In this guide:
Why Chili's Works for Macro Trackers
Chili's is a casual dining chain known for grilled chicken, steaks, and salads. If you are tracking macros and eating out regularly, knowing how to order here is essential — because the difference between a 350-calorie, high-protein meal and a macro-wrecking order is usually just one or two substitutions.
The menu has hidden gems once you know the protein-to-calorie math. MacroMate has mapped out 7 optimized Chili's builds — including the Lighter Choice 6 oz Classic Sirloin at 240 cal / 37g protein for cutting and the Classic Nachos - Chicken - Regular at 970 cal / 67g protein for bulking.
The key at Chili's is knowing which items carry their weight in protein and which ones front-load fat or carbs with minimal payoff. This guide breaks down the best builds in each category with exact macros straight from the MacroMate database.
Best Chili's Orders for Cutting
The Lighter Choice 6 oz Classic Sirloin is the top pick when you are in a caloric deficit at Chili's. At 240 calories with 37g protein, the protein-to-calorie ratio of 0.154 puts it among the most efficient cuts on the menu. The instructions: No modification needed. This is the build to memorize for deficit days.
Lighter Choice 6 oz Classic Sirloin
No modification needed.
When cutting, the goal is maximum protein per calorie consumed. The Lighter Choice 6 oz Classic Sirloin delivers 37g of protein for just 240 calories, leaving plenty of room in your daily budget for other meals. With only 11g of carbs and 7g of fat, the macro split is clean for a deficit.
MacroMate has 1 Cutting build at Chili's — Lighter Choice 6 oz Classic Sirloin at 240 cal / 37g protein. Download the app to see it.
Best Chili's Orders for Bulking
For a caloric surplus at Chili's, the Classic Nachos - Chicken - Regular is the anchor build. At 970 calories with 67g protein, it delivers serious mass-building fuel in a single order. Order guidance: Good for bulking. Order as-is.
Classic Nachos - Chicken - Regular
Good for bulking. Order as-is.
Bulking at Chili's is about hitting high calories with enough protein to support muscle growth. The Classic Nachos - Chicken - Regular at 970 cal / 67g protein achieves both. The 61g of fat content means calorie density is high — exactly what you need when eating for size.
MacroMate has 2 more Chili's Bulking builds — ranging from 540 to 940 calories. See all 3 Bulking builds ranked in the app.
Best Chili's Orders for Maintenance
Maintenance is about consistency, and the Lighter Choice Margarita Grilled Chicken at Chili's is built for it. At 610 calories with 51g protein, it hits a balanced macro profile you can order on autopilot. Order as-is or request no cheese/dressing to improve macros.
Lighter Choice Margarita Grilled Chicken
Order as-is or request no cheese/dressing to improve macros.
The Lighter Choice Margarita Grilled Chicken gives you 51g of protein at 610 calories — a ratio that works whether you are maintaining weight, slowly recomping, or just trying to eat well. 67g carbs and 16g fat round out a nutritionally balanced fast food meal.
MacroMate has 1 Maintenance build at Chili's — Lighter Choice Margarita Grilled Chicken at 610 cal / 51g protein. Download the app to see it.
Best Chili's Orders for Keto
Keto at Chili's means finding items with minimal carbs and solid protein. The 6 oz Classic Sirloin (Combo) delivers with just 1g of carbs and 34g protein at 300 calories. Order tip: No sides or sauces. Request steamed or grilled version only. That carb count keeps you in ketosis while the 18g of fat maintains the keto macro split.
6 oz Classic Sirloin (Combo)
No sides or sauces. Request steamed or grilled version only.
The 6 oz Classic Sirloin (Combo) is genuinely keto-compatible at Chili's. Under 1g of net carbs with 34g protein means no need for creative substitutions — just order it as directed and you are covered for the day's fat and protein targets.
MacroMate has 1 Keto build at Chili's — 6 oz Classic Sirloin (Combo) at 300 cal / 34g protein. Download the app to see it.
Chili's Ordering Hacks That Matter
Knowing the specific builds is only part of the equation. These ordering principles will help you stay on track at Chili's regardless of which build you choose.
Prioritize the Lighter Choice 6 oz Classic Sirloin for protein efficiency. At 240 cal with 37g protein, the protein-to-calorie ratio of 0.154 is one of the best on the Chili's menu. No sides or sauces. Request steamed or grilled version only.
The Lighter Choice 6 oz Classic Sirloin is your low-calorie anchor. At just 240 calories with 37g protein, this is the order when you are tight on your daily budget. No sides or sauces. Request steamed or grilled version only.
Watch the add-ons. At Chili's, sauces, dressings, and sides can quietly add 200-400 calories to an otherwise lean order. Ask for sauces on the side, skip cheese where you can, and opt for water over soda — those three habits alone can save you 300+ calories per visit.
For keto, the 6 oz Classic Sirloin (Combo) is your go-to. Only 1g of carbs with 34g protein. No sides or sauces. Request steamed or grilled version only.
What to Always Avoid at Chili's
Not every item at Chili's is worth the calories. These are the orders most likely to derail your macros — high in fat or carbs relative to their protein content.
Watch out for the Lighter Choice Margarita Grilled Chicken (610 cal). At 610 calories with 51g protein, this has a low protein-to-calorie ratio that makes it a poor choice when cutting. If you order it, make sure you are in a surplus and it fits your goal for the day.
Watch out for the 6 oz Classic Sirloin (Combo) (300 cal). At 300 calories with 34g protein, this has a low protein-to-calorie ratio that makes it a poor choice when cutting. If you order it, make sure you are in a surplus and it fits your goal for the day.
Default sides and combos add up fast. At Chili's, the default sides — fries, chips, sugary drinks — can add 400-600 calories without meaningfully increasing your protein intake. Swap for a side salad, water, or nothing extra when cutting.
Chili's vs. Applebee's for Macros
Both Chili's and Applebee's are solid choices for macro tracking, but they have different strengths depending on your goal.
Chili's for cutting: The Lighter Choice 6 oz Classic Sirloin at 240 cal / 37g protein is a strong deficit option. Compare that to what Applebee's offers — check the Applebee's macro hacks guide to see how they stack up side by side.
Chili's for bulking: The Classic Nachos - Chicken - Regular at 970 cal / 67g protein is built for surplus. If you are choosing between the two chains on a bulk day, this is the Chili's anchor build.
The bottom line: both chains have macro-friendly options, but the best choice depends on your specific goal that day. MacroMate has 7 Chili's builds and a full Applebee's breakdown so you can compare directly. For more options across all chains, see our 15 best high-protein fast food orders.
MacroMate has 7 Chili's builds classified by goal — Cutting, Bulking, Maintenance, Keto — each ranked by protein-to-calorie ratio with exact order instructions. Looking for options at other restaurants? Check out our 15 best high-protein fast food orders, how MacroMate compares to MyFitnessPal, and how to hit your macros eating out.
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