Understanding Chili's 'Gluten-Friendly' Policy
Chili's officially uses the term "gluten-friendly" rather than "gluten-free" for good reason. This distinction is crucial for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities. The restaurant states that while they use ingredients without gluten, they cannot guarantee items meet the FDA's less than 20 ppm standard for 'gluten-free' because of the high risk of cross-contact in their shared kitchens. This means items cooked on a shared grill or in common fryers carry a significant risk. Always inform your server and a manager about your specific dietary needs before placing your order.
Navigating the Menu: Gluten-Friendly Choices
With careful modifications, a number of Chili's menu items can be ordered with minimal gluten-containing ingredients. The key is to communicate your needs clearly and be specific about modifications. Here is a breakdown of potential options:
Salads and Soups
- House Salad (without croutons): A simple and safe option when the croutons are omitted.
- Caribbean Salad: Can be ordered with grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Santa Fe Chicken Salad (without tortilla strips): The chicken itself is fine, but the tortilla strips must be left off.
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup: This is typically a safe bet, but double-check with the manager.
- Southwest Chicken Soup (without tortilla strips): Another simple modification to make it gluten-friendly.
Burgers (with modifications) For burgers, the key is to order the patty and toppings without a bun. Some locations may offer a lettuce wrap, but this should be confirmed with your server. All craft burgers can be modified this way, including the classic bacon burger or the guacamole burger. It's important to know that many locations cook their burger patties on a shared grill, so there is a risk of cross-contact. Fries are not gluten-free, so choose a different side.
Fajitas Fajitas can be made gluten-friendly by substituting corn tortillas for the standard flour tortillas. Ensure the chicken, steak, or shrimp is prepared with caution, and confirm with the manager that no gluten-containing sauces or marinades will be used. Be sure to order without flour tortillas or tortilla strips.
Sizzling Steaks Several steaks can be ordered safely, but remember to specify no garlic toast and no fries, as they are cooked in shared fryers. The classic sirloin is a good candidate, paired with a safe side like steamed broccoli or skillet mashed potatoes.
Fresh Tex Bowls Fresh Mex Bowls like the Chipotle Chicken bowl are generally a good option, provided you order them without tortilla strips. You can also build your own bowl using safe ingredients.
Safe Sides
- Black Beans
- Citrus-Chile Rice
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes
- Skillet Mashed Potatoes
- Steamed Broccoli
- Sweet Corn on the Cob
Cross-Contamination: A Real Concern
Chili's website explicitly warns that cross-contact can occur during food preparation. For those with Celiac disease, this is not a minor detail. The risk is present on shared cooking surfaces, with shared utensils, and especially in shared fryers. For example, even if fries are made from potatoes, they are cooked in the same oil as breaded items, making them unsafe. Always speak to a manager about your allergy and ask them to take extra precautions.
What to Avoid at Chili's
- Anything fried: French fries, fried chicken crispers, and other fried items are cooked in shared oil.
- Croutons and Tortilla Strips: Always ask for these to be omitted from salads and bowls.
- Garlic Toast: This often comes with steaks and should be requested without.
- Tortilla Chips: Chili's chips are not gluten-free due to cross-contact, despite being made from corn.
- Most Sauces and Dressings: Verify with the server which dressings are safe. Most are, but some may contain hidden gluten.
Comparison of Potential Gluten-Free Options vs. High-Risk Items
| Category | Potential Gluten-Friendly Item | High-Risk Item (Avoid) |
|---|---|---|
| Appetizers | None (due to shared fryers) | Chips & Salsa, Wings, Crispers |
| Salads | House Salad (no croutons) | Any salad with croutons or strips |
| Burgers | Burger patty (no bun) | Burger with a bun |
| Fajitas | Fajitas (corn tortillas) | Fajitas (flour tortillas) |
| Steaks | Classic Sirloin (no toast) | Sirloin with garlic toast |
| Sides | Steamed Broccoli, Black Beans | French Fries, White Cheddar Mac & Cheese |
Conclusion: Dining Safely at Chili's
While Chili's does offer a variety of menu items prepared without gluten-containing ingredients, guests must exercise caution, especially those with celiac disease or severe sensitivities. The restaurant is transparent about the risk of cross-contamination in their shared kitchen environment. Always start by informing your server and a manager about your specific needs. Stick to simple dishes with minimal modifications, and be vigilant about what you order. By doing so, you can navigate the menu safely and enjoy your meal.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Celiac Disease Information
