices
Chili’s offers nutritious options for children that provide essential nutrients while appealing to young taste buds. These choices balance flavor and nutrition to support healthy growth and development.
Nutrient-Dense Options for Children
Grilled chicken strips are a protein-packed choice for kids at Chili’s. Paired with fresh fruit or steamed broccoli, this meal provides lean protein and vitamins. The corn on the cob side dish adds fiber and natural sweetness.
For a vegetarian option, the cheese quesadilla with a side of black beans offers protein and complex carbohydrates. Kids can customize their meal with sliced avocado for healthy fats.
The kid’s grilled chicken sandwich on a whole wheat bun provides whole grains and protein. Adding lettuce and tomato increases the vegetable content.
Chili’s offers low-fat milk or 100% apple juice as healthier beverage alternatives to sodas. These drinks provide calcium and vitamins without added sugars.
Seasonal and Limited-Time Offerings
Chili’s introduces special menu items that incorporate fresh, seasonal ingredients and trendy flavors throughout the year. These limited-time offerings provide health-conscious diners with new options to explore while maintaining nutritional balance.
Seasonal Vegetables and Fruits
Chili’s often features seasonal produce in their rotating menu items. During summer months, dishes may incorporate fresh berries, peaches, or watermelon. Fall brings options with pumpkin, squash, and apples. Winter menus might showcase citrus fruits and hearty root vegetables.
These seasonal ingredients are typically incorporated into salads, sides, and main dishes. For example, a summer berry salad could offer a light, refreshing option packed with antioxidants. A roasted butternut squash soup in autumn provides warmth and nutrients.
Chili’s chefs aim to balance flavor and nutrition in these limited-time dishes. They often pair seasonal produce with lean proteins like grilled chicken or fish to create satisfying, health-conscious meals.
Smart Eating Strategies
Making mindful choices at Chili’s can lead to a satisfying and balanced meal. By focusing on portion sizes and strategic indulgences, diners can enjoy their favorite dishes while maintaining a health-conscious approach.
Portion Control
Chili’s offers several options for managing portion sizes. Consider ordering appetizers as main courses or sharing larger entrees with dining companions. The Margarita Grilled Chicken provides a protein-rich meal with reasonable portions. For those craving pasta, opt for a half-order to reduce calorie intake.
Utilize the kids’ menu for smaller servings of popular dishes. This strategy works well for items like burgers or quesadillas. Ask for a to-go box at the start of the meal and set aside half the portion for later. This tactic helps prevent overeating and provides a second meal.
Balancing Indulgences
Allow room for favorite treats by making smart swaps elsewhere in the meal. Choose grilled items over fried options to reduce overall calorie and fat content. The Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Salad offers a flavorful choice with lower saturated fat than many other menu items.
Replace high-calorie sides with steamed vegetables or a side salad. When ordering drinks, opt for water, unsweetened tea, or diet sodas to avoid liquid calories. If desiring an alcoholic beverage, select a light beer or wine spritzer instead of sugary cocktails.
For dessert, consider sharing with the table or choosing a mini dessert option if available. This approach allows for a taste of sweetness without overindulging.