Are you on the keto diet and struggling to find delicious, low-carb options when eating out? Look no further than Chili’s Grill & Bar! In 2023, Chili’s revamped its menu to include several keto-friendly dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track with your diet. From starters to entrees to sides and extras, Chili’s has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore Chili’s Grill & Bar’s low-carb and keto-friendly options in 2023.
What is the Keto Diet?
Before diving into Chili’s keto options, let’s review what the keto diet is. The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet that focuses on drastically reducing your carbohydrate intake and replacing it with healthy fats and moderate amounts of protein. The goal of the diet is to enter a state of ketosis, where your body uses stored fat as its primary source of energy instead of carbohydrates.
Typically, the keto diet recommends that you consume no more than 50 grams of carbohydrates per day, but some people may need to consume even fewer carbs to achieve and maintain ketosis.
In addition to limiting carbohydrates, the keto diet emphasizes high-fat foods like avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish, as well as moderate protein intake from sources like chicken, beef, and eggs. By following this diet, you may be able to achieve a range of health benefits, including improved insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation, and even improved cognitive function.
Chili’s Keto Options (How To Order Keto at Chili’s)
With Chili’s Grill & Bar’s keto-friendly options, you can still enjoy a delicious meal while staying true to your dietary goals.
To start, look for menu items that are high in fat and protein and low in carbs. Chili’s offers a variety of dishes that fit this description, such as their famous baby back ribs or their grilled salmon with avocado salsa. You can also ask your server to make modifications to your meal to make it keto-friendly, such as swapping out starchy sides like rice or potatoes for steamed veggies or a side salad.
When ordering, be sure to ask your server about any hidden carbs in the dish, such as sauces or glazes that may contain added sugars. You can also ask for these items on the side, so you can control the amount you consume.
Another helpful tip is to check out Chili’s online nutritional information before you go. This will allow you to plan ahead and choose menu items that fit your dietary needs.
Below is the list of keto friendly options at Chili’s.
Keto Appetizer: Bone-in Buffalo Wings
Nutrition Info: 890 calories, 65 grams of fat, 73 grams of protein, 1 gram of fiber, 4 grams of carbs, and 3 grams of net carbs.
At Chili’s you can order bone-in-wings that are keto-friendly. They are not breaded and as you can see it has a low amount of carb. Make sure to order the Buffalo Sauce and skip the other sauces since they are full of carbs.
Classic Sirloin
Nutrition Info: 260 calories, 13 grams of fat, 34 grams of protein, 1 gram of protein, 0 grams of fiber, 1 gram of carb, and 1 gram of net carbs.
If you’re not craving some chicken wings, you can try Chili’s classic sirloin. Just make sure to skip the side. You can opt for a side of salad, steamed broccoli, asparagus, and avocado slices.
Classic Ribeye Steak
Nutrition Info: 630 calories, 40 grams of fat, 67 grams of protein, 0 grams of fiber, 0 grams of carbs, and 0 grams of net carbs.
With 0 grams of net carbs, Chili’s classic Ribeye is definitely of the best keto options. You can add more low carb sides to make it more filling!
Big Mouth Burgers (No Burger Bun): Mushroom Swiss
Nutrition Info: 760 calories, 62 grams of fat, 45 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, 7 grams of carbs, and 5 grams of net carbs.
This Big Mouth burger contains a beef patty, sauteed onions, swiss cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, mushrooms, and garlic aioli. Omit the buns!
Keto-Friendly Southwest Caesar Salad (No Croutons)
Nutrition Info: 630 calories, 44 grams of fat, 39 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, 21 grams of carbs, and 16 grams of net carbs.
Although this dish may have a higher net carb count compared to most of the options listed in this guide, it remains an excellent choice if you’re looking for a satisfying yet keto-friendly meal.
You can order this with Grilled chicken or shrimp for your protein. This salad is made with queso fresco, tomatoes, lettuce, and a Caesar dressing. Don’t forget: Omit the tortilla strips!
Santa Fe Chicken Salad (No Tortilla)
Nutrition Info: 630 calories, 44 grams of fat, 36 grams of protein, 7 grams of fiber, 27 grams of carbs, and 20 grams of net carbs.
Made with grilled chicken, juicy pico de gallo, creamy avocado, fragrant cilantro, crispy tortilla strips, and the most mouthwatering ranch dressing all come together on top of a bed of fresh lettuce.
And guess what? This salad is not only delicious, but it can also be a good choice for anyone following a keto lifestyle. This might have more carbs but if you have extra carbs for the day, then this is a great option!
Ancho Salmon (No Rice)
Nutrition Info: 460 calories, 25 grams of fat, 45 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, 15 grams of carbs, and 11 grams of net carbs.
Have you heard about Chili’s “Guiltless Grill” options? One of the highlights is the Ancho Salmon entrée, which is as healthy as it is delicious. And guess what? It has fewer than 460 calories without the rice, making it a great choice for those of us who want to watch our calorie intake.
The dish features a succulent salmon fillet seasoned with spicy ancho chilies, served with a side of nutritious broccoli and Mexican rice. Make sure to omit Mexican rice to make it keto-friendly!
Steamed Broccoli (Side Dish)
Nutrition Info: 40 calories, 0 grams of fat, 3 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, 8 grams of carbs, and 4 grams of net carbs.
This side dish is a great keto option with only 4 grams of net carbs. This is a great addition to make your meal more filling!
Asparagus
Nutrition Info: 35 calories, 0 grams of fat, 3 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, 5 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of net carbs.
If you want more side dishes, asparagus is also available with only 2 grams of net carbs per serving. A great addition to steak or salmon.
Side Salad Caesar (No Croutons)
Nutrition Info: 160 calories, 14 grams of fat, 3 grams of protein, 1 gram of fiber, 7 grams of carbs, and 6 grams of net carbs.
Another keto-friendly side is the Side Caesar Salad! It’s usually made with romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, Caesar dressing, and croutons, but you can just ask for no croutons to make it keto-friendly.
Chili’s Grill and Bar History
Chili’s Grill & Bar has a rich history that spans over four decades. The restaurant was founded in 1975 in Dallas, Texas, by Larry Lavine, a young entrepreneur with a passion for food and hospitality. Lavine’s vision was to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere where friends and family could gather over great food and drinks.
Chili’s started as a small burger joint that quickly gained popularity among locals. Its success was due in part to the restaurant’s unique and flavorful menu, which offered a variety of signature dishes such as the “chili burger” and “baby back ribs.” The restaurant’s popularity grew quickly, and it soon expanded to other cities throughout Texas.
In 1983, Chili’s was acquired by Norman Brinker, a well-known restaurateur who helped to further expand the brand across the United States and internationally. Under Brinker’s leadership, Chili’s evolved into a full-service restaurant chain, offering a range of dishes to cater to different tastes and dietary needs.
Today, Chili’s Grill & Bar has over 1,600 locations worldwide and is known for its fun and welcoming atmosphere, delicious food, and commitment to customer service. The restaurant has also been a pioneer in adopting new technologies, such as tabletop ordering tablets and online ordering, to enhance the dining experience for its customers.
Despite its growth and success, Chili’s has remained true to its roots, providing a fun and relaxed atmosphere where friends and family can gather to enjoy great food and drinks. It’s no wonder that Chili’s has become a beloved institution that continues to attract loyal customers who appreciate its rich history and delicious menu.
FAQs on Chili’s Keto Options
Can I customize my order to make it more keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Chili’s is happy to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences. You can ask for modifications to any dish to make it more low-carb, such as substituting vegetables for starches or asking for sauces on the side.
What should I avoid when ordering at Chili’s?
Some dishes that are high in carbs include anything breaded or fried, as well as dishes with sugary sauces or marinades. Avoid items like the Crispy Chicken Crispers or the Honey-Chipotle Crispers & Waffles.
Are there any hidden carbs I should be aware of?
Be mindful of items like salad dressings, which can have hidden sugars and carbs. Stick to dressings like ranch or blue cheese, which are typically lower in carbs.
Can I still enjoy a drink with my meal?
Chili’s keto options also include low-carb drink options, such as vodka sodas or Michelob Ultra. Just be mindful of sugary mixers and opt for drinks that are made with club soda or sugar-free syrups.
What if I have a food allergy?
Chili’s has a detailed allergy menu that outlines all of the allergens present in each dish. You can also speak with your server to make sure that your meal is prepared safely and without any cross-contamination.
Conclusion
Eating out while on a keto diet can be a challenge, but Chili’s Grill & Bar makes it easy with their variety of low-carb and keto-friendly options. Whether you’re in the mood for a salad or a steak, Chili’s has something to satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track with your diet.
With a little planning and some modifications, you can enjoy a delicious meal at Chili’s without worrying about derailing your progress. Don’t be afraid to ask your server for help or to make modifications to your order to fit your dietary needs. With Chili’s keto options, you can enjoy a night out without compromising your health goals. So go ahead, treat yourself to some delicious food, and enjoy the company of friends and family.
If you want more tips on keto options at fast food chains, click here for more!