Low-Calorie, High-Protein Options at Chili’s

November 2025 update

Chili’s can be macro-friendly if you order with intent. The moves: lead with lean proteins (sirloin, chicken, salmon), treat tortillas/sauces like add-ons, and build plates around veggies and beans. Below are the most reliable lower-calorie, higher-protein plays with practical 2025 ranges (kitchens vary a bit).

The Big List

Lighter Entrées (great protein per calorie)

Margarita Grilled Chicken
~610 kcal • ~51 g protein
Classic “lighter” Chili’s entrée—grilled chicken with citrus marinade. Good volume without heavy sauces.
Ancho Salmon
~620 kcal • ~48 g protein
Lean, filling salmon with ancho glaze. Big protein, solid omega-3s; keep sides simple.
Classic Sirloin — 6 oz (entrée)
~300 kcal • ~34 g protein (steak only)
One of the best protein-per-calorie items on the menu. Choose steamed broccoli (≈40 kcal, ~3 g protein) over heavier sides.
Classic Sirloin — 10 oz (entrée)
~440 kcal • ~56 g protein (steak only)
When you want more protein without many extra calories. Again, pair with steamed broccoli or side salad (light).

Fajita Builds (protein wins with smart tweaks)

Grilled Chicken Fajitas — standard set
~610–810 kcal • ~43–48 g protein
Comes with tortillas, rice, beans, peppers/onions, and toppings. To cut calories: use 2 tortillas, go salsa > sour cream/cheese, and lean on peppers/onions.
Grilled Chicken Fajitas — “no tortillas/condiments”
~390–510 kcal • ~59–63 g protein
Eat the chicken + peppers/onions + beans with salsa and lime. It’s the leanest fajita play and still super satisfying.
Steak Fajitas — smart serve
~650–900 kcal • ~45–55 g protein (typical set)
Same strategy as chicken: limit tortillas to 1–2, keep toppings light, and pile the veggies.

Bowls & Salads (watch the dressings)

Chipotle Chicken (Fresh Mex) Bowl — cleaned up
~700–810 kcal • ~36–38 g protein (as listed)
Ask for light rice or no rice + extra fajita veggies, go heavy on salsa, and skip queso to keep it lean.
House/Side Salad + Add-On Protein (grilled chicken or salmon)
~250–450 kcal • ~25–35 g protein (depending on dressing/portion)
Use light vinaigrette or fork-dip Caesar. Great as a small meal or add-on.

Sides that help (add fullness, not calories)

Steamed Broccoli (side)
~40 kcal • ~3 g protein
Easy volume—pair with sirloin or salmon.
Black Beans (side, when available)
~120–140 kcal • ~8 g protein
Fiber + extra protein to round out a lean entrée.

Ready-to-Order Combos (pick your lane)

~450–650 kcal • 35–55 g protein

6 oz Sirloin + steamed broccoli
Grilled Chicken Fajitas (no tortillas/condiments) + extra peppers/onions
Margarita Grilled Chicken (skip extra dressings)

~700–850 kcal • 45–65 g protein

Ancho Salmon + steamed broccoli
Fresh Mex Chicken Bowl — no rice, extra fajita veggies, salsa only
Grilled Chicken Fajitas with 2 tortillas + salsa (no sour cream/queso)

~900–1,100 kcal • 55–75 g protein

10 oz Sirloin + black beans + steamed broccoli
Steak Fajitas with 2 tortillas, salsa only, extra peppers/onions

Menu Hacks That Save Big Calories (without losing flavor)

One-indulgence rule: cheese or sour cream or queso—pick one.
Tortilla math: every flour tortilla adds a noticeable calorie hit—cap at 1–2 or go tortilla-free.
Rice strategy: no rice or “light rice” in bowls; swap in extra veggies.
Sauces as seasoning: salsa is basically “free” flavor compared to queso/creamy dressings.
Steak topper alert: if your sirloin comes with garlic butter, ask for light or no butter.

Ordering Scripts (copy/paste) 😎

“6 oz Classic Sirloin with steamed broccoli, no extra butter.”
“Margarita Grilled Chicken, no extra sauces, water with lemon.”
“Grilled Chicken Fajitas—no tortillas, no sour cream/cheese; extra peppers/onions, salsa on the side.”
“Fresh Mex Chicken Bowl—no rice, extra fajita veggies, salsa only.”
“Ancho Salmon and steamed broccoli, please.”

FAQs (your table will ask)

Are fajitas ever ‘low calorie’?
Yep—drop tortillas/condiments and eat it bowl-style. You’ll keep the protein and slash the extras.

Best pure protein per calorie?
Sirloin (6 oz) and Margarita Grilled Chicken are the standouts; Ancho Salmon is great if you want fish.

Can I do this with the value meals?
Yes—when a 6 oz sirloin pops up, pair it with steamed broccoli instead of heavier sides.

Last Bite: Tex-Mex Gains Without the Calorie Hangover 🔥

At Chili’s, you don’t need a “diet order.” Lean steak, grilled chicken, and salmon already get you there—then you fine-tune with steamed veggies, salsa, and tortilla control. Want plug-and-play sets for work nights, date nights, and road trips (e.g., 600, 800, 1,000 kcal targets with 40–70 g protein)? Tell me your numbers and I’ll map them out.