The Healthiest Options at Chili's, Ranked (2026)

Eating healthy at Chili's can be both delicious and satisfying. With a variety of options, it is possible to enjoy a meal without compromising your dietary goals. Focusing on protein-rich meals can help you feel full and energized while keeping calories in check.

The Healthiest Options at Chili's, Ranked by Protein Efficiency

In this ranking, we highlight the best protein-per-calorie efficiency at Chili's. These selections are perfect for those looking to maximize their protein intake without exceeding moderate calorie limits.

Rank	Menu Item	Calories	Protein	Protein/100cal
1	Grilled Chicken, Fajitas Mix & Match	140 kcal	28 g	20 g
2	Turkey Patty	200 kcal	32 g	16 g
3	Smoked Bone In BBQ Chicken Breast	360 kcal	43 g	11.9 g
4	Grilled Steak, for Mix & Match	240 kcal	26 g	10.8 g
5	15 Original Crispers	1550 kcal	152 g	9.8 g
6	Original Crispers, for Smokehouse Combos	310 kcal	30 g	9.7 g
7	Black Bean Patty	190 kcal	17 g	8.9 g
8	Margarita Grilled Chicken	600 kcal	53 g	8.8 g
9	Grilled Chicken Salad	430 kcal	36 g	8.4 g
10	Grass Fed Patty	420 kcal	33 g	7.9 g
11	Classic Ribeye	1050 kcal	81 g	7.7 g
12	Classic Beef Patty	480 kcal	34 g	7.1 g
13	Bacon Avocado Chicken Sandwich, Lunch Combos	560 kcal	39 g	7 g
14	Terlingua Chili, Bowl	420 kcal	29 g	6.9 g
15	Classic Nachos w/ Fajita Beef	1640 kcal	112 g	6.8 g

The Grilled Chicken Fajitas Mix & Match stands out as the top choice, delivering 28 grams of protein for just 140 calories. Other options, like the Turkey Patty and Smoked Bone In BBQ Chicken Breast, also provide excellent protein efficiency, making them great picks for health-conscious diners.

Best Filling Meals Under 500 Calories at Chili's

If you're looking for filling, high-protein meals under 500 calories, Chili's has some fantastic options. Choices like the Grilled Chicken Fajitas Mix & Match and Turkey Patty offer substantial protein without excessive calories.

Menu Item	Calories	Protein	Protein/100cal
Smoked Bone In BBQ Chicken Breast	360 kcal	43 g	11.9 g
Grilled Chicken Salad	430 kcal	36 g	8.4 g
Classic Beef Patty	480 kcal	34 g	7.1 g
Grass Fed Patty	420 kcal	33 g	7.9 g
Turkey Patty	200 kcal	32 g	16 g
Original Crispers, for Smokehouse Combos	310 kcal	30 g	9.7 g
Terlingua Chili, Bowl	420 kcal	29 g	6.9 g
Grilled Chicken, Fajitas Mix & Match	140 kcal	28 g	20 g
Grilled Steak, for Mix & Match	240 kcal	26 g	10.8 g
Chicken Enchilada Soup, Bowl	440 kcal	22 g	5 g
Jalapeno Cheddar Smoked Sausage	380 kcal	21 g	5.5 g
Black Bean Patty	190 kcal	17 g	8.9 g

These meals not only satisfy hunger but also help maintain energy levels throughout the day. They are perfect for anyone seeking to enjoy a hearty meal while staying within their nutritional goals.

Lightest Picks Under 250 Calories

Menu Item	Calories	Protein
Applewood Smoked Bacon	70 kcal	5 g
Cheese, Cheddar	80 kcal	5 g
Cheese, Provolone	80 kcal	6 g
Terlingua Chili, for Burgers	80 kcal	6 g
Fried Egg	90 kcal	6 g
Black Beans	120 kcal	7 g
White Queso & Pico de Gallo, for Fajitas	140 kcal	5 g
Grilled Chicken, Fajitas Mix & Match	140 kcal	28 g
Corn on the Cob, Kids	170 kcal	5 g
2% Milk, Kids	180 kcal	12 g
Black Bean Patty	190 kcal	17 g
Clam Chowder, Cup	190 kcal	6 g

For those seeking lighter picks, options like the Black Bean Patty and Terlingua Chili Cup provide lower calorie counts while still delivering protein. These selections are ideal for a lighter meal without sacrificing flavor.

Chili's vs. Other Chains: Healthiest Pick

When comparing Chili's to other fast-food chains,

Chain	Best Protein-Per-Calorie Pick	Calories	Protein	Per 100cal
Chili's	Grilled Chicken, Fajitas Mix & Match	140 kcal	28 g	20 g
McDonald's	Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich	380 kcal	37 g	9.7 g
Wendy's	Grilled Chicken Sandwich	360 kcal	35 g	9.7 g
Chick-fil-A	6 Grilled Nuggets Kids Meal	110 kcal	13 g	11.8 g

Chili's offers a variety of healthier options that prioritize protein efficiency. Many other chains focus on high-calorie dishes, making it challenging to find nutritious choices. At Chili's, you can enjoy a satisfying meal that aligns with your health goals.

How to Track Chili's in Nutrola

Eating well at Chili's comes down to picking high-protein, moderate-calorie items and actually logging them. "A grilled something and a side" can hide 200 to 400 calories you did not plan for. Nutrola's verified restaurant database includes Chili's with accurate calories and macros, so you are not relying on crowd-sourced numbers that can be off by 10 to 20 percent. Log your order before you eat to see exactly how it fits your day. The app uses AI photo recognition and voice logging, tracks 100+ nutrients, covers 100+ chains, and works in 15 languages with a 4.9 rating. After a free trial it is just 2.50 euros per month with no ads.

Chili's Healthy Order Quick Reference

Goal	Best Order	Calories	Protein
Best protein efficiency	Grilled Chicken, Fajitas Mix & Match	140 kcal	28 g
Best filling meal under 500 cal	Smoked Bone In BBQ Chicken Breast	360 kcal	43 g
Lightest option	Applewood Smoked Bacon	70 kcal	5 g

How We Define "Healthiest"

This ranking defines "healthiest" as the best protein-per-calorie efficiency among substantial menu items (60 calories or more), using verified calorie and macro data. Protein density and calorie control are the two levers most useful for satiety and weight management. It does not score sodium, fiber, or additives, which are not part of this dataset, so pair it with your own dietary priorities.

The Bottom Line

In summary, Chili's provides a range of healthy options that cater to those looking for protein-rich meals at moderate calorie counts. The Grilled Chicken Fajitas Mix & Match is a standout choice, but there are plenty of other selections to explore. Eating healthy does not mean sacrificing taste at Chili's. For more personalized nutrition guidance, consider trying a Nutrola free trial.