How to Order Low Carb at Chili’s: 13 Menu Items Worth Trying
Navigate Chili's menu like a pro with our complete guide to 13 delicious low-carb options
You’ve been committed to your low-carb meal plan, making smart choices and staying focused on your health goals. Everything has been going great—until your book club decides to meet at Chili’s. Before you panic and assume you’ll have to abandon your diet to enjoy a meal out with friends, take a breath. The good news is that eating low-carb at Chili’s is easier than you might think. With thoughtful menu selections and simple modifications, you can indulge in tasty, satisfying meals that won’t derail your progress, whether you’re following a strict keto diet or simply cutting back on carbohydrates.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through 13 excellent low-carb options at Chili’s, complete with carb counts and helpful ordering tips. Based on the National Institutes of Health recommendation that “low carb” means getting 26 percent or less of your daily calories from carbohydrates, we’ve focused on meals containing 40 grams of carbs or less. Whether you’re craving steak, fajitas, salads, or something in between, you’ll find delicious choices that align with your dietary goals.
Understanding Low-Carb Dining at Chili’s
Before diving into specific menu recommendations, it’s important to understand the principles of ordering low-carb at any restaurant, including Chili’s. The key strategy involves focusing on protein-rich dishes while avoiding or minimizing high-carbohydrate items like breads, tortillas, rice, beans, and sugar-laden sauces. Most menu items at Chili’s can be customized to fit your low-carb needs with simple modifications. Don’t hesitate to ask your server about ingredient details or request changes—restaurants are generally accommodating when it comes to dietary restrictions.
When ordering, prioritize grilled preparations over fried, choose vegetable sides instead of starches, and always request sauces on the side so you can control portions. These simple strategies will help you navigate the menu successfully and enjoy a satisfying meal that supports your health objectives.
Best Low-Carb Protein Options
1. Classic Sirloin with Avocado
Carbs: 13g
The Classic Sirloin is a fantastic low-carb choice that combines lean protein with healthy fats. By adding avocado, you’re incorporating creamy texture and additional nutrients without significantly increasing the carb content. This dish comes with a side, which you can customize to steamed broccoli or asparagus. Request any sauce on the side to maintain control over your carb intake. The sirloin provides satisfying protein that will keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout the day.
2. Grilled Salmon
Salmon is an excellent protein choice for low-carb diets, packed with omega-3 fatty acids that support heart and brain health. When ordering salmon at Chili’s, request it grilled without any sweet glazes or honey-based sauces. Pair it with low-carb vegetable sides and you’ll have a nutritious, satisfying meal. The high protein and healthy fat content make salmon an ideal choice for maintaining satiety between meals.
3. Grilled Chicken Breast
Chicken breast is a lean protein staple that fits perfectly into any low-carb eating plan. At Chili’s, you can order grilled chicken breast plain or with minimal seasoning, then add your own flavor through low-carb sauces like garlic butter or plain buffalo sauce. This versatile protein pairs well with most low-carb sides and can be customized endlessly based on your preferences.
4. Steak Options
Various steak options at Chili’s make excellent low-carb choices. Whether you opt for a ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin, beef is naturally carb-free and provides substantial protein and healthy fats. Choose your preferred cut based on marbling preference and fat content. Avoid any sweet marinades or BBQ-based rubs, and request seasoning or butter on the side for added flavor.
Satisfying Low-Carb Salads
Santa Fe Salad
Carbs: 24g
The Santa Fe Salad is one of Chili’s most beloved menu items, and the good news is it can fit within a low-carb diet. This salad features fresh greens topped with grilled chicken, cheese, and various vegetables. To keep carbs minimal, request it without the tortilla strips (which add unnecessary carbs), skip the beans or ask for minimal amounts, and request the dressing on the side. You can also ask for the crispy tortilla shell to be omitted, which will reduce carb content further while maintaining all the delicious flavors.
Other Salad Customization Tips
Chili’s offers several other salad options that can be made low-carb with modifications. The key is to build your salad with a foundation of fresh greens, add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, include cheese and avocado for healthy fats, and choose a low-carb dressing. Always ask your server to remove croutons, tortilla strips, and other breaded toppings. Request dressings on the side to control portions, as many dressings contain hidden sugars and carbs.
Fajitas and Customizable Plates
Fajitas might seem like a carb-heavy option due to the traditional tortillas, but they’re actually one of the best low-carb choices at Chili’s when ordered strategically. Request your fajitas without the tortillas, rice, and beans—you’ll still receive all the delicious grilled proteins and sautéed vegetables. Enjoy the chicken, beef, or shrimp with peppers and onions, and add guacamole or sour cream for healthy fats. This approach transforms a typically carb-laden dish into a perfectly low-carb meal that satisfies your cravings.
Appetizers Worth Trying
Starting your meal with a low-carb appetizer is a great way to satisfy your appetite and stay on track. Classic wings (bone-in, not boneless) with buffalo sauce make an excellent choice, containing only about 3 grams of net carbs. Skip the breaded, sauced appetizers and instead opt for fresh guacamole served with celery sticks instead of chips. Bacon ranch cheddar bites can work if you request them without breading. These appetizers provide protein and healthy fats while keeping carbs minimal.
Low-Carb Side Dishes
The sides you choose significantly impact the overall carb content of your meal. Fortunately, Chili’s offers several excellent low-carb side options. Steamed broccoli is an outstanding choice with just 4 grams of net carbs per serving. Asparagus is equally impressive at only 2 grams of net carbs. Sautéed mushrooms provide umami flavor and virtually no carbs. Side salads (without croutons) and Caesar salads (hold the croutons) round out your vegetable options. Always request sides without added sugars or cream-based sauces.
Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments
One of the biggest hidden sources of carbs at restaurants comes from sauces and dressings. At Chili’s, focus on simple options like ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, garlic butter, and plain buffalo sauce. Avoid sweet BBQ sauces, honey-based marinades, teriyaki, and anything described as “glazed.” Always request sauces on the side, allowing you to control portion sizes and ensure you’re not inadvertently consuming excess carbs. When in doubt, ask your server about specific sauce ingredients or request plain grilled items that you can season yourself.
Beverages and Drinks
When ordering beverages at Chili’s, stay away from sodas, sweet tea, and cocktails containing mixers with added sugars. Opt instead for water, unsweetened tea, black coffee, or diet sodas if you prefer carbonation. While many of Chili’s signature cocktails are tempting, they typically contain significant amounts of sugar from mixers and syrups. If you want an alcoholic beverage, choose wine or spirits without sugary mixers. Staying hydrated with water is always the best choice for supporting your low-carb lifestyle.
Smart Ordering Strategies
To successfully navigate Chili’s menu, employ these proven strategies. First, review the nutritional information available on the restaurant’s website before arriving. Second, don’t be shy about asking your server questions—they can often provide detailed information about ingredients and preparation methods. Third, always specify how you want your protein prepared: grilled, not fried, with sauces on the side. Fourth, customize your plate by selecting protein and low-carb vegetables, skipping or substituting high-carb sides. Finally, consider sharing appetizers or splitting larger entrees with dining companions to manage portions and carb intake.
Additional Menu Items to Consider
Beyond the specific items highlighted above, Chili’s menu offers numerous other options that can be modified for low-carb eating. Burger bowls (burger without the bun served in a bowl with lettuce wrap option) work wonderfully for low-carb diets. Grilled fish entrees other than salmon can be ordered without sweet sauces. Fajita bowls—containing all the fajita ingredients without tortillas—provide satisfying meals with excellent macro profiles. Always approach menu items with the mindset of “how can I modify this to be low-carb?” and don’t hesitate to request modifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many carbs are actually in Chili’s menu items?
A: Carb counts vary significantly by item. The items recommended in this guide range from approximately 13 grams to 40 grams of carbs per serving. Chili’s provides full nutritional information online, which you should review before ordering. These carb counts don’t account for modifications, so removing high-carb components like tortillas, croutons, or beans will lower the actual carb content of your meal.
Q: Can I eat at Chili’s while following a strict keto diet?
A: Yes, absolutely. The key is focusing on protein and healthy fats while minimizing carbs below your daily limit (typically 20-50 grams for keto). Choose grilled proteins, load up on low-carb vegetables, and avoid breaded items and sweet sauces. Many of the items in this guide fall well within keto parameters when carb counts are kept between 0-24 grams.
Q: What should I do if my favorite Chili’s item isn’t on this list?
A: Consult Chili’s nutritional information and apply low-carb principles: prioritize protein, choose grilled preparation, substitute high-carb sides with vegetables, and request sauces on the side. Most items can be modified to fit low-carb requirements, though some may be easier than others. When in doubt, ask your server about specific preparation methods and ingredients.
Q: How can I avoid hidden carbs when eating at restaurants?
A: Be aware that carbs hide in sauces, dressings, breading, and sweetened items. Always request nutritional information, specify “no sugar” in sauces, ask about preparation methods, and request items on the side. Don’t assume vegetable sides are low-carb—some may be cooked with sugary glazes or sweet sauces. Verify details with your server to ensure your meal aligns with your dietary goals.
Q: What modifications should I always request at Chili’s?
A: Key modifications include requesting proteins grilled (not fried), asking for sauces and dressings on the side, substituting high-carb sides with steamed vegetables, requesting no tortillas or bread, and avoiding sweet glazes or honey-based preparations. Always ask for croutons, tortilla strips, and breadings to be omitted from salads and other dishes. These modifications transform potentially high-carb items into perfectly low-carb meals.
Q: Is eating low-carb at restaurants sustainable long-term?
A: Yes, with practice and knowledge about menu options at your favorite restaurants, eating low-carb while dining out becomes second nature. The more you practice identifying low-carb choices and making appropriate modifications, the easier it becomes. Learning to navigate Chili’s menu successfully means you can enjoy social dining experiences without derailing your health goals, making your low-carb lifestyle more sustainable and enjoyable.
Conclusion
Dining out while following a low-carb diet doesn’t require sacrifice or stress. Chili’s, like many casual dining restaurants, offers numerous options that align perfectly with low-carb and keto dietary goals. By understanding how to identify high-carb culprits, customize menu items, and make strategic choices, you can enjoy delicious, satisfying meals that support your health objectives. Whether you’re ordering a Classic Sirloin with Avocado, enjoying fajitas without tortillas, or indulging in a Santa Fe Salad without the crispy shell, Chili’s can accommodate your low-carb lifestyle. The key is approaching the menu with knowledge and confidence, asking questions when needed, and not hesitating to request modifications. Armed with the 13 menu recommendations and strategies in this guide, your next Chili’s visit will be a delicious and diet-compliant experience. Enjoy your meal and stay committed to your health goals!
