A good entrée is only part of what makes a meal memorable — the sides are what complete the experience. Chili sides menu is built to give you flexibility, flavor, and balance. From light veggies and fresh guacamole to indulgent mac & cheese or bold street corn, the variety means there’s always something to match your cravings.
In this updated guide, we’ll walk through every Chili’s side dish, including both classic favorites and premium upgrades, while also giving you serving tips, nutrition highlights, and pairing suggestions. If you’re wondering which sides best fit with ribs, fajitas, burgers, or salads, you’ll find the answers here.
Why Chili’s Sides Stand Out?
Unlike many restaurants that treat sides as an afterthought, Chili’s puts effort into making them flavorful on their own. Options range from healthy, vegetable-forward choices like steamed broccoli to comfort staples such as mashed potatoes or mac & cheese. You’ll even find Tex-Mex inspired bites like roasted street corn and Mexican rice, which give your plate extra character.
This balance of light, hearty, and indulgent options makes Chili’s sides menu versatile enough for any appetite or dietary need.
Chili’s Sides Menu with Descriptions
🥗 Basic Sides (Various)
The basic sides menu offers simple, budget-friendly pairings like seasoned rice, black beans, or house veggies. These sides are ideal if you want a lighter addition to balance out heavier entrées. Affordable and customizable, they’re the easiest way to complete your Chili’s meal.
Garlic & Lime Seared Shrimp
This premium side is perfect for seafood lovers. The shrimp are seared with garlic and a squeeze of lime, giving a bright, savory punch that pairs beautifully with steaks or fajitas. The half portion works as a lighter add-on, while the full portion can almost stand as its own entrée upgrade.
🥑 Large Fresh Guacamole
Made fresh daily, Chili’s guacamole is creamy, tangy, and perfect for dipping or topping. It’s not just a dip — many guests use it to upgrade tacos, burgers, or salads. Fresh avocados mixed with tomatoes, onions, and lime make this side a refreshing choice.
🧅 Onion Rings
Golden, crispy, and crunchy, Chili’s onion rings deliver the classic fried side experience. They’re lightly battered to keep a perfect crunch without being too heavy, making them a great partner to burgers or sandwiches.
🧀 SW Man ’N’ Cheese
This Tex-Mex inspired twist on mac & cheese blends creamy pasta with bold Southwestern spices. It’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for anyone who loves a little kick with their comfort food. A popular choice among families and kids, it brings a fun twist to the traditional side.
🧀 White Cheddar Mac & Cheese
Rich, creamy, and indulgent, this fan-favorite side highlights the sharpness of white cheddar cheese. Unlike ordinary mac & cheese, Chili’s version is crafted with a bolder flavor profile, making it stand out as one of the most popular comfort sides on the menu.
🥔 Loaded Mashed Potatoes
If you love mashed potatoes but want something extra, Chili’s loaded version is for you. Topped with cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions, these potatoes turn a simple side into a flavor-packed bite. They’re especially great with grilled meats like ribs or chicken.
🥔 Mashed Potatoes (Regular)
For a classic option, Chili’s regular mashed potatoes are smooth, buttery, and seasoned just right. They’re a versatile side that pairs with nearly any entrée, making them a timeless comfort choice for guests of all ages.
🥦 Steamed Broccoli
A lighter side for health-conscious diners, Chili’s steamed broccoli provides a crisp, fresh crunch with natural sweetness. It’s the perfect way to balance out heavier items on Chili’s menu such as burgers, fajitas, or ribs.
🍚 Mexican Rice
Fluffy, savory, and lightly spiced, Chili’s Mexican rice is a staple side with Tex-Mex entrées. Its mild flavor complements tacos, fajitas, and enchiladas, making it a must-try if you want a more authentic pairing.
🌽 Roasted Street Corn
One of Chili’s most flavorful sides, roasted street corn brings a smoky charred flavor balanced with tangy seasoning. Inspired by Mexican street food, it’s a unique addition that goes especially well with grilled chicken or steak fajitas.
🍄 Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Rich, savory, and indulgent, Chili’s garlic butter mushrooms are sautéed to perfection. The earthy mushrooms combined with buttery garlic flavor make them a standout side for steak lovers or anyone wanting something bold and satisfying.
🥗 House Salad
Crisp greens topped with cucumbers, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and crunchy croutons make the House Salad a simple but refreshing choice. It balances out heavier entrées and can be customized with your favorite dressing.
🫘 Black Beans
A classic Tex-Mex side, Chili’s black beans are simmered to perfection for a rich, hearty flavor. Packed with protein and fiber, they’re a nutritious option that pairs especially well with rice, tacos, or fajitas.
🍟 Fries
Golden, crispy, and lightly salted, Chili’s fries are a timeless favorite. Perfect on their own or as the ultimate sidekick to burgers, sandwiches, and more.
🌽 Corn on the Cob
Sweet, juicy corn served with just the right amount of seasoning and butter. This simple yet flavorful side brings freshness to balance out Chili’s bold entrées.
🧀 Texas Cheese Fries – Half
This indulgent side comes loaded with melted cheese, crispy bacon, jalapeños, and green onions over a bed of fries. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo when you’re craving something cheesy and bold.
Nutritional & Allergen Note of Chili’s Menu Sides
While sides at Chili’s range from light to indulgent, here are a few general considerations:
- Steamed broccoli and Mexican rice are lower-calorie, healthier choices.
- Loaded mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, and onion rings are higher in calories, fat, and sodium but ideal for comfort cravings.
- Allergens may include: dairy (cheese, butter), gluten (battered/fried items), and soy.
- Guacamole and vegetables are generally gluten-free and safe for most diners.
Always check Chili’s official allergen guide if you have dietary restrictions.
FAQs
1. What are the healthiest sides at Chili’s?
Steamed broccoli, Mexican rice, and guacamole are among the lighter, healthier picks.
2. Does Chili’s offer vegetarian-friendly sides?
Yes, items like guacamole, roasted street corn, broccoli, and mashed potatoes (without bacon) work for vegetarians.
3. Can I substitute sides at Chili’s?
Absolutely! Chili’s allows substitutions with most entrées so you can mix and match.
4. Which sides are most popular?
White cheddar mac & cheese, loaded mashed potatoes, and roasted street corn are guest favorites.
5. Are Chili’s sides available for catering or takeout?
Yes, most sides can be ordered as part of party platters, catering packages, or takeout orders.
Conclusion: Chili’s Sides Add Flavor & Flexibility
The Chili’s sides menu isn’t just filler — it’s designed to enhance your meal. Whether you’re looking for something light like broccoli, Tex-Mex inspired like Mexican rice, or indulgent like loaded mashed potatoes, there’s a side to fit every craving. Next time you visit Chili’s, mix and match to create the perfect plate and enjoy the extra flavor these sides bring to your dining experience.