Your Guide to Low-Carb Sides at Chili's
Eating at a restaurant while maintaining a low-carb diet doesn't have to be a guessing game. Chili's menu, while full of carb-heavy options, also offers several excellent side dishes that can easily fit into a ketogenic or general low-carb eating plan. By knowing what to look for and what simple modifications to request, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without derailing your diet.
The Best Vegetable-Based Sides
Chili's offers a few straightforward vegetable side dishes that are inherently low in carbohydrates and packed with nutrients. These are often the safest and simplest choices to make.
- Steamed Broccoli: A classic and reliable choice. A side of plain, steamed broccoli at Chili's contains just 4 grams of net carbs per serving. It's a great way to add fiber and vitamins to your meal without adding unwanted sugar or starches. To avoid any hidden carbs, ensure it's served without any added sauces or seasoning that might contain sugar.
- Roasted Asparagus: Another fantastic, low-carb option is the roasted asparagus. It boasts just 2 grams of net carbs per serving. Asparagus is not only low in carbs but is also a good source of fiber, making it a very satiating addition to your plate.
Smartly Modified Salads
Salads can be a great low-carb side, but they require careful ordering to avoid hidden carbs found in dressings, croutons, and certain toppings. Chili's offers a couple of salad options that can be customized to be low-carb.
- Side House Salad: A standard house salad can be a low-carb haven, but you must ask for it without croutons. It's also wise to ask for no tomatoes or onions if you want to minimize the carb count even further, though the total impact is minimal. Pair it with a keto-friendly dressing like Avocado Ranch, Ranch, or Caesar.
- Side Caesar Salad: The key to a low-carb Caesar salad is to order it without the croutons. This simple modification keeps the net carb count very low while still allowing you to enjoy the creamy Caesar dressing and Parmesan cheese.
Other Low-Carb Side Choices and Considerations
Beyond the primary vegetable and salad options, there are other items to consider. Avocado slices, for instance, make an excellent add-on to boost healthy fats without adding many carbs.
Beware of Hidden Carbs: While ordering, be mindful of how sides are prepared. For example, some side vegetables might come with a sugary glaze or marinade that can dramatically increase the carb count. Always specify you want your vegetables prepared simply, without added sauces. Similarly, stay away from the obvious high-carb culprits like mashed potatoes, rice, fries, and corn.
Comparison of Low-Carb Chili's Side Dishes
| Side Dish | Preparation | Total Carbs (g) | Fiber (g) | Net Carbs (g) | Modifications Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steamed Broccoli | Steamed | 8 | 4 | 4 | Order plain, no sauce |
| Roasted Asparagus | Roasted | 5 | 3 | 2 | None typically needed |
| Side Caesar Salad | Assembled | 7 | 1 | 6 | Omit croutons |
| Side House Salad | Assembled | 11-18 | 1-3 | 8-15 | Omit croutons, choose low-carb dressing |
How to Customize for a Keto Diet
For those following a strict keto diet, these sides are perfect, but a few additional tips can help. When ordering a salad, ask for a high-fat, low-carb dressing on the side to control your portion. For a truly minimal carb count, consider requesting your side house salad with minimal toppings like just lettuce, cucumber, and cheese. Always double-check with your server to ensure no hidden sauces or sugars are being used in preparation. For more comprehensive information on low-carb eating strategies, consider exploring resources like Healthline's guides on the ketogenic diet.
Conclusion: Making Smart Choices at Chili's
Navigating a restaurant menu with dietary restrictions requires awareness, but with a little pre-planning, it's completely manageable. When asking what are the low-carb sides at Chili's, the clear winners are the steamed broccoli and roasted asparagus, both simple and low in carbs. Modified side salads are also a great choice when ordered without croutons and with a smart dressing selection. By focusing on these options, you can enjoy dining out at Chili's while staying on track with your low-carb lifestyle.
