Chili's Kids Menu
The Chili's Kids Menu officially called Pepper Pals® is designed for children ages 12 and under, featuring kid-sized portions of favorites like burgers, pizza, pasta, and chicken. Every meal starts at just $6.49 and includes an entrée, a choice of side, and a kids drink. Most Pepper Pals® meals are priced between $6.49 and $6.99, with the Mini Molten Chocolate Cake available as a kids dessert add-on for $3.99.My Chili's Rewards® members get access to the Kids Eat Free promotion one free kids meal with every adult entrée purchase. This page covers every Pepper Pals® item with verified prices and calories, the full Kids Eat Free guide, the best and worst nutritional choices for kids, the customization options nobody else explains, and the honest allergen guide for families managing food sensitivities.
What Is the Chili's Kids Menu?
The Pepper Pals® menu has around 11 different entrée options, each designed specifically for younger diners. Every meal comes with a side and a drink included.
Every Chili's Kids Menu meal includes three components: a main entrée, a choice of side dish, and a kids drink.
The complete three-part build:
| Component | Options |
|---|---|
| Main entrée | 8 - 11 items (see full list below) |
| Side | Fries, fruit, steamed broccoli, corn, or mandarin oranges |
| Drink | Juice, milk, small soda, or lemonade |
Calories range from approximately 310 to 580 per meal, depending on the entrée and sides chosen.
Full Chili's Pepper Pals® Menu Items With Price and Calories
The beef patties are the same quality as Chili's full-sized burger offerings.
| Item | Price | Calories (entrée only) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepper Pals® Cheeseburger Bites | $6.49 - $6.99 | 400 cal | Most popular kids item |
| Pepper Pals® Burger Bites | $6.49 - $6.99 | 400 cal | Cheese-free version |
| Pepper Pals® Crispy Crispers® | $6.49 - $6.99 | 280 - 370 cal | Best quality protein |
| Kids Chicken Grillers | $6.49 - $6.99 | 280 - 340 cal | Lightest, healthiest option |
| Pepper Pals® Cheesy Chicken Pasta | $6.49 - $6.99 | 620 cal | Most filling kids option |
| Pepper Pals® Cheese Pizza | $6.49 - $6.99 | 590 cal | Best for picky eaters |
| Pepper Pals® Cheese Quesadilla | $6.49 - $6.99 | 450 cal | Vegetarian-friendly |
| Kraft® Macaroni & Cheese | $6.49 | 440 cal | Familiar brand comfort |
| Pepper Pals® Pepperoni Pizza | $6.49 - $6.99 | 620 cal | Pizza lovers |
| Mini Chocolate Molten Cake (dessert) | $3.99 | 580 cal | Dessert add-on |
Every Pepper Pals® Items
Pepper Pals® Cheeseburger Bites
Mini-sized cheeseburgers that are just right for smaller hands and smaller appetites. Around 400 calories and priced in the $6–$7 range. These are consistently a hit. Kids who "don't like burgers" somehow always like these. The Cheeseburger Bites are the most popular kids entrée at Chili's. The slider format is fun to eat, and the mini-size means kids can pace themselves. The beef patties are the same quality as Chili's full-sized burger offerings.
Pepper Pals® Burger Bites
Same build as the Cheeseburger Bites without American cheese. The right call for kids who prefer plain burgers or who are dairy-sensitive. At 400 calories before sides, it sits comfortably in the middle of the kids menu calorie range. Best paired with fruit or steamed broccoli if you want to keep the full meal lighter.
Pepper Pals® Crispy Crispers®
A kid-sized portion of Chili's signature Chicken Crispers, the same hand breaded chicken tenders that are a fan favourite on the adult menu, just in a smaller serving size. At only 280 calories for the chicken alone, there's room for a slightly more indulgent side without going overboard. This is the best quality protein on the kids menu hand breaded, not from frozen, same preparation as the adult version that drove a 66% sales jump per Brinker International.
Kids Chicken Grillers
One of the healthier picks on the menu, these grilled chicken pieces clock in around 280 calories. For health-conscious parents, the Grilled Chicken Dippers (280 calories) paired with steamed broccoli and water or milk is the most nutritious route. It provides high protein, low sugar, and essential vitamins without the heavy grease of fried alternatives. The lightest entrée on the entire Pepper Pals® menu and the one that leaves the most room for a treat-worthy side or the Mini Molten dessert.
Pepper Pals® Cheesy Chicken Pasta
If you are monitoring caloric intake, be cautious with the Cheesy Chicken Pasta. At 620 calories (before adding a side and a sugary drink), this meal can quickly surpass the recommended dietary guidelines for a single meal for a young child. It's creamy, kid-friendly, no spice, and consistently enjoyed by younger kids. Just pair it with a lighter side (broccoli or fruit) rather than fries to keep the full meal in a reasonable range.
Pepper Pals® Cheese Pizza
A thin-crust kids pizza with tomato sauce and melted cheese a crowd-pleaser for younger kids who might find Tex-Mex flavours too bold. The pizza format is also visually familiar and comforting, making it a reliable order for fussy eaters. At ~590 calories for the pizza itself, it's calorie-comparable to the Cheesy Chicken Pasta pair with broccoli or fruit rather than fries.
Pepper Pals® Cheese Quesadilla
A flour tortilla pressed golden with melted cheese inside 450 calories, vegetarian-friendly, and the easiest order for any kid at the table who hasn't decided what they want. At $6.49 for a full meal with side and drink, it's one of the best budget calls on the kids menu. Options like Pepper Pals® Cheese Pizza and Kraft® Mac & Cheese are vegetarian-friendly.
Kraft® Macaroni & Cheese
The Kraft brand mac & cheese, the same recipe most American kids grow up on, served at Chili's as a kids entrée. A smart licensing choice that gives parents the confidence of a familiar brand. Vegetarian-friendly and consistently one of the most-ordered kids meals at Chili's. Honest note: this is a box of Kraft, not house-made. If your kid eats Kraft at home and likes it, this works. If they're expecting something made in-house, they won't notice a difference.
Pepper Pals® Pepperoni Pizza
Same thin-crust pizza as the Cheese version with pepperoni added. At 620 calories before sides and drinks, it's the most calorie-dense standard entrée on the Pepper Pals® menu. The pizza is consistently described by parents as looking and tasting like a visually familiar frozen pizza, which is exactly why younger kids accept it without resistance.
Chili's Kids Menu Side Options
Every meal includes a choice of side from Sides Menu (Fries, Fruit, or Fresh veggies).
| Side | Calories | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Homestyle Fries | 280 - 350 cal (kids portion) | Most popular choice |
| Fresh Fruit Cup | 60 - 80 cal | Lightest, healthiest side |
| Steamed Broccoli | 40 cal | Lowest calorie, most nutritious |
| Corn on the Cob | 90 cal | Light and kid-friendly |
| Mandarin Oranges | 60 cal | Sweet, light, familiar |
If the main dish is heavy (like macaroni and cheese), consider pairing it with a lighter side like steamed broccoli or fresh fruit. This helps your child eat healthy.
The best full-meal calorie combinations
- Lowest: Kids Chicken Grillers + Steamed Broccoli + Milk = 360 - 400 cal total
- Moderate: Pepper Pals® Crispy Crispers® + Fruit Cup + Apple Juice = 380 - 440 cal total
- Most filling: Cheesy Chicken Pasta + Fries + Soda = ~1050 - 1200 cal total
Some healthy combos like grilled chicken with fruit and milk are under 400 calories total.
Chili's Kids Drink Options
Kids drink options include juice, milk, soda, or lemonade.
| Drink | Calories | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1% Milk | 100 cal | Best nutritional choice |
| Apple Juice | 80 - 120 cal | Most popular juice option |
| Orange Juice | 80 - 110 cal | Good vitamin C |
| Chocolate Milk | 130 - 160 cal | Treat option |
| Small Fountain Soda | 100 - 150 cal | Standard option |
| Lemonade (kids size) | 100 - 130 cal | Sweet but consistent |
| Water | 0 cal | Best for calorie-conscious |
The milk recommendation is not just nutritional marketing, select milk or juice for younger children specifically because the soda in kids size portions still contains significant sugar that younger children don't need alongside a full meal.
Kids Eat Free at Chili's
My Chili's Rewards members also get access to the Kids Eat Free promotion, one free kids meal with every adult entrée purchase.
When the Kids Eat Free at Chili's promotion is active, purchase any regular adult entrée and your child (12 & under) gets a free meal from the Chili's Pepper Pals® menu, including a drink. This offer works for dine-in and online orders at participating locations.
Step-by-step guide to Kids Eat Free
- The Kids Eat Free promotion is not always active. It runs during specific promotional periods, not year-round. Check the app before making a trip specifically for this offer.
- It's one free kids meal per adult entrée, not unlimited kids meals per visit.
- Participating locations vary franchise locations may or may not participate. Always confirm with your specific restaurant before ordering.
- The age cutoff for the Kids Eat Free promotion is 12 and under — same as the Pepper Pals® menu age eligibility.
Chili's Kids Menu Nutrition
The most complete nutrition comparison for the Pepper Pals® menu that any site has published:
| Entrée | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Sodium | Vegetarian |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kids Chicken Grillers | 280 - 340 | 28g | 8g | 5g | 450mg | No |
| Pepper Pals® Crispy Crispers® | 280 - 370 | 22g | 25g | 12g | 580mg | No |
| Pepper Pals® Cheese Quesadilla | 450 | 16g | 52g | 18g | 680mg | Yes |
| Kraft® Macaroni & Cheese | 440 | 10g | 58g | 14g | 560mg | Yes |
| Pepper Pals® Cheeseburger Bites | 400 | 22g | 28g | 20g | 620mg | No |
| Pepper Pals® Burger Bites | 400 | 20g | 28g | 18g | 560mg | No |
| Pepper Pals® Cheese Pizza | 590 | 18g | 72g | 22g | 890mg | Yes |
| Pepper Pals® Cheesy Chicken Pasta | 620 | 28g | 68g | 24g | 840mg | No |
| Pepper Pals® Pepperoni Pizza | 620 | 22g | 70g | 26g | 980mg | No |
Chili's Kids Menu Allergen Guide for Parents
If your child has any allergies, tell the server. They can help you pick a safe meal.
Major allergens present across the Pepper Pals® menu:
| Allergen | Present In |
|---|---|
| Wheat (Gluten) | Pizza, quesadilla, burger bites, Crispers® breading |
| Milk (Dairy) | Cheese pizza, quesadilla, pasta, Kraft mac, cheeseburger bites |
| Egg | Crispers® breading |
| Soy | May be present in multiple items |
| Shellfish | Shared kitchen cross-contact possible |
| Tree Nuts | Shared kitchen cross-contact possible |
Gluten-free kids options
None in the standard Pepper Pals® lineup contain gluten-free certified preparations. The Kids Chicken Grillers is the closest option to grilled chicken without breading but Chili's kitchens use shared equipment, so cross-contamination is a real risk for celiac disease. Always notify your server of any severe allergy before ordering.
Dairy-free kids options
Pepper Pals® Burger Bites (hold the cheese modification) and Kids Chicken Grillers are the cleanest dairy-free options, with cross-contamination caveats.
Nut allergy
No menu items contain tree nuts as ingredients cross-contamination from shared kitchen equipment is the primary concern. Always notify your server.
How to Customize a Chili's Kids Meal
Yes, you can easily customize a Chili's kids meal. The kitchen allows parents to swap outside dishes, remove unwanted toppings like cheese or pickles from the burger bites, and substitute standard fountain drinks for milk or juice at no additional cost.
Free customizations available at all locations
- Swap fries for any available side (fruit, broccoli, corn, mandarin oranges)
- Remove cheese from Burger Bites (makes it dairy-free)
- Remove pickles from burger items
- Substitute milk or juice in place of soda
- Request no sauce on pizza or quesadilla
- Ask for dressings and dips on the side
You can customize sides and drinks when ordering online.
Upgrade options
- Add Mini Molten Chocolate Cake as dessert for $3.99
- My Chili's Rewards members also get access to the Kids Eat Free promotion biggest available upgrade is making the kids meal free entirely
Chili's Kids Menu for Takeout and Delivery
All Chili's Pepper Pals® menu items are available for takeout and delivery through the Chili's website, mobile app, or third-party services. You can customize sides and drinks when ordering online.
Practical takeout tips for kids meals
- Order the Kids Chicken Grillers or Pepper Pals® Crispers® for takeout — both travel well.
- Avoid the Cheese Pizza for delivery it arrives limp rather than crispy in most cases.
- The Kraft® Mac & Cheese travels best of any kids item; it doesn't depend on temperature for texture quality.
- Ask for the fruit cup rather than fries for takeout — fries go cold and lose texture fastest in transit.
Chili's Kids Menu vs Competitors (Why Chili's Is One of the Better Family Choices)
| Factor | Chili's Pepper Pals® | Applebee's Kids | TGI Fridays Kids |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per meal (with side + drink) | $6.49–$6.99 | $6.99 - $7.99 | $7.49 - $8.99 |
| Kids Eat Free program | Yes - via Rewards app | Yes - Tuesday nights | Yes - select days |
| Activity table items | Yes - crayons + placemats | Varies | Varies |
| Healthiest option calories | 280 cal (Chicken Grillers) | 300 cal | 310 cal |
| Vegetarian options | Yes - 3 items | Yes | Limited |
| Dessert add-on | Mini Molten $3.99 | Various | Various |
| Chain status 2026 | Thriving - 31% sales growth | Struggling | Filed bankruptcy |
Chili's leans into the branding with activity sheets and crayons at the table, which is genuinely a lifesaver when you are waiting on food. For families specifically, the combination of $6.49 complete meals, the Kids Eat Free program through My Chili's Rewards, and the table activity kit makes Chili's one of the more practical family dining choices in the casual dining space in 2026.
Chili's Kids Menu FAQs
How old do you have to be for the Chili's kids menu?
The Pepper Pals® menu is generally intended for kids 12 and under. That's also the age cutoff for the Kids Eat Free promotion.
How much does the Chili's kids menu cost?
Every meal starts at just $6.49 and includes an entrée, a choice of side, and a kids drink. Most Pepper Pals® meals are priced between $6.49 and $6.99, with the Mini Molten Chocolate Cake available as a kids dessert add-on for $3.99.
What comes with a Chili's kids meal?
Every Chili's Kids Menu meal includes three components: a main entrée, a choice of side dish (fries, fruit, or veggies), and a kids drink (juice, milk, soda, or lemonade).
How does Kids Eat Free work at Chili's?
My Chili's Rewards members get access to the Kids Eat Free promotion, one free kids meal with every adult entrée purchase. Join My Chili's Rewards® (free to sign up), watch for the offer in your email or app, buy any regular adult entrée, and your child (12 & under) gets a free Pepper Pals® meal with drink included. Works for dine-in and online orders at participating locations.
What is the healthiest item on the Chili's kids menu?
The Grilled Chicken Dippers (280 calories) paired with steamed broccoli and water or milk is the most nutritious route. It provides high protein, low sugar, and essential vitamins without the heavy grease of fried alternatives.
What are the calorie counts on the Chili's kids menu?
Calories range from approximately 310 to 580 per meal, depending on the entrée and sides chosen. Kids Chicken Grillers at 280 cal are the lightest entrée; Cheesy Chicken Pasta and Pepperoni Pizza at 620 cal are the most calorie-dense.
Can you customize a Chili's kids meal?
Yes, the kitchen allows parents to swap outside dishes, remove unwanted toppings like cheese or pickles from the burger bites, and substitute standard fountain drinks for milk or juice at no additional cost.
Is the Kraft Mac & Cheese at Chili's actually Kraft?
Yes, it is the actual Kraft brand mac and cheese, not a house-made recipe. This is intentionally a smart licensing choice that gives parents the confidence of a familiar brand.
Does Chili's kids menu have vegetarian options?
Yes, options like Pepper Pals® Cheese Pizza and Kraft® Mac & Cheese are vegetarian-friendly. The Pepper Pals® Cheese Quesadilla is also vegetarian.
Is the Chili's kids menu available for delivery?
Yes, all Chili's Pepper Pals® menu items are available for takeout and delivery through the Chili's website, mobile app, or third-party services.
About This Page
is an independent guide and not affiliated with Brinker International or Chili’s Grill & Bar. Menu options, prices & availability may varies by location, so please check with your local restaurant before ordering.
