Let’s be honest — when you walk into a Chili’s, you’re not there for rabbit food. You’re there for bold flavors, sizzling plates, and those glorious moments when melted cheese stretches into infinity. But with a menu longer than a CVS receipt, choosing the right dish can feel like a gamble. One wrong bite, and you’re stuck with soggy breading, bland sauce, or a dry-as-dust protein that makes you question all your life choices.
That’s where we come in.
We did the delicious dirty work for you. We taste-tested, crunched, dipped, and devoured our way through Chili’s most iconic (and not-so-iconic) offerings to bring you the real deal: what’s actually worth your appetite — and what should never make it past your table.
This is not your average “top 5” list. From sizzling fajitas and golden Texas cheese fries to that underrated Chicken Enchilada Soup that deserves its own fan club, we’re spilling all the savory secrets. And because not all that glitters is queso, we’re also calling out the menu misses that sound tempting but fall painfully flat.
Whether you’re a Chili’s diehard or a casual diner just trying to avoid disappointment, this guide is your spicy, saucy, savory roadmap to ordering smart. Because life’s too short for soggy Crispers and overcooked salmon, right?
So grab your margarita, brace yourself for some sizzling insights, and prepare to meet your new go-to orders. From the classic crowd-pleasers to the shockingly skippable, here’s exactly what’s worth it at Chili’s — and what’s not even close.
1. Worth It: Classic Oldtimer Burger
Nothing beats the simplicity of Chili’s Oldtimer Burger. Seasoned beef patty, melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions on a toasted bun – basic ingredients executed perfectly. The beef is juicy without being greasy, and the veggies add that essential fresh crunch.
What sets this burger apart is the seasoning blend they use on the patty. It’s slightly peppery with hints of garlic that complement the beef rather than overpowering it. The portion size is substantial too, giving you real value for your money.
Pro tip: Ask for extra pickles – they use a house-made variety that adds the perfect tangy zip to each bite!
2. Worth It: Baby Back Ribs
Remember that catchy jingle? “I want my baby back, baby back, baby back…” Well, there’s a reason these ribs inspired their own song. Chili’s signature dish delivers tender, fall-off-the-bone meat that’s been slow-cooked to perfection.
The house BBQ sauce strikes that perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and smoky. Each bite provides that satisfying combination of caramelized exterior and juicy interior that rib lovers crave. They’re consistently good across locations, which is rare for chain restaurant meat dishes.
Order the full rack if you’re hungry – the half portion often leaves diners wanting more. The fries that come alongside soak up extra sauce beautifully.
3. Worth It: Southwestern Eggrolls
Crispy on the outside, packed with flavor on the inside – Chili’s Southwestern Eggrolls deserve their legendary status. These cylinders of joy contain chicken, black beans, corn, jalapeño Jack cheese, red peppers, and spinach, all wrapped in a crispy flour tortilla.
The avocado ranch dipping sauce elevates them to another level entirely. There’s something magical about that combination of smoky, spicy filling with the cool, creamy dip that keeps people coming back for more.
Fun fact: This dish was created by a Chili’s chef in the 1990s who wanted to combine Tex-Mex flavors with Asian preparation techniques. The experiment worked so well it’s now one of their best-selling items!
4. Worth It: Classic Chicken Fajitas
The sizzle alone is worth the price! Chili’s Classic Chicken Fajitas arrive at your table on a screaming hot cast iron skillet, creating that dramatic restaurant moment everyone loves. Tender strips of marinated chicken breast come with sautéed bell peppers and onions that retain their texture rather than turning to mush.
The accompanying warm flour tortillas are consistently fresh and pliable. Generous portions of guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, and cheese let you customize each bite exactly how you like it.
These fajitas shine because Chili’s doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel – they just execute the basics really well. The portion is also substantial enough to share or take home leftovers.
5. Worth It: Skillet Queso
Gooey, cheesy perfection served bubbling hot in a cast iron skillet! Chili’s Skillet Queso combines melted cheese with seasoned beef and green chiles to create a dip that’s impossible to stop eating. The consistency is just right – thick enough to cling to chips but not so dense it breaks them.
The subtle kick from the green chiles and spices cuts through the richness of the cheese. This appetizer consistently arrives at the perfect temperature – hot enough to maintain that stretchy cheese-pull but not so hot it burns your mouth.
A basket of warm, thin tortilla chips comes alongside for dipping. Order this to share, though you might regret having to!
6. Worth It: Classic Margarita
Chili’s built its reputation on Tex-Mex flavors, and their Classic Margarita lives up to expectations. Made with tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice, this cocktail strikes the perfect balance between sweet, sour, and boozy. The salt rim adds that essential finishing touch.
What makes this drink special is its consistency – bartenders follow a standardized recipe that ensures your margarita tastes the same whether you’re in Texas or Maine. The portion size is generous without being overwhelming.
During happy hour, these become an even better value. Pair one with chips and salsa for that authentic Chili’s experience that’s kept customers coming back for decades.
7. Worth It: Original Chili
You can’t visit a restaurant named Chili’s without trying their namesake dish! The Original Chili comes loaded with beef, onions, and signature spices that create a rich, hearty bowl of comfort food. The texture is spot-on – thick and substantial without being pasty.
Each bowl comes topped with shredded cheese and diced onions that add freshness and texture contrast. The spice level hits that sweet spot – enough heat to be interesting but not so much that it overwhelms the complex flavors.
A little-known secret: Ask for a side of warm tortillas to make impromptu chili tacos. This dish represents the restaurant’s roots before they expanded their menu to include so many other options.
8. Worth It: Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas
Ranch dressing might not be traditional Mexican fare, but Chili’s Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas prove that sometimes breaking the rules pays off deliciously. Crispy flour tortillas encase a generous filling of grilled chicken, applewood smoked bacon, and melted cheese, all enhanced with a house-made ranch dressing.
The contrast of textures makes this dish special – crispy tortilla exterior, chewy melted cheese, tender chicken, and crunchy bacon bits. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and tangy flavors.
Served with pico de gallo and sour cream for dipping, these quesadillas work as either a shareable appetizer or a satisfying main course. The portion size provides excellent value for the price point.
9. Worth It: Texas Cheese Fries
Texas Cheese Fries are an indulgence that beckons with a promise of flavor. Picture golden fries loaded with melted cheese, savory bacon bits, and a sprinkle of green onions. Each bite is a harmonious blend of salty, cheesy, and crispy goodness.
Served with a side of ranch dressing, these fries are a game-changer for cheese lovers. They’re perfect for sharing, but you may want to keep them all to yourself.
Did you know? This creation is a nod to the Texas love for bold, hearty flavors and the cultural melting pot that inspires such dishes.
10. Worth It: Chicken Enchilada Soup
Hidden gem alert! This creamy, flavorful soup might be the most underrated item on Chili’s entire menu. Rich chicken broth forms the base, loaded with tender shredded chicken, corn, and mild green chiles that provide depth without overwhelming heat.
The soup gets its signature velvety texture from a touch of masa harina (corn flour), making it slightly thicker than typical chicken soups. Each bowl comes topped with fresh corn tortilla strips, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream that melts into the hot soup.
Available as a cup or bowl, this soup works equally well as a starter or main course paired with a house salad. Many regulars visit specifically for this item, especially during cold weather months.
11. Worth It: Santa Fe Chicken Salad
Santa Fe Chicken Salad is a vibrant medley that tantalizes the senses. Grilled chicken strips rest atop a bed of fresh greens, complemented by creamy avocado and crispy tortilla strips. The spicy ranch dressing ties everything together, offering a delightful kick with each bite.
This dish doesn’t merely satisfy hunger; it elevates the salad experience to a gourmet level. Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, it’s a meal that leaves you feeling nourished and energized.
Fun fact: The origins of the Santa Fe flavor profile trace back to the bold culinary traditions of the Southwestern United States. This salad is a tribute to that rich heritage.
12. Worth It: Chips and Salsa
Sometimes the simplest things are the most satisfying. Chili’s complimentary chips and salsa set the tone for your meal with warm, thin tortilla chips that strike the perfect balance between crispy and sturdy. The chips arrive fresh and warm, not sitting under a heat lamp for hours.
The salsa deserves special mention – it’s house-made with a texture that’s neither too chunky nor too watery. The flavor profile includes fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and just enough jalapeño heat to keep things interesting without overwhelming your taste buds.
Many regulars consider this free starter the highlight of their visit. Pro tip: If your chips arrive cold, don’t hesitate to ask for a fresh batch!
13. Worth It: Molten Chocolate Chip Cookie
Forget the disappointing Molten Cake – this cookie-based dessert delivers everything its chocolate counterpart promises but fails to provide. A giant, fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie arrives in a hot skillet, topped with vanilla ice cream that creates that perfect temperature contrast.
The cookie itself has crispy edges and a soft, gooey center loaded with chocolate chips that maintain their melty texture. A drizzle of hot fudge adds extra decadence without making the dessert cloyingly sweet.
The portion size is perfect for sharing, though you might regret that decision after your first bite. This dessert consistently emerges from the kitchen freshly baked rather than reheated, making all the difference in quality.
14. Skip It: Crispy Honey-Chipotle Chicken Crispers
The name sounds enticing – who doesn’t love the sweet-spicy combo of honey and chipotle? Sadly, these chicken tenders fall short of expectations. The breading lacks crispness despite the name, often becoming soggy under the heavy sauce coating.
Speaking of sauce, there’s way too much of it! The overwhelming sweetness drowns out any chipotle heat, creating an unbalanced flavor profile that tastes more like candy than dinner. The chicken itself is typically dry inside that soggy exterior.
Many locations serve these straight from the freezer to the fryer, explaining the inconsistent quality. Stick with the original Chicken Crispers instead – they’re much more reliable.
15. Skip It: Triple Dipper Appetizer
The Triple Dipper sounds like a dream – choose three appetizers from a selection of popular items. Unfortunately, reality doesn’t match expectations. The portions are significantly smaller than their standalone counterparts, and they often arrive lukewarm after sitting under heat lamps.
Price-wise, you’re actually paying more per bite than if you ordered individual appetizers. Most disappointing are the Southwestern Eggrolls, which typically come out dried and tough in this format.
Servers push this option hard because it’s a big money-maker for the restaurant. Save your cash and order a single, full-sized appetizer that arrives fresh and hot instead.
16. Skip It: Cajun Chicken Pasta
Pasta at a Tex-Mex restaurant should already raise eyebrows, and Chili’s Cajun Chicken Pasta confirms those suspicions. The cream sauce lacks authentic Cajun flavor, relying too heavily on salt rather than the complex spice blend that defines this cuisine.
The chicken pieces are often overcooked and dry, while the penne pasta typically arrives either mushy or undercooked. There’s also an odd sweetness to the sauce that clashes with the supposed Cajun profile.
For the high price point (one of the more expensive menu items), you’re better off visiting an actual Italian or Cajun restaurant. This dish feels like it exists solely to give non-adventurous eaters a “safe” option.
17. Skip It: Grilled Salmon with Garlic & Herbs
Ordering salmon at Chili’s is like buying sushi at a gas station – technically possible but rarely advisable. The fish quality is inconsistent at best, often resulting in a dry, overcooked filet that’s either bland or fishy-tasting.
The garlic and herb seasoning can’t hide the fundamental problems with the dish. Many locations keep these portions frozen for extended periods before cooking, resulting in that distinctive freezer taste.
For a few dollars more, you could enjoy a properly prepared salmon dish at a restaurant that specializes in seafood. Save your seafood cravings for establishments that prioritize freshness and proper fish preparation techniques.
18. Skip It: Crispy Cheddar Bites
The concept sounds promising – bite-sized cheese fritters served with a house-made ranch dipping sauce. Reality tells a different story. These cheese bites typically arrive either lukewarm with barely-melted centers or scorching hot with burnt exteriors.
The breading-to-cheese ratio heavily favors the breading, leaving you with mostly fried coating and minimal cheese pull. That signature stretchy cheese moment you’re hoping for? Rarely happens.
Many locations seem to keep these frozen for extended periods, resulting in an off-putting freezer taste. For the price point, you’re better off ordering the more reliable mozzarella sticks or the superior Skillet Queso if you’re craving a cheese fix.
19. Skip It: Chocolate Molten Cake
Once upon a time, Chili’s Molten Chocolate Cake was revolutionary – one of the first chain restaurants to offer this now-ubiquitous dessert. Unfortunately, it hasn’t evolved while competitors have upped their game.
The cake portion is often dry and tastes distinctly pre-made. The “molten” center is frequently either completely solid or so runny it seems raw rather than decadently gooey. The vanilla ice cream on top is generic and melts too quickly to provide that hot-cold contrast that makes this dessert special.
For the calories and price, you deserve a better chocolate fix. Try the Chocolate Chip Paradise Pie instead, which delivers more consistent satisfaction.
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