How many calories are in a Chilis margarita grilled chicken?

Quick Answer

A Chili’s margarita grilled chicken contains approximately 490 calories. This is based on the nutritional information provided by Chili’s for their 6 oz margarita grilled chicken breast without any sides or sauces. The calorie count may be higher if additional ingredients like cheese, salsa or dressing are added to the chicken.

Calorie Count Breakdown

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the calorie count for a 6oz Chili’s margarita grilled chicken breast:

Ingredient Calories
6oz grilled chicken breast 290
Margarita marinade 200
Total Calories 490

As you can see, the majority of calories come from the 6oz grilled chicken breast at 290 calories. Chicken breast is a lean protein that is relatively low in calories for its serving size.

The margarita marinade adds an additional 200 calories. Margarita mix typically contains sugar and lime juice, both of which contain natural sugars and calories. When used as a marinade for grilling, some of the marinade is absorbed by the chicken adding to the overall calorie count.

So in total, the 6oz margarita grilled chicken breast contains about 490 calories by itself without any additional sides or sauces.

Calorie Range with Sides and Sauces

The calorie count for a Chili’s margarita grilled chicken can range higher if you add any sides or sauces:

  • With rice pilaf (110 calories): 600 calories
  • With sautéed veggies (60 calories): 550 calories
  • With side salad w/ dressing (150 calories): 640 calories
  • With cheese sauce (150 calories): 640 calories
  • With salsa (20 calories): 510 calories

As you can see, adding sides and sauces can increase the total calorie count by 100-150 calories or more. A plain margarita grilled chicken breast is around 490 calories, but with accompaniments it can range from 550-640 calories depending on the options selected.

Cheese sauce, salad with creamy dressing, and rice pilaf tend to add the most extra calories due to high amounts of fat, carbohydrates and protein. Salsa only adds about 20 extra calories, while veggies are low calorie as well.

Nutritional Information

Here is the full nutritional information for a 6oz Chili’s margarita grilled chicken breast by itself:

Nutrient Amount
Calories 490
Fat 12g
Saturated Fat 3g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 170mg
Sodium 870mg
Carbohydrates 10g
Fiber 0g
Sugar 5g
Protein 63g

As you can see, the majority of calories come from protein at 63g worth. There is also a considerable amount of cholesterol at 170mg and sodium at 870mg per serving.

The margarita marinade contributes small amounts of carbohydrates, sugar, fat, and sodium as well. But overall, the grilled chicken is a lean protein source aside from the high sodium content.

Comparing to Other Chili’s Menu Items

How does the margarita grilled chicken compare to other menu items at Chili’s calorie-wise?

Here is a calorie comparison to some other popular Chili’s menu choices:

Menu Item Calories
Margarita Grilled Chicken 490
Chicken Crispers (3 pieces) 670
Oldtimer with Cheese 790
Cajun Chicken Pasta 1230
Classic Bacon Cheeseburger 1190
Molten Chocolate Cake 770

The margarita grilled chicken is one of the lowest calorie menu items compared to appetizers, burgers, pasta dishes, and desserts. Only a side salad or bowl of soup would be lower in calories than the 490 calorie grilled chicken.

So if you are looking for a relatively low calorie main entrée at Chili’s, the margarita grilled chicken is a healthy option compared to fried foods, carby pastas, juicy burgers, and decadent desserts.

Tips for Lightening Up Your Meal

If you want to make your Chili’s margarita chicken even lighter, here are some tips:

Skip the sides

Get the grilled chicken as an entrée without any sides to save yourself 100-200 extra calories. Load up on the free chips and salsa instead!

Ask for light dressing

If you opt for a salad, ask for light or low-fat dressing on the side. Chili’s dressings like ranch and blue cheese are high in calories. Get it on the side so you control how much you use.

Share a dessert

Chili’s desserts like their Molten Lava cake are indulgent. To save calories, share one with the table so you only get a small portion instead of a whole 700+ calorie serving.

Avoid sugary drinks

Beverages like frozen margaritas, sodas, and sweet tea can pack 300, 400, 500 calories or more! Opt for unsweetened iced tea, water with lemon, or a light beer instead.

Order salad as a side

Choose a side salad with vinaigrette instead of high cal sides like rice pilaf or fries. Load up on lettuce, tomatoes, onion and cucumber for few extra calories.

Health Benefits of Grilled Chicken

Ordering the chili’s margarita grilled chicken breast has some good health benefits:

High in Protein

A 6oz portion provides 63g protein. Protein helps keep you full and satisfied, builds muscle, and provides energy.

Low in Fat

With around 12g total fat and 3g saturated fat, grilled chicken is much lower in fat compared to fried chicken or hamburgers.

Contains Vitamins and Minerals

Chicken provides B-vitamins, selenium, phosphorus and other nutrients your body needs.

Lean Source of Calories

With only 490 calories in a 6oz breast, you get a lot of nutrition for your calorie buck.

Versatile Ingredient

Chicken breast is a blank canvas you can season or marinade to suit any flavor profile!

So ordering grilled chicken at a restaurant allows you to get a serving of lean protein and nutrition on even the most indulgent menu.

Cooking Your Own Chili-Lime Chicken at Home

You can easily replicate Chili’s signature margarita grilled chicken breast at home with just a few ingredients:

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1-2 tsp chili powder
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Pound chicken breasts to an even 1/2″ thickness.
  2. In a Ziploc bag or shallow dish, combine lime juice, chili powder, garlic, oil and salt & pepper. Add chicken and marinade 30 minutes up to overnight.
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high. Oil grates.
  4. Grill chicken 6-8 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
  5. Let rest 5 minutes then serve.

This easy chili-lime marinade infuses the chicken with tangy citrus and savory spice flavors. Grill some veggies or whip up a fresh salad to serve alongside for a healthy backyard feast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the calorie count and nutrition info for Chili’s margarita grilled chicken:

Is Chili’s grilled chicken healthy?

Yes, a Chili’s margarita grilled chicken breast is a healthy choice considering it provides lean protein and relatively few calories compared to other menu options like burgers, fries, and pasta dishes. Order it without heavy sauces or sides to keep it a light meal.

What comes on Chili’s grilled chicken?

A Chili’s margarita grilled chicken breast includes a 6oz chicken breast marinated in a signature margarita-lime blend. It does not come with any sides or toppings unless requested.

Does Chili’s grill their chicken fresh?

Chili’s states they use fresh, never frozen chicken breasts for all of their grilled chicken entrees. The margarita chicken is marinated and grilled fresh to order.

Is Chili’s grilled chicken gluten free?

Yes, a plain Chili’s margarita grilled chicken breast is gluten-free. As always, notify your server of dietary needs or restrictions. Avoid sides made with soy sauce or breach contamination from utensils.

Can you get grilled chicken as an entree?

Absolutely. Chili’s offers their margarita grilled chicken as a full entrée served with your choice of two sides. Opt for fresh steamed veggies and salad for the lowest calorie accompanying options.

The Bottom Line

A 6oz Chili’s margarita grilled chicken breast contains approximately 490 calories and 63g of protein. It’s one of the lighter entrée choices on the menu compared to fried, cheesy, saucy or carby options. Order it plain or with fresh veggie sides and light dressing to keep your meal under 550 calories. Recreate this Chili’s classic at home with a simple chili powder and lime marinade.

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