When it comes to dining out, being a vegan can be quite challenging. Many restaurants do not have a variety of vegan options, which can be disappointing. However, Chili’s is one of the few restaurants that has a dedicated vegan menu.
What Is a Vegan Diet?
Before we dive into what Chili’s has to offer, let’s first define what a vegan diet is. A vegan diet is a plant-based diet that excludes all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs. Vegans also avoid using animal products in any other aspects of their lives, including clothing and cosmetics.
What Vegan Options Does Chili’s Have?
Chili’s has a dedicated vegan menu that includes a variety of options. Here are some of the vegan options available at Chili’s:
Appetizers
Chili’s has a few appetizers that are vegan-friendly or can be modified to be vegan. One classic appetizer that is vegan as-is is the chips and salsa. The salsa is made with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos, and the chips are made with just corn, oil, and salt.
Another appetizer that can be made vegan is the Guacamole. By default, the Guacamole comes with cheese and sour cream, but you can ask for it without those toppings. It’s served with chips and salsa for dipping.
Entrees
Chili’s has several entrees that can be modified to be vegan. One popular option is the Margarita Grilled Chicken. This dish typically comes with grilled chicken and cheese, but you can ask for it without those toppings. The dish features grilled chicken basted in a margarita glaze, served with rice and black beans.
Another entree that can be made vegan is the Fajita Peppers and Onions. By default, this dish comes with meat and cheese, but you can ask for it without those toppings. It features sautéed onions and peppers served with rice, black beans, and warm flour tortillas.
Finally, the Spicy Shrimp Tacos can be made vegan by asking for them without shrimp and sour cream. The tacos feature three soft flour tortillas filled with spicy grilled shrimp, house-made pico de gallo, sliced avocado, and cilantro. Without the shrimp and sour cream, they become a delicious vegan option.
Sides and Salads
Chili’s has several sides that are vegan-friendly, including the steamed broccoli, black beans, and seasoned fries. The broccoli is steamed until tender and served with a side of butter, which can be omitted to make it vegan. The black beans are cooked with onions and spices for a delicious flavor. And the seasoned fries are crispy and seasoned with a blend of spices.
Chili’s also has several salads that can be made vegan by omitting certain ingredients. The Santa Fe Chicken Salad can be made vegan by asking for it without chicken and cheese. It features mixed greens topped with diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, and crispy tortilla strips. The Quesadilla Explosion Salad can be made vegan by asking for it without chicken, cheese, and sour cream. It features mixed greens topped with grilled chicken, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, corn and black bean salsa, and tortilla strips.
Beverages
Chili’s has a variety of vegan-friendly beverages, including soft drinks, lemonade, iced tea, and coffee. They also have a number of alcoholic beverages that are vegan-friendly, such as wine, beer, and margaritas.
Desserts
Unfortunately, Chili’s does not have any vegan desserts on their menu. However, they do offer fresh fruit as a dessert option, which is vegan-friendly.
Vegan-Friendly Options for Kids
Chili’s also has a number of vegan-friendly options for kids. The Kid’s Grilled Chicken Platter can be made vegan by asking for it with no chicken. The Kid’s Cheese Quesadilla can be made vegan by asking for it with no cheese. They also offer a Kid’s Side Salad, which is vegan-friendly.
How to Order Vegan at Chili’s
When ordering vegan at Chili’s, it’s important to be clear with your server about what you can and cannot eat. Let them know that you are vegan and ask if they can modify any menu items to make them vegan-friendly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about ingredients or cooking methods.
It’s also important to note that Chili’s is a chain restaurant, and their menu may vary by location. It’s always a good idea to check with your local Chili’s to see what vegan options they have available.
How Is the Vegan Burger Made?
The vegan burger at Chili’s is made with a black bean patty that is topped with avocado, lettuce, tomato, and onions. It’s served on a vegan bun with a side of seasoned fries.
- Vegan Burger: Chili’s vegan burger is made with a black bean patty that is topped with avocado, lettuce, tomato, and onions. It’s served on a vegan bun with a side of seasoned fries.
- Fajitas (with no meat or cheese): Chili’s fajitas are typically made with meat and cheese, but you can ask for a vegan version with no meat or cheese. The vegan fajitas are served with onions, peppers, guacamole, and salsa.
- Veggie Quesadilla (with no cheese): Chili’s veggie quesadilla can be made vegan by asking for it with no cheese. It’s made with sautéed onions, peppers, and mushrooms, and served with guacamole and salsa.
Conclusion
Chili’s is one of the few restaurants that have a dedicated vegan menu, which is great news for vegans who want to enjoy a nice meal out. From appetizers to entrees, sides, and salads, Chili’s has a variety of vegan options to choose from. Overall, while Chili’s may not be the first place that comes to mind for vegans, they do offer a surprising number of vegan options. With a little bit of communication and some simple modifications, vegans can enjoy a meal out at Chili’s just like everyone else.