Chili’s Sides Menu With Prices & Calories
Chili’s sides prices range from $1.99 to $5.49. Most standard sides cost $1.99, while premium options like Roasted Street Corn cost more. Many entrées include two side choices. Yes, most Chili’s entrées come with your choice of two side dishes. Never feel stuck with what is listed next to your burger. If a sandwich comes with fries, but you really want steamed broccoli or mashed potatoes, just ask your server. Most standard side swaps are completely free, while premium sides like the street corn will only cost a tiny upcharge. This page covers every Chili’s side with verified prices and calories, the complete free-swap guide, the best side pairings per entrée category, the calorie-saving math, the vegetarian build guide, and the honest ranking of every side from best to skip.
What Sides Does Chili’s Have?
Chili’s offers a variety of sides including Loaded White Cheddar Mac & Cheese, Garlic Butter Mushrooms, Loaded Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Street Corn, Roasted Asparagus, Mexican Rice, Black Beans, Homestyle Fries, Steamed Broccoli, Corn on the Cob, and classic Mashed Potatoes.
| Side | Price | Calories | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestyle Fries | $1.99 – $2.99 | 390 cal | Standard |
| Steamed Broccoli | $1.99 – $2.49 | 40 cal | Standard |
| Mexican Rice | $1.99 | 160 cal | Standard |
| Black Beans | $1.99 – $2.50 | 110 cal | Standard |
| Corn on the Cob | $1.99 | 90 cal | Standard |
| Mashed Potatoes | $1.99 – $2.99 | 180 cal | Standard |
| Loaded Mashed Potatoes | $2.99 – $3.99 | 400 cal | Standard |
| Loaded White Cheddar Mac & Cheese | $2.99 – $3.99 | 490 cal | Standard |
| Roasted Street Corn | $3.50 – $4.29 | 240 cal | Premium (+upcharge) |
| Roasted Asparagus | $3.50 – $4.49 | 60 – 80 cal | Premium (+upcharge) |
| Garlic Butter Mushrooms | $3.50 – $4.49 | 120 cal | Premium (+upcharge) |
| Side House Salad | $3.99 – $6.99 | 270 – 380 cal | Standard / 3FM starter |
Roasted Street Corn is priced at $4.29 for 240 calories.Standard sides cost around $1.99 while premium options run $3.50 to $5.49.
The Free Swap Guide | What You Can Change Without Paying Extra
Most standard side swaps are completely free, while premium sides from the Chili’s sides menu (like the street corn) will only cost a tiny upcharge. The sides are great on their own, but Chili’s has some amazing dipping sauces. Asking for a side of their famous house-made ranch or the avocado ranch to dip your fries or even your broccoli into it is a game-changer.
| Default Side | Swap To | Calories Saved | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestyle Fries (390 cal) | Steamed Broccoli (40 cal) | 350 cal saved | Free |
| Homestyle Fries (390 cal) | Black Beans (110 cal) | 280 cal saved | Free |
| Homestyle Fries (390 cal) | Mexican Rice (160 cal) | 230 cal saved | Free |
| Homestyle Fries (390 cal) | Corn on the Cob (90 cal) | 300 cal saved | Free |
| Loaded Mac & Cheese (490 cal) | Steamed Broccoli (40 cal) | 450 cal saved | Free |
| Loaded Mac & Cheese (490 cal) | Side House Salad (270 cal) | 220 cal saved | Free |
The fries-to-broccoli swap is the single highest-impact calorie reduction at Chili’s without changing your entrée 350 calories saved, zero cost, zero flavor sacrifice to the main dish.
Every Chili’s Side | Honest Guide With Prices, Calories & Best Pairings
Homestyle Fries | $1.99–$2.99 | 390 cal
The default side on most Chili’s entrées is crispy golden fries that arrive seasoned. Chili’s CEO Kevin Hoffman confirmed in a Wall Street Journal interview that the chain made a specific operational change to the seasoning shaker to have bigger holes after discovering the previous shaker wasn’t coating the fries properly. Bigger holes, better seasoning, noticeably better fries than the version from five years ago. The most ordered side at Chili’s by a significant margin which is also why the free swap exists. If you want something different, your server will swap without hesitation.
Steamed Broccoli | $1.99–$2.49 | 40 cal
For a healthy pick, choose Chili’s steamed broccoli. At 40 calories it’s the lowest-calorie side on the entire Chili’s menu by a significant margin. Gluten-friendly, dairy-free, vegan, and compatible with nearly every dietary restriction. The one caveat: order it without garlic spread or butter and ask specifically for plain steamed broccoli if you’re watching sodium or avoiding dairy. With garlic spread, it runs approximately 100 to 120 calories. Ask for a side of their famous house-made ranch or the avocado ranch to dip your broccoli into, it is a game-changer. The Chili’s ranch with pickle juice in the base tastes completely different from bottled ranch and broccoli + Chili’s ranch is genuinely a better combination than it sounds.
Mexican Rice | $1.99 | 160 cal
Lightly seasoned rice is the natural pairing for fajitas, quesadillas, and any Tex-Mex entrée. At 160 calories and $1.99 it’s the most affordable side on the menu alongside Steamed Broccoli and does exactly what a rice side is supposed to do without drawing attention to itself. You can actually order three or four items from the Chili’s sides menu to create your own customized veggie plate. A bowl of black beans, some roasted street corn, and a side salad make for a fantastic, affordable, and filling meal. Mexican Rice as the fourth component of that veggie plate build adds starch and body for under $2.
Black Beans | $1.99 – $2.50 | 110 cal | 7g protein | 6g fiber
The black beans at Chili’s are considered vegetarian-friendly. They do not contain any meat products, making them an excellent protein-packed choice for vegetarians building a meal from the side menu. At 110 calories with 7g protein and 6g fiber, black beans are the most nutritionally efficient side on the Chili’s menu. The fiber-to-calorie ratio is exceptionally more fiber per calorie than any other side option including broccoli. For diabetic diners and low-glycemic eaters, black beans are the most consistently recommended Chili’s side alongside steamed broccoli.
Corn on the Cob | $1.99 | 90 cal
A simple grilled corn side at approximately 90 calories lighter than the Roasted Street Corn ($4.29) and without the cheese and seasoning finish. Order it without garlic spread for the cleanest calorie count. At $1.99 it’s a practical budget choice when you want something simple that pairs broadly with any entrée. The honest comparison with Roasted Street Corn: the Corn on the Cob is just corn. The Roasted Street Corn is a complete flavor experience. If the budget allows the $1.50 to $2.00 upcharge, the Street Corn is the better choice every time. If not, plain Corn on the Cob is a reliable, uncontroversial side.
Mashed Potatoes | $1.99 – $2.99 | 180 cal
Classic mashed potatoes creamy, smooth, no toppings. At approximately 180 calories the plain version is a reasonable mid-calorie side that pairs broadly. Order without garlic spread to keep the calorie count closer to 180 with garlic spread it runs approximately 230 to 250 calories. Distinct from the Loaded Mashed Potatoes, the plain version is lighter and more versatile as a side across different entree flavors. The Loaded version (see below) is a meal component in its own right.
Loaded Mashed Potatoes | $2.99 – $3.99 | 400 cal
Creamy mashed potatoes topped with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. The most filling standard side on the menu at approximately 400 calories is closer to a side dish that functions as a meal component than a simple accompaniment. The Loaded Mashed Potatoes stand out for their taste and price. The potatoes are full of flavor with creamy potatoes, bacon, and cheese. They are a top choice among affordable Chili’s dishes. A duo reviewer who ate through the full Chili’s menu called the mac and cheese that comes with the Classic Ribeye “top three, ever” the Loaded Mashed Potatoes are the alternative for anyone who wants the creamy, loaded comfort-side experience without pasta.
Loaded White Cheddar Mac & Cheese | $2.99 – $3.99 | 490 cal
Loaded White Cheddar Mac & Cheese is a standard Chili’s sides option included with Chicken Crispers® Combos and Smokehouse Combos. At 490 calories it’s the highest-calorie standard side on the menu. It’s also the most satisfying as a comfort food component, the right call when you’re ordering lighter on the entrée side and want something richer from your sides.
Roasted Street Corn | $3.50 – $4.29 | 240 cal
Roasted Street Corn is grilled for a smoky char and seasoned to enhance its sweetness, priced at $4.29 for 240 calories a traditional yet exciting choice for your meal.If there is an MVP of the Chili’s sides menu, it is the roasted street corn. The elote-style preparation, grilled corn with a smoky char, finished with cheese crumbles and Southwestern seasoning is the one Chili’s side that consistently gets mentioned independently by reviewers who didn’t come in planning to talk about sides. One reviewer who ate through the entire Chili’s menu specifically called the Street Corn out as better than the fries and said she was glad she ordered it. At 240 calories it’s also one of the lower-calorie premium sides; the cheese and seasoning add flavor without adding the calorie load of the Loaded Mashed Potatoes or Mac & Cheese. The small upcharge ($1 to $2 above a standard side) is one of the clearest value-add decisions on the Chili’s menu.
Roasted Asparagus | $3.50 – $4.49 | 60 – 80 cal
The lowest-calorie premium side on the menu at approximately 60 to 80 calories. Roasted asparagus with seasoning has a genuinely light side that complements steak and grilled protein entrées. Premium options like Roasted Asparagus usually run around $3.50 to $4.00. For keto, low-carb, and gluten-free diners, Roasted Asparagus is the best premium side available at Chili’s high fiber, low net carbs, no wheat ingredients, and one of the cleanest allergen profiles of any side on the menu.
Garlic Butter Mushrooms | $3.50 – $4.49 | 120 cal
Sautéed mushrooms in garlic butter is the most specific-use side on the Chili’s menu. Works exceptionally well with steak entrées because mushrooms and garlic butter naturally complement beef. At approximately 120 calories it’s a reasonable premium side for its flavor contribution. The garlic butter adds approximately 60 to 80 calories above plain sautéed mushrooms; it’s the sauce, not the mushrooms, that makes this side calorie-significant relative to its portion size.
Side House Salad | $3.99 – $6.99 | 270 – 380 cal
Fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, croutons, and shredded cheese with your choice of dressing. The most versatile side on the Chili’s menu works as a starter inside the 3 For Me® deal, as a side dish alongside any entrée, or as a light standalone meal with a Cup of Soup. At 270 to 380 calories (depending on dressing quantity and whether croutons are included), the Side House Salad is the best calorie-managed side for anyone ordering a heavier entrée. Order dressing on the side and skip the croutons for the lightest version at approximately 200 to 240 calories.
Chili’s Sides | Complete Calorie Ranking (Lowest to Highest)
| Rank | Side | Calories | Dietary Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steamed Broccoli | 40 cal | Vegan, GF-friendly, dairy-free |
| 2 | Roasted Asparagus | 60 – 80 cal | Vegan, GF-friendly, keto |
| 3 | Corn on the Cob | 90 cal | Vegan, GF-friendly |
| 4 | Black Beans | 110 cal | Vegan, GF-friendly, high fiber |
| 5 | Garlic Butter Mushrooms | 120 cal | Contains dairy |
| 6 | Mexican Rice | 160 cal | Vegan-friendly |
| 7 | Mashed Potatoes (plain) | 180 cal | Contains dairy |
| 8 | Roasted Street Corn | 240 cal | Contains dairy |
| 9 | Side House Salad | 270 – 380 cal | Varies by dressing |
| 10 | Homestyle Fries | 390 cal | Vegan-friendly |
| 11 | Loaded Mashed Potatoes | 400 cal | Contains dairy, bacon |
| 12 | Loaded White Cheddar Mac & Cheese | 490 cal | Contains dairy, wheat |
Best Side Pairings by Entrée Category
| Entrée Category | Best Side Pairing | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Baby Back Ribs / BBQ Classics | Roasted Street Corn | Smoky char complements BBQ naturally |
| Chicken Crispers® Combos | Already includes Mac + Fries | Swap Mac for Broccoli if watching calories |
| Big Mouth Burgers® | Homestyle Fries (default) | Classic combination, no reason to swap unless calorie-conscious |
| Steaks (Classic Sirloin, Ribeye) | Garlic Butter Mushrooms or Roasted Asparagus | Premium protein deserves a premium side |
| Guiltless Grill® Items | Steamed Broccoli or Roasted Asparagus | Keeps the full meal within lighter calorie range |
| Fajitas | Mexican Rice + Black Beans | Standard Tex-Mex build, both already included |
| Cajun Pasta | Side House Salad | Light green counterbalance to rich pasta |
| Nashville Hot Crispers® | Steamed Broccoli | The most important calorie balance swap on the menu |
| Salmon / Light Proteins | Roasted Asparagus | Clean flavor, no competition with delicate fish |
| Kids Menu | Fresh Fruit Cup or Steamed Broccoli | Lightest options, best nutritional balance |
Build Your Own Meal From Sides Only | The Vegetarian Guide
If you are a vegetarian or simply not very hungry, you do not have to order a massive main course. You can actually order three or four items from the Chili’s sides menu to create your own customized veggie plate. A bowl of black beans, some roasted street corn, and a side salad make for a fantastic, affordable, and filling meal. Three complete vegetarian side-only meals that actually work:
Black beans at Chili’s are considered vegetarian-friendly, they do not contain any meat products, making them an excellent protein-packed choice for vegetarians building a meal from the sides menu.
Chili’s Sides | Dietary Guide
| Dietary Need | Best Sides | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Keto / Low-Carb | Steamed Broccoli (6g carbs), Roasted Asparagus (~6g carbs), Garlic Butter Mushrooms (~8g carbs) | Mexican Rice (35g carbs), Homestyle Fries (52g carbs), Mac & Cheese (58g carbs), Black Beans (20g net carbs) |
| Vegan | Steamed Broccoli, Black Beans, Mexican Rice, Corn on the Cob, Homestyle Fries | Loaded Mashed Potatoes (bacon, cheese), Mac & Cheese (dairy), Garlic Butter Mushrooms (butter), Roasted Street Corn (cheese), Side House Salad (croutons, cheese) |
| Gluten-Friendly | All sides except those with shared fryer risk – Steamed Broccoli, Black Beans, Mexican Rice, Roasted Asparagus, Garlic Butter Mushrooms | Homestyle Fries (shared fryer), Loaded Mac & Cheese (wheat pasta at some locations) |
| Dairy-Free | Steamed Broccoli, Black Beans, Mexican Rice, Corn on the Cob, Homestyle Fries | Loaded Mashed Potatoes, Mac & Cheese, Garlic Butter Mushrooms, Roasted Street Corn, Loaded anything |
| High-Fiber | Black Beans (6g), Steamed Broccoli (3g), Side House Salad (2–3g) | Homestyle Fries (3g), Mexican Rice (1g) |
| High-Protein | Black Beans (7g protein), Loaded Mac & Cheese (14g), Garlic Butter Mushrooms (4g) | Homestyle Fries (5g), Mexican Rice (3g) |
Can You Order Chili’s Sides À La Carte?
If you want to order an extra side dish entirely on its own (à la carte), standard sides like fries, broccoli, or mashed potatoes typically cost around $2.50 to $3.00. Premium sides, like the roasted street corn or asparagus, usually run around $3.50 to $4.00, though prices can vary slightly by location. Yes, all sides can be ordered as standalone items without an entrée. Standard sides cost around $1.99 while premium options run $3.50 to $5.49. The à la carte price is typically slightly higher than the included entrée price, confirmed with your server when ordering sides on their own. This makes Chili’s sides genuinely useful for:
- Adding an extra vegetable to a meal that only comes with one side
- Building a light meal from sides only without ordering an entrée
- Adding a premium side like Roasted Street Corn to an entrée that came with two standard sides
The Honest Side Rankings | Best to Skip
Chili’s Sides FAQs
What sides come with Chili’s meals?
Most entrées come with your choice of two Chili’s side dishes. You can select any combination of available sides.
Are Chili’s side swaps free?
Most standard side swaps are completely free. Premium sides like the roasted street corn will only cost a tiny upcharge typically $1.00 to $1.50. Ask your server before swapping to confirm whether your specific swap carries any additional charge.
What is the healthiest side at Chili’s?
Steamed Broccoli at 40 calories is the lowest-calorie side on the entire menu.For a healthy pick, choose Chili’s steamed broccoli. Roasted Asparagus at 60 to 80 calories is the best keto-friendly side. Black Beans at 110 calories offer the best protein and fiber content for the calorie investment.
What is the most popular side at Chili’s?
The most loved sides at Chili’s are French fries, roasted street corn, and steamed broccoli. Homestyle Fries are the most ordered by volume; Roasted Street Corn is considered the MVP of the sides menu.
Are Chili’s black beans vegetarian?
Yes, the black beans at Chili’s are considered vegetarian-friendly. They do not contain any meat products, making them an excellent protein-packed choice for vegetarians.
Can you order Chili’s sides without an entrée?
Yes, standard sides like fries, broccoli, or mashed potatoes typically cost around $2.50 to $3.00 à la carte. Premium sides usually run around $3.50 to $4.00. You can order three or four items from the Chili’s sides menu to create your own customized veggie plate.
Are Chili’s fries gluten-free?
Homestyle Fries do not contain wheat ingredients but are cooked in shared fryer oil alongside breaded items cross-contact with gluten is possible. Not recommended for celiac disease. Suitable for gluten-sensitive diners with low sensitivity.
What is Roasted Street Corn at Chili’s?
Roasted Street Corn is grilled for a smoky char and seasoned to enhance its sweetness priced at $4.29 for 240 calories. An elote-style preparation with cheese crumbles and Southwestern seasoning considered the MVP of the Chili’s sides menu.
What is the best side to order with Baby Back Ribs at Chili’s?
Roasted Street Corn the smoky char on the corn complements the slow-smoked BBQ flavor of the ribs more naturally than any other side. The included standard sides (Homestyle Fries and Loaded Mac & Cheese) are reliable but the Street Corn upcharge is worth it for a rib order specifically.
How many calories are in Chili’s Homestyle Fries?
Approximately 390 calories for a standard entrée serving. Swapping for Steamed Broccoli saves 350 calories at no cost.
About This Page
RestaurantmenuInsight.com 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.
