Chili’s started in 1975 and has been going strong ever since. I’ve heard a lot about the restaurant chain, but I’ve never eaten there as they are few and far between in Canada. From my research, it looks like there are only a few in Alberta, one of our western provinces. So, this one is for our American friends, and those of us planning a road trip. But, before we get too far ahead of ourselves, can you eat keto at Chili’s restaurants?
What Appetizers Are Keto at Chili’s
There are a couple of appetizers you can fit into a keto meal plan at Chili’s. The bone-in Buffalo wings have only 3 grams of net carbs in them. It is important to note that 2 of these are sugar. The side Caesar salad with croutons has 6 grams of net carbs, so without croutons, you’d be laughing. You could also get a cup of clam chowder for 8 grams of net carbs. It’s a bit high, but if that was where you were taking in the most of your carbs for the day, you could make it work.
Grills and Steaks at Chili’s
Chili’s has a couple of great options under the title of “Guiltless Grill.” The 6 ounce sirloin with grilled avocado has 7 grams of net carbs. The 10 ounce sirloin with grilled avocado has the same amount of carbs (but obviously more calories). If you’re just looking at the steaks themselves, with no sides, the 6 ounce sirloin has 1 gram of carbs and the 10 ounce has 2 grams of carbs. The ribeye doesn’t have any carbs at all. The seared shrimp has 1 gram of carbs, and the ½ order of seared shrimp has 0 carbs.
What Sides Are Keto at Chili’s
If you get a side house salad, it has 7 grams of net carbs. There are numerous dressings you can mix with them. The Ancho Chili Ranch dressing has 3 grams of carbs. The Avocado Ranch dressing has 2 grams of net carbs. The Bleu Cheese dressing has 1 gram of carbs. The Caesar, Ranch, and Santa Fe dressings each have 2 grams of carbs.
Chili’s also has a couple of keto-friendly side vegetables options. There is asparagus that has 2 grams of net carbs. The steamed broccoli has 4 grams of net carbs.
Burger Options that are Keto at Chili’s
Chili’s does a great job of breaking down their foods so you know exactly what you are getting. Their burger patties have no carbs in them. The bacon also has no carbs in it. The avocado slices have 1 gram of net carbs in them. The sauteed mushrooms have 2 grams of net carbs. Their cheese options all have 1 gram of carbs in them, except for the Swiss cheese, which has no carbs. Pickles have 1 gram of carbs. And, if you want some salsa and sour cream to spice something up, they each have 2 grams of net carbs.
Wendy’s Recommendations
As I said, I’ve never eaten here, but for my first order, I’d get the Buffalo chicken wings to start, just because it’s a viable option and that makes me happy. Then, I would get the 6 ounce sirloin with grilled avocado. This comes with asparagus as well. Sign me up! This has 7 grams of net carbs. Personally, I think I’d ask for it without the cilantro and pico. Not because I don’t want as many carbs – just because I’m not a fan of cilantro. But the spicy sauce that comes with it combined with the avocado sounds devine.
My meal would have a grand total of 10 grams of net carbs. For a meal out, and likely my big meal for the day, that’s not bad. They don’t have any keto-friendly desserts listed, but we can always find a keto bakery or Lily’s chocolate bar nearby. I’m up for a trip to a Chili’s! Anyone want to come with me?
Wendy
