Chips & Salsa
Chili’s Chips & Salsa costs $7.29 and contains approximately 910 calories for the full bottomless chip order with house salsa. It’s the cheapest starter on the Chili’s appetizer menu and one of the few items worth ordering even when you didn’t plan to; the chips here are made fresh daily and crispy in a way that pre-bagged chips never are. One food reviewer who ate through 45 Chili’s items in a single sitting specifically called these chips out as one of the best things on the entire table and she had just eaten through Wings, Queso, Eggrolls, and sliders before making that call. This page covers the ingredients, the bottomless policy, calorie breakdown, and why this $7.29 order is the best decision most Chili’s tables make before anything else arrives.
What Are Chili’s Chips & Salsa?
Chili’s Chips & Salsa is fresh corn tortilla chips served alongside house-made salsa, the standard Tex-Mex table starter that Chili’s has been serving since the chain opened in Dallas in 1975. What separates the Chili’s version from most casual dining chip baskets: the chips are made fresh daily and fried in-house rather than arriving pre-bagged. The texture is noticeably different crispy with more irregular edges than commercial chips, which hold dips better and have a more pronounced corn flavor.
The salsa is house-made diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime. Mild to medium heat, fresh-tasting, not overly smooth. More of a fresh pico-de-gallo style than a blended restaurant salsa.
On dine-in orders, Chili’s Chips & Salsa is bottomless; you can ask for more chips and more salsa at no additional charge throughout your meal. This is the single most important practical fact about this item and the reason the $7.29 price is one of the best value decisions on the appetizer menu.
Chili’s Chips & Salsa Price
At most US locations. The cheapest starter on the Chili’s menu was $4 less than the next cheapest appetizer (the Dip Trio at $11.29). Also one of the starter options inside the 3 For Me® deal, where it can substitute for the included starter at no extra charge.
| Format | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone order | $7.29 | Bottomless dine-in |
| Inside 3 For Me® | Included | As starter option |
| Fresh salsa 4oz add-on | $1.00 | Added to any order |
Chili’s Chips & Salsa Ingredients
Corn Tortilla Chips
House Salsa
Chili’s Chips & Salsa Calories
| Component | Calories |
|---|---|
| Corn tortilla chips (first serving) | 570 |
| House salsa (4oz serving) | 20 |
| Total first order | 590 |
| Additional chip refill | 570 per basket |
The official Chili’s nutrition data lists approximately 910 calories for the standard order which accounts for a typical dine-in consumption of one and a half to two chip baskets with salsa. The salsa itself is only 20 calories per 4oz. All of the calorie weight is in the chips. If you’re watching calories, portion the chips deliberately rather than eating continuously from a bottomless basket.
Chips & Salsa Full Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 590 Calories |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 78g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sodium | 620mg |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
The sodium at 620mg for the first serving is the lowest of any appetizer on the Chili’s menu, significantly lower than the queso options (2500mg+) and the wings (1500mg+). This makes Chips & Salsa the most sodium-friendly starter available.
Are Chili’s Chips & Salsa Vegan and Gluten-Free?
Vegan
Yes, corn, oil, salt, and fresh vegetables. No dairy, no animal products.
Gluten-Free
The chips themselves do not contain wheat; they’re made from corn masa. However, they are fried in shared oil alongside items that do contain wheat, which means cross-contamination is possible. Suitable for gluten-sensitive diners; not recommended for celiac disease.
Chili’s Chips & Salsa as a 3 For Me® Starter
Chips & Salsa is one of four starter options inside the 3 For Me® deal alongside Side House Salad, Side Caesar Salad, and Cup of Soup. As a starter it pairs particularly well with the premium tier ($16.99) 3 For Me® entrees like the Classic Sirloin 6oz or the Cajun Shrimp Pasta; the lighter, fresh-tasting chips and salsa work better before a richer entree than a heavier starter would.
If you’re ordering the 3 For Me® deal specifically for value, Chips & Salsa as your starter is the call that keeps the total calorie count of the full meal most manageable, approximately 590 calories for the starter vs 270 – 380 for the Side House Salad.
Chili’s Chips & Salsa FAQs
How much do Chili’s Chips & Salsa cost?
$7.29 at most US locations as of July 2026. The cheapest starter on the menu.
Are Chili’s Chips & Salsa bottomless?
Yes, on dine-in orders, you can request additional chips and salsa at no extra charge throughout your meal.
How many calories are in Chili’s Chips & Salsa?
Approximately 910 calories for a standard dine-in order accounting for typical refill consumption. The first serving runs approximately 590 calories almost entirely from the chips. The salsa is only 20 calories per 4oz serving.
Are Chili’s Chips & Salsa vegan?
Yes, corn, oil, salt, fresh tomatoes, jalapeño, onion, cilantro, and lime. No dairy or animal products.
Are Chili’s Chips & Salsa gluten-free?
The chips are made from corn and do not contain wheat but shared fryer oil means cross-contamination is possible. Suitable for gluten-sensitive diners; not recommended for celiac disease.
Can you order extra salsa?
Yes, both as part of the bottomless dine-in policy and as a $1.00 4oz sauce add-on to any order.
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.
