Navigating the Chili's Menu as a Vegan
For many vegans, dining out at a chain restaurant like Chili's can feel daunting. However, armed with the right knowledge and some simple modification requests, you can enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal. Chili's has made it easier for plant-based diners by confirming the vegan status of its black bean patty and offering numerous side options. By following the suggestions below and communicating your dietary needs clearly to your server, you can enjoy a stress-free experience.
Appetizers and Starters
Starting your meal with an appetizer is a classic Tex-Mex tradition, and thankfully, Chili's offers a few solid vegan options to get you going.
- Bottomless Tostada Chips & Salsa: The classic and reliable appetizer. The chips and salsa are vegan as-is, providing a great start to your meal. Opt for the bottomless version to keep the chips coming.
- Fresh Guacamole & Chips: An upgrade to the chips and salsa, the freshly made guacamole is a delicious and hearty vegan addition.
- Fried Items (Cross-Contamination Warning): While Chili's fries and fried pickles have vegan ingredients, they are cooked in a shared fryer with animal products, according to the official allergen guide. If this is a concern, it is best to avoid them or ask for confirmation from your server.
Customizable Entrees
Chili's doesn't have an entree that is vegan by default, but several dishes can be easily modified to be completely plant-based. These modifications are key to having a complete and filling meal.
The Black Bean Burger
This is one of the most substantial vegan entree options available. The black bean patty is confirmed vegan, but you need to make specific modifications when ordering.
To order a vegan black bean burger:
- Request the black bean patty instead of a beef or chicken patty.
- Ask for a vegan bun, as Chili's offers one. Be sure to specify that it should be toasted without butter, which can be a standard practice at some locations.
- Omit the cheese and any ranch-based sauces.
- Add extra toppings like avocado slices or grilled mushrooms for more flavor and substance.
Sizzling Fajitas
Chili's fajitas are a vibrant, sizzling dish that can be adapted for a vegan diet with a few simple swaps.
To order vegan fajitas:
- Swap the chicken, steak, or shrimp for either the black bean patty or an extra portion of black beans.
- Request that the fajita vegetables (onions and peppers) be cooked without butter.
- Exclude all dairy toppings, such as cheese, sour cream, and queso.
- Load up on the standard vegan fajita fixings, including pico de gallo, salsa, guacamole, and corn or flour tortillas.
Chipotle Fresh Mex Bowl
This bowl provides a great foundation for a filling and flavorful vegan meal. The key is to remove the animal-based ingredients and add extra plant-based toppings.
To order a vegan Chipotle Fresh Mex Bowl:
- Ask for no meat.
- Remove the cheese, ranch dressing, and chipotle-pesto.
- Top with additional black beans, rice, and corn salsa for a hearty and complete dish.
Fresh Salads
For a lighter, fresher option, a modified salad is a great choice. You'll need to make sure you select the correct dressing.
- Side House Salad: Order without cheese and croutons. The Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette is the only vegan dressing confirmed by PETA, so stick with that.
- Caribbean Salad: This can be ordered with no meat or dairy, opting for the Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette.
Vegan-Friendly Sides and Sauces
Chili's offers a wide array of naturally vegan sides that can be combined to make a plate or add bulk to an entree. Several sauces are also plant-based and add a burst of flavor.
Vegan Sides
- Mexican Rice
- Black Beans
- Steamed Broccoli (request without butter)
- Sweet Corn on the Cob (request without butter)
- Roasted Asparagus
- French Fries (note the shared fryer)
- Corn and Flour Tortillas
Vegan Sauces
- House BBQ Sauce
- Mango Habanero Sauce
- Sweet Chili Zing Sauce
Comparison Table: How to Veganize Your Meal
Here is a quick reference guide for some of the most popular customizable menu items.
| Item | Standard Order | Vegan Modification | Key Omissions | Key Additions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Bean Burger | Black Bean Patty, Cheese, Ranch, Standard Bun | Black Bean Patty, Vegan Bun, No Cheese or Ranch, Avocado | Cheese, Ranch | Avocado, Mushrooms, Vegan BBQ |
| Sizzling Fajitas | Chicken, Cheese, Sour Cream, Rice, Beans | Sub Black Beans, No Cheese or Sour Cream, Cook Veggies without butter | Meat, Cheese, Sour Cream | Extra Black Beans, Guacamole, Salsa |
| Chipotle Bowl | Meat, Cheese, Pesto, Ranch | No Meat, No Cheese, No Pesto, No Ranch | Meat, Cheese, Pesto, Ranch | Extra Black Beans, Mango Habanero Sauce |
| House Salad | Cheese, Croutons, Non-Vegan Dressing | No Cheese, No Croutons, Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette | Cheese, Croutons | Avocado, Pico de Gallo |
Conclusion: Simple Modifications for a Great Meal
With a little preparation and clear communication, ordering a satisfying and delicious vegan meal at Chili's is completely achievable. The key is understanding which items can be made plant-based through simple modifications, and which sides and appetizers are safe as-is. Always remember to double-check with your server about specific preparation methods, such as the use of butter or shared fryers. By utilizing the customizable black bean patty, modified fajitas, and a variety of flavorful sides and sauces, you can enjoy a hearty and enjoyable Tex-Mex experience at Chili's, even on a vegan diet.
For the most current information, it is always best to consult Chili's official allergen menu on their website.
