A Guide to: What is keto friendly at chili's?

November 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2024 study, nearly a quarter of Americans are actively seeking out low-carb or keto-friendly menu options when they eat out, making it a common request at restaurants like Chili's. Navigating the menu can be a challenge, so knowing in advance what is keto friendly at Chili's is key to staying on track.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals how to find and customize keto-friendly meals at Chili's, from appetizers and entrees to sides and dressings. Learn simple modifications to popular dishes to stay within your low-carb macros and enjoy a delicious restaurant experience.

Key Points

Focus on Protein-Rich Dishes: Opt for grilled items like steaks, chicken, or salmon, which form the core of a keto diet.
Customize Burgers and Sandwiches: Order any burger or chicken sandwich without the bun and swap fries for a low-carb vegetable side.
Avoid Breading and Sugary Sauces: Steer clear of anything fried or breaded, as well as sauces like BBQ and honey-chipotle, which are high in hidden carbs.
Modify Salads: Choose salads like the Santa Fe or Caesar but be sure to omit high-carb additions like croutons and tortilla strips.
Choose Low-Carb Sides: Replace high-carb sides like fries and mashed potatoes with healthier options like steamed broccoli, asparagus, or a side salad.
Plan Ahead for Success: Review Chili's menu and nutritional information online before visiting to make informed, keto-friendly choices.

Dining out on a ketogenic diet requires careful planning and strategic ordering, especially at restaurants known for high-carb items. Fortunately, Chili's offers a variety of dishes that can be easily modified to fit a keto lifestyle. By focusing on protein-heavy, grilled entrees and low-carb sides, you can enjoy a satisfying meal without compromising your dietary goals.

Keto-Friendly Appetizers and Starters

To start your meal the keto way, focus on options that are high in protein and fat while avoiding breading. Bone-in Buffalo wings (without breading) and fresh guacamole (with celery or a fork instead of chips) are good choices.

Entrees: Burgers, Steaks, and Fajitas

The main course offers several possibilities for a keto meal by making simple substitutions.

Bunless Burgers

Enjoy Chili's burgers without the bun to significantly reduce carbs. Options like the Oldtimer® with Cheese or the Big Mouth Mushroom Swiss Burger are great when ordered bunless and with a low-carb side. Requesting a lettuce wrap is also an option.

Steak and Grilled Options

Steaks are naturally keto-friendly. The Classic Sirloin with Avocado from the Guiltless Grill menu or the Classic Ribeye are excellent protein choices. Pair them with low-carb sides. Seared Ancho Salmon is another good source of healthy fats; ask for it without the rice and request extra steamed broccoli.

Customizing Fajitas

Transform fajitas into a keto bowl by ordering the steak, chicken, or shrimp option without the tortillas, rice, or beans. The meat, peppers, and onions, along with the provided sour cream, pico de gallo, and guacamole, make a satisfying meal.

Salads and Low-Carb Dressings

Salads can be keto-friendly with modifications. Order salads like the Santa Fe Chicken or Southwest Caesar without high-carb additions like tortilla strips and croutons.

List of Keto-Friendly Dressings:

Ranch Dressing
Blue Cheese Dressing
Caesar Dressing
Ancho Chile Ranch
Avocado Ranch
Santa Fe Sauce

Keto-Friendly Side Dishes

Swap out high-carb sides for these low-carb options:

Steamed Broccoli
Roasted Asparagus
Side Salad (no croutons)

Comparing Keto Options at Chili's


Menu Item	Standard Serving (High-Carb)	Keto-Friendly Modification	Estimated Net Carbs
Big Mouth Mushroom Swiss Burger	With bun and fries	No bun, sub fries for broccoli	~5g
Fajitas (Steak)	With tortillas, rice, and beans	No tortillas, rice, or beans	~24g
Classic Ribeye	With loaded mashed potatoes and broccoli	Double steamed broccoli, no mashed potatoes	0g
Bone-in Buffalo Wings	Served with fries	Plain Buffalo Wings, no fries	~3g
Santa Fe Chicken Salad	With tortilla strips	No tortilla strips	~20g

Conclusion: Savoring a Satisfying Keto Meal

Enjoying a keto meal at Chili's is achievable with thoughtful modifications. Avoid breaded or fried items, sugary sauces, and high-carb sides like buns and tortillas. Focus on grilled proteins, bunless burgers, and customizable salads paired with low-carb vegetables. Don't hesitate to customize your order to fit your dietary needs. Reviewing the menu and nutritional information online beforehand can also help.

How to Order to Stay Keto at Chili's

What to Order

Appetizers: Bone-in Buffalo Wings (Buffalo sauce or plain), Fresh Guacamole (with celery or fork).
Entrees: Bunless Burgers, Classic Sirloin with Avocado, Classic Ribeye, Ancho Salmon (sub rice), Fajitas (no tortillas, rice, or beans).
Salads: Santa Fe or Southwest Caesar Salad (no croutons/tortilla strips).
Sides: Steamed Broccoli, Roasted Asparagus, Side House or Caesar Salad (no croutons).
Dressings: Ranch, Blue Cheese, Caesar, Ancho Chile Ranch, Avocado Ranch, Santa Fe sauce.

What to Avoid

Breaded/Fried Items: Boneless wings, crispy chicken crispers, fried pickles.
High-Carb Sides: Fries, rice, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese.
Sugary Sauces & Glazes: BBQ, honey-chipotle, honey-sriracha.
Wraps/Breads: Tortillas, buns, croutons.

Tips for Success

Customize: Ask for modifications to your order.
Use the App/Website: Check nutritional information before visiting.
Watch for Hidden Carbs: Be mindful of sugar in sauces and dressings.

Following these guidelines will help you enjoy a flavorful, keto-compliant meal at Chili's.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Chili's bone-in wings can be keto-friendly if you order them plain or with Buffalo sauce only, as other sauces can be high in sugar and carbs. Always avoid the breaded boneless wings.

Yes, you can. The key is to order any burger without the bun and replace the high-carb side (like fries) with a low-carb alternative such as steamed broccoli or a side salad.

To make the fajitas keto, order them without the tortillas, rice, or beans. The steak, chicken, or shrimp with the sizzling peppers and onions, along with sour cream, pico de gallo, and guacamole, is a great low-carb meal.

Several dressings at Chili's are suitable for keto, including Ranch, Blue Cheese, Caesar, Ancho Chile Ranch, Avocado Ranch, and Santa Fe sauce. Always confirm with your server or check the nutritional information.

Keto-friendly side options include steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a side salad without croutons. Always avoid high-carb sides like fries, mashed potatoes, and rice.

While ribs are a meat-based option, the House BBQ sauce is relatively low-carb. However, sweeter sauces like Honey-Chipotle should be avoided. The Texas dry rub is a safer bet, but it's best to stick to grilled or plain options to be safe.

You can find the most current nutritional and allergen information on Chili's official website or mobile app.