12 Delicious Keto-Friendly Choices at Chili’s

12 Excellent Keto Options at Chili’s

Have you ever wondered how to enjoy a delicious meal at your favorite Tex-Mex spot while sticking to your keto plan? Chili’s—found in countless U.S. locations—offers plenty of dishes that can be easily tweaked to fit a low-carb, high-fat lifestyle. Whether you’re mindful of your daily net carb intake of around 25 grams, or just looking for healthier choices, you’ll find options with anywhere from 0 to 24 net carbs. Let’s dive into some tasty ideas and practical tweaks to enjoy your dining experience without derailing your keto journey.

1. Keto-Friendly Starters

Bone-in Buffalo Wings – These wings are a protein-packed delight loaded with fat, perfect for keto. To keep them on track, ask for the Buffalo sauce or simply skip the sauce to avoid hidden sugars. Why not share a plate with a friend?
Tip: Splitting a higher-carb portion into two meals might help balance your carb intake.

2. Satisfying Entrées

Classic Sirloin – Picture a juicy steak paired with low-carb sides like steamed broccoli or a fresh salad without croutons. Perfect for those who can’t resist a good steak while keeping their carb count in check.
Remember: Opt for steamed vegetables to complement your meal without adding extra carbs.
Classic Ribeye – Feeling extra hungry? This one boasts 67 grams of protein and absolutely no carbs. Feel free to pick it up with a side of non-starchy veggies!
Fun fact: A carb-free steak means you have room for some green veggies without worry.
Big Mouth Mushroom Swiss Burger (no bun) – Enjoy a burger loaded with sautéed onions, mushrooms, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and garlic aioli. Just ditch the bun to keep it keto-friendly.
Quick question: Have you ever tried customizing your burger with a delicious low-carb twist?
Fajitas – Choose shrimp, chicken, or steak fajitas loaded with peppers and onions, then ask for them without tortillas, rice, or beans. Splitting this dish into two meals can make managing your carbs even easier.
Pro Tip: If you’re a fan of spice, these fajitas are a delightful, fiber-friendly pick.
Santa Fe Chicken Salad – This salad combines grilled chicken with pico de gallo, avocado, and cilantro on a bed of lettuce. Simply request it without tortilla strips to maintain low carbs.
Idea: Try pairing it with a keto-friendly dressing for an extra burst of flavor.
Southwest Caesar Salad (no tortilla strips) – Packed with grilled chicken or shrimp, queso fresco, and Caesar dressing, this salad transforms into a low-carb delight when you skip the tortilla strips.
Remember: A small swap can make a big difference!
Ancho Salmon – Part of Chili’s “Guiltless Grill” series, this salmon dish comes with broccoli and Mexican rice. Simply ask to leave out the rice for a delicious, keto-adapted entrée.
Quick tip: Fish is a fantastic low-carb option, especially when seasoned just right.

3. Delicious Low-Carb Sides

Asparagus – A wonderfully simple side with only about 2 net carbs. It’s light and crisp, making it the ideal keto-friendly choice to add some greens to your plate.
Steamed Broccoli – Low in net carbs and high in nutrients, this classic side is a superb complement to any main dish.
Side Caesar Salad (no croutons) – Keep this Caesar salad on the keto track simply by asking them to leave the croutons off.
Side House Salad – Featuring tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and cheese, this salad becomes perfectly keto-friendly when you drop the croutons—and if you need to cut back even more, consider skipping the tomatoes or onions.
Suggestion: Avocado Ranch dressing is a fabulous low-carb option to drizzle on your salad.

4. Keto Dining Tips at Chili’s

When scanning the Chili’s menu, here are some handy pointers to help you stay on track with your keto diet:

Choose Simple Meat Entrées: Grilled steak, salmon, or a bunless burger are smart picks. They let you add your own keto-friendly sides while avoiding extra carbs.
Add Low-Carb Sides: Think steamed broccoli, asparagus, or a crisp salad without extra toppings like croutons.
Avoid Hidden Carbs: Some sauces, dressings, and sides like sugary BBQ sauce or coleslaw can sneak in extra carbs, so ask for modifications when needed.
Select Keto-Friendly Dressings: Opt for choices like Ancho Chile Ranch, Avocado Ranch, Bleu Cheese, Caesar, or Ranch to keep your meal satisfying yet low in carbs.
Plan Ahead: A quick look at the menu and nutritional details online can empower you to make smart decisions before your meal even arrives.

In a nutshell, with minor adjustments, you can enjoy a hearty, keto-friendly meal at Chili’s. Whether you’re craving wings (go for Buffalo or unsauced options), a juicy steak, or a creatively modified salad, keeping your carb count low is easier than you think. Next time you visit, consider trying a bunless burger and even pack your own keto-friendly buns—perhaps those made by Base Culture—for an extra personal touch.

So, are you ready to explore these options and enjoy a flavorful experience at Chili’s without straying from your keto goals?