In the mood to eat out at Chili’s? If you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, be sure to check out this post before heading out.
Remember, menus change often, so this is not guaranteed to be accurate. Always check with your server.
Chili's has an extensive menu, and while they do not claim to be gluten-free, they do have a range of gluten-free options.
It should be noted that they do conditionally state that their food may potentially come into contact with other gluten-containing items due to the shared food and preparation environment.
However, if you are not allergic but want to avoid gluten in your diet, you may be able to find something to eat here.
They don't offer gluten-free buns, so you'll have to order the burgers without them and be careful about the sides you get.
History of Chili’s
Chili's Grill & Bar, often simply referred to as Chili's, is a renowned casual dining restaurant chain that originated in the United States.
Larry Lavigne founded the establishment in 1975, with the first Chili's location opening its doors in Dallas, Texas.
The initial concept behind Chili's was to provide a relaxed, informal dining environment where people could enjoy quality food at affordable prices.
In its early years, Chili's was known for its distinctive menu that featured a variety of gourmet burgers served in a basket alongside homemade French fries. However, as the restaurant chain evolved, so did its menu.
Chili's started to incorporate new dishes, focusing on Southwestern-inspired cuisine, which eventually became a trademark of the brand.
Today, Chili's operates more than 1,600 restaurants worldwide, each carrying the legacy of Larry Lavigne's vision. Despite its global reach, the brand remains true to its roots and offers a unique dining atmosphere and a diverse menu.
Does Chili’s Have Gluten Free Items?
Yes and no. Unfortunately, it’s a bit complicated.
Chili’s uses the term ‘gluten-friendly menu’ instead of ‘gluten-free menu’. While this may not seem like a big difference, there is when it comes to celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
According to the official Chili’s website, any item marked in their gluten-friendly menu consists of food that are prepared without gluten-containing ingredients based on the information they have received from their approved suppliers.
However, they simultaneously state that they do not make any claim that these items meet the definition of gluten-free, which is defined as containing less than 20 ppm of gluten per FDA standards.
This is because there is a high risk of cross-contamination at Chili’s. They mention that they have multiple sources of gluten in their kitchen, and so there is a risk that gluten cross-contact may occur during the preparation and cooking of these items.
Therefore, it’s important to inform the manager of your food allergy before placing an order.
Chili’s Gluten Free Menu 2024 (Latest)
For the Table
- Smoked Wings
Salads & Soups
- Caribbean Salad (Chicken, Shrimp)
- Fresco Salad
- House Salad (Without Croutons)
- Santa Fe Chicken Salad (Without Tortilla Strips)
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Southwest Chicken Soup (Without Tortilla Strips)
Salad Dressings
- Ancho-Chile Ranch
- Avocado-Ranch
- Bleu Cheese
- Citrus-Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Honey-Lime Dressing
- Honey-Lime Vinaigrette
- Honey-Mustard
- Ranch
- Santa Fe
- Thousand Island
Craft Burgers
Note: You’ll have to order any of these burgers without the bun and fries or onion rings.
- Classic Bacon Burger
- Guacamole Burger
- Oldtimer Cheese Burger
- Southern Smokehouse Burger
- Sunrise Burger
- Ultimate Burger
- Grass-Fed Beef Patty
- Thin Beef Patty
- Turkey Patty
Fresh Mex Fajitas
Order corn tortillas instead of flour when placing an order for gluten-free fajitas at Chili’s.
- Chicken
- Pork Carnitas
- Prime Rib
- Shrimp
- Steak
Fresh Mex Bowls
It’s important to place an order without tortilla strips and rice.
- Chipotle
- Chicken
- Margarita Chicken
Fresh Mex Top Shelf Tacos
Order corn tortillas instead of flour when placing an order for tacos.
- Pork Carnitas
- Ranchero Chicken
Fresh Tex Baby Back Ribs
Be careful about checking which sides are gluten free as well.
- Dr. Pepper
- Honey-Chipotle
- Original
Fresh Tex Steaks
Classic Steaks
- Ribeye
- Sirloin
Sizzling Steaks (Without Fries)
- Citrus-Chile Avocado Sirloin
- Honey-Chipotle Shrimp & Sirloin
Fresh Tex Lighter Choices
- Ancho Chile Salmon
- Avocado Sirloin
- Grilled Chicken Salad
- Margarita Grilled Chicken (Without Tortilla Strips)
Sides
- Asparagus & Garlic Roasted Tomatoes
- Black Beans
- Citrus-Chile Rice
- Corn Kernels
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes
- Mandarin Oranges
- Seared Shrimp
- Skillet Mashed Potatoes
- Steamed Broccoli
- Sweet Corn on the Cob
Extras
- Avocado Slices
- Bacon
- Cage-Free Eggs
- Corn Tortillas
- Guacamole
- Honey Chipotle Sauce
- Mixed Cheese
- Original BBQ
- Pico de Gallo
- Salsa
- Sour Cream
Kids Entrees
- Grilled Chicken Platter (Without Side)
Sweet Stuff
- Kids Vanilla Ice Cream
Beverages
- Coke
- Diet Coke
- Dr. Pepper
- IBC Root Beer
- Kids Float (Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper)
- Sprite
- Strawberry Lemonade
- Tea (Blackberry, Mango)
Tips for Placing an Order for Gluten Free Items at Chili’s
Be Clear About Your Dietary Restrictions
When placing your order, make sure to state your dietary restrictions to the waiter clearly. Even though you are ordering from the ‘gluten-friendly menu’, it's important to emphasize your needs to ensure that your food is prepared safely and without risk of cross-contamination.
Double Check Your Order
Before your food arrives, double-check your order with your waiter to ensure that there have been no mix-ups and that all your dishes are indeed gluten-free.
Stay Current
Menus can change so make sure you’re aware of their latest gluten friendly menu before placing your order. I highly recommend checking Chili’s official site before heading there.
JazzyJeff42 says
All these gluten-free options are just a trend. Bet half these items ain’t even truly gluten-free. How about focusing on taste rather than jumping on the dietary restriction bandwagon?
EmpatheticEar says
It's not just a trend for some of us, JazzyJeff42. Having options like this can make dining out possible and enjoyable for those with serious health concerns.