Step into a Chili’s, and you’ll notice that a lot of things have changed.
I think mostly for the better. (The “3 for Me” in particular is just such a great deal.)
(Although they have gotten rid of some classic fan favorites, which is a disappointment for sure.)
And more specifically, Chili’s has been adding new dishes at a fast clip.
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I tried most of them, and generally I’m pretty happy!
And more generally, they’re incorporating lots of flavors and ingredients I’ve been hoping to see from Chili’s for years now.
These are all current as of mid-May 2025.
So let’s hop right in on their newest dishes, starting with a personal favorite:
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Ok, listen, I’ve been a fan of Nashville hot chicken for years.
(My family made the pilgrimage to Hattie B’s before it was hip and cool, so we’ve known about the great hot chicken there for a long time, thanks to friends who grew up in Tennessee.)
Honestly, the only thing that could make it better is combining it with warm mozzarella cheese.
Enter Chili’s new Nashville Hot Mozzarella.
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The fried mozzarella is served with Chili’s ranch (which is fine, not amazing), and you have two appetizer options:
– Small (three pieces, 1,880 calories)
– Shareable (six pieces, 3,310 calories)
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Chili’s has been serving up great veggie burgers for years thanks to a solid black bean patty they’ve had for a long time.
The newest iteration? The Veggie Santa Fe Burger – guacamole, red onions and jalapenos, tomato, cilantro, pickles, burger, bun, and their spicy Santa Fe sauce.
It’s pretty good!
You also don’t have to get it as a veggie burger – you can sub in a beef patty at no charge.
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Just because most of Chili’s burgers have beef doesn’t mean you can’t make them vegetarian.
All of their burgers aside from the sliders can be subbed out for a veggie patty – although the brisket and bacon burgers would still have meat on them unless you removed those too. (At which point, you might as well get the Big Smasher or the Oldtimer burger).
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Chili’s crispy chicken is a longtime favorite – even as an adult, I keep glancing at that part of the menu.
And now there’s extra reason to – their bacon guac crispy chicken sandwich is fantastic.
Chicken, bacon, Swiss (if you don’t like Swiss – and I don’t – just ask for them to sub in cheddar or American), lettuce, tomato, mayo, and guacamole, all on a brioche bun.
Think about it this way: It’s a BLT with avocado and fried chicken added.
Sounds pretty good, right? And at 1,030 calories, it better be…
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Of course, if you’re looking to save a few calories, you can get the grilled chicken version instead – all the same ingredients (except for the chicken), and you get to knock 250 calories off.
And let’s face it – the BLT alone would be pretty good, so guac and chicken (no matter how it’s cooked) is a nice plus regardless!
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Listen, I’ve always been a sucker for a good margarita, and Don Julio is a way better tequila than Jose Cuervo anyway.
Like any good margarita, this one’s a simple recipe: Tequila, sour, and a bit of orange. (And just 180 calories for a great drink!)
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I’ve always loved a spritz (usually I like mine with a little carbonation, so using Sprite as a base, but I digress)…
This one’s got el Jimador Silver tequila, Tito’s vodka, watermelon syrup, and of course their sour mix as well.
It’s pretty good! Add that dash of Sprite to make it even better. (280 calories as made.)
Bonus: If you’re there for the Tito’s, there’s also a deliciously tropical Tito’s Punch
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This one’s made with Teremana Blanco tequila, a little soda, and Chili’s sour mix.
They say it’s inspired by a Texas ranch water, which is not at all my favorite drink, but I think it’s pretty true to that taste.
And at just 150 calories, it won’t break your calorie budget if you’re on one.
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This is their $6 marg of the month for May.
Wowee. You’ve got Lunazul Blanco tequila, Monin Dragonfruit, house-made sour, and blue curacao floating on top.
Yum!
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So there you have it – eight excellent new offerings from Chili’s that promise to continue positioning its menu for 2025 and beyond.
And since Chili’s is in innovation mode, here’s a big question for you to ponder:
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What do you think Chili’s needs to add to its menu?
For me, it’s expanding the 3 for Me deal to more dishes. I’d love to see fajitas included.
But what do YOU think?
Let us know in the comments!
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