Navigating the menu at a chain restaurant like Chili's as a vegan can be a rewarding experience with the right knowledge. With some simple modifications, you can enjoy a full, flavorful, and completely plant-based meal, from appetizers to entrees. The key is knowing which ingredients to avoid and what substitutions to request to make dishes vegan-friendly.
Ordering Vegan Starters
Starting your meal with a solid appetizer is a great way to ensure you don't feel left out. While many appetizers at Chili's contain dairy or meat, a few are easily made vegan.
- Bottomless Tostada Chips & Salsa: This classic is vegan as-is and a reliable starter. The salsa is a perfect accompaniment for the crunchy chips.
- Fresh Guacamole & Tostada Chips: Just like the salsa, Chili's guacamole is vegan and adds a creamy, hearty component to your chip platter.
- Basket of French Fries: The fries are made with vegan-friendly ingredients. A note for strict vegans: the fries are cooked in a shared fryer, which may be exposed to animal products during the cooking process. If this is a concern, you can check with your server.
- Fried Pickles: You can order the fried pickles without the accompanying ranch dressing to make them vegan. Be aware of the shared fryer risk.
Customizable Vegan Entrees
Chili's has some excellent options for creating a hearty, plant-based entree, especially with their black bean patty, confirmed vegan as of 2025.
- Black Bean Burger: Start with any burger on the menu and replace the meat patty with the black bean patty. Be sure to request no cheese, no mayo, and ask for the bun to be toasted without butter, which some locations may use. Load it up with lettuce, tomato, onions, and avocado slices.
- Veggie Fajitas (Modified): While the dedicated Black Bean & Veggie Fajita may no longer be listed, you can modify another fajita dish. Ask for a veggie mix instead of meat, and omit the cheese, sour cream, and any other dairy-based toppings. You'll receive a sizzling platter of seasoned vegetables, tortillas, rice, and beans.
- Chipotle Bowl (Modified): The Chipotle Fresh Mex Bowl is a great base. Order it without meat, cheese, chipotle pesto, or ranch. This leaves you with a flavorful combination of Mexican rice, pico de gallo, corn salsa, cilantro, and tortilla strips. Add the Mango Habanero or House BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
Vegan Sides and Sauces
If you prefer to mix and match or just need a side, Chili's has several options that are vegan or can be made vegan with a simple request. The right sauce can elevate any dish.
Vegan-Friendly Sides
- Mexican Rice & Black Beans: A flavorful and filling combination that is vegan-friendly.
- Steamed Broccoli: Just remember to ask for it without butter.
- Sweet Corn on the Cob: A simple, sweet side that is vegan. Do not mistake this for the Roasted Street Corn, which is not vegan.
- Roasted Asparagus: This vegetable side is a fresh and delicious vegan choice.
- Corn or Flour Tortillas: Great for making your own tacos with sides like rice, beans, and guacamole.
Vegan Sauces & Dressings
- Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette
- House BBQ Sauce
- Mango Habanero Sauce
- Sweet Chili Zing Sauce
- Pico de Gallo
Vegan Menu Modifications at Chili's: A Comparison
| Menu Item | Vegan Status | How to Order Vegan |
|---|---|---|
| Black Bean Burger | Requires Modifications | Substitute black bean patty for meat, no cheese, no mayo. Confirm bun is not buttered. |
| Chipotle Bowl | Requires Modifications | No meat, no cheese, no chipotle pesto, no ranch. |
| Fajitas (any protein) | Requires Modifications | Substitute protein for black beans and fajita veggies. No cheese, no sour cream. |
| Side House Salad | Requires Modifications | No cheese, no croutons. Ask for Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette. |
| Bottomless Chips & Salsa | Vegan | Order as-is. |
| French Fries | Vegan (shared fryer) | Order as-is, but note shared fryer for allergy purposes. |
Tips for a Smooth Vegan Order
To ensure a pleasant dining experience and avoid any confusion, follow these best practices when ordering vegan at Chili's:
- Always check the allergen menu: Chili's provides an online allergen menu that details which items contain dairy, eggs, and other allergens, helping you to confidently identify vegan options.
- Communicate clearly: Inform your server that you are ordering vegan. Be specific about modifications, such as "no cheese," "no sour cream," or asking for the bun to be toasted dry.
- Be polite but firm: If your server seems unsure, you can reference the online allergen menu or simply reiterate your needs clearly. Most staff are happy to accommodate special dietary requests.
- Ask about the bun: Some locations may toast buns in butter. A simple request to toast it without butter will prevent any issues.
Vegan Eating at Chili's: The Verdict
Chili's offers a surprising number of vegan-friendly options, especially considering it's not known as a vegan-forward restaurant. While you won't find many fully-vegan entrees on the menu as-is, the ability to customize several items, including the black bean burger, bowls, and fajitas, means you won't be left with just a side salad. With delicious appetizers like chips and guac, a variety of satisfying sides, and multiple flavorful sauces, you can build a complete and hearty meal. Chili's dedication to providing a transparent allergen menu online also makes ordering with confidence straightforward and easy.
Conclusion
Overall, Chili's is a viable option for vegans dining out with friends or family, provided you are prepared to make a few simple modifications. Knowing what is vegan at Chili's and how to customize your order will ensure you have a great dining experience every time. For the most up-to-date information, checking the official Chili's allergen guide online is always recommended before your visit.
An excellent source for more tips can be found on the PETA Vegan at Chili's guide.
