How to Get a Free Appetizer at Chili’s
Nothing kicks off a Tex-Mex feast like Chili’s skillet queso or bottomless chips, but appetizers can add $7–$12 to your tab. The good news? Chili’s loves handing them out—if you know where to look. Below are eight proven, policy-friendly strategies to land a complimentary starter, plus etiquette tips so you stay on your server’s good side.
1. Join My Chili’s Rewards (Instant App Coupon)
Signing up for My Chili’s Rewards via the website or mobile app unlocks an immediate perk: free Chips & Salsa or a non-alcoholic beverage every time you visit—as long as you spend something (even just a $3 side). Steps:
Download the Chili’s app or visit chilis.com/rewards.
Create an account and opt in for email/text offers.
Check in on the app or scan your receipt QR code; the system automatically zeroes out the Chips & Salsa charge.
Prefer queso? New members often get a welcome email within 24 hours offering free Skillet Queso with any entrée. Screenshot it for spotty Wi-Fi zones.
2. Complete the Guest Survey on Your Receipt
Every Chili’s receipt invites you to TellChilis.com. Finish the five-minute survey, jot the validation code on the receipt, and bring it next visit for free Chips & Salsa, queso, or a dessert with entrée purchase. One code per check, valid 30 days.
3. Claim Your Birthday Reward
Add your birth date in My Chili’s Rewards. During your birthday month, the app drops a free dessert or appetizer reward—often Skillet Queso or Fresh Guac. Good for dine-in or to-go, expires at month-end.
4. Double Dip with “3 for Me” Combos
Chili’s value menu lets you choose a drink, appetizer (Chips & Salsa, salad, or soup), and entrée for one low price. Pair that built-in app with a survey code or Rewards queso on the same visit (manager discretion). Ask politely; many servers say yes when it’s slow.
5. Watch for Sports-Day Freebies
Chili’s partners with certain NFL and college teams. During playoff season they tweet flash offers—“Free Chips & Queso when the Cowboys score 3 TDs.” Follow @Chilis on X (Twitter) and enable notifications so you can show the server the live promo tweet.
6. Use Credit-Card Dining Deals
Check Amex Offers, Chase Deals, or Capital One Shopping: “Spend $30 at Chili’s, get $10 back.” Sync the deal, then redeem a Rewards free-app coupon. The cash-back wipes part of the entrée cost while your starter is still free.
7. Gift-Card Bonus Promotions
Around holidays Chili’s sells “Buy $50, get $10 e-bonus card.” Use the $10 on entrées and combine with Rewards free queso—starter covered, bill lower. Bonus cards activate the day after purchase and expire in four months, so plan visits.
8. Military & First-Responder Appreciation
On Veterans Day (Nov 11) and Memorial Day, Chili’s offers service members a free entrée, which typically includes complimentary Chips & Salsa. Bring proof of service; check local participation beforehand.
Etiquette & Fine Print
Show digital coupons before ordering so servers attach them.
Tip on the appetizer’s menu price—kitchen and staff still did the work.
One free-app reward per table is standard. Splitting checks to stack may be declined.
Delivery via DoorDash/Uber Eats rarely honors in-house rewards; order curbside through the Chili’s app instead.
Specialty apps over $12 (Big Mouth Bites Sampler) are usually excluded; classic queso, guac, or Chips & Salsa are safe bets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I redeem Chips & Salsa without buying an entrée?
Yes—any purchase counts, even a soft drink, as long as you check in with My Chili’s Rewards.
Do kids’ entrées qualify for survey coupons?
Coupons specify “adult entrée,” so kids’ meals don’t count.
Is there a gluten-free appetizer?
Fresh Guacamole with corn chips is your best bet; confirm fryer practices for cross-contact.
Can I stack multiple rewards?
Typically one Reward plus one survey code per table is allowed, but managers can override on slow shifts.
How often can I get free Chips & Salsa?
Every visit—just check in on the app and make any purchase.
Final Scoop
Chili’s practically hands out free appetizers: join the Rewards club, complete every receipt survey, celebrate your birthday month, and monitor sports-day tweets. Add the occasional gift-card bonus or credit-card rebate, and you’ll munch queso or Chips & Salsa for zero dollars on most visits—leaving more room in your budget (and your belly) for that sizzling fajita platter or molten chocolate cake. Cheers to free snacking in the neighborhood!
