Chili’s is a well-known casual dining restaurant chain with locations across the United States and in several other countries. With a Tex-Mex inspired menu, Chili’s is best known for favorites like sizzling fajitas, juicy burgers, and frosty margaritas. But does this popular chain also serve seafood options like salmon?
The short answer is yes, Chili’s does offer salmon on their menu. While seafood doesn’t make up a large portion of their offerings compared to Tex-Mex staples, there are a few high-quality salmon dishes available. Keep reading to learn more about the salmon entrees you can find at Chili’s.
An Overview of Seafood Options at Chili’s
Chili’s has a specific section of their menu dedicated to “Chicken & Seafood” entrees Within this section, you’ll find three salmon dishes
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Ancho Salmon: This is a grilled Atlantic salmon filet topped with ancho chile and cilantro pesto. It’s served with Mexican rice and broccoli.
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Cajun Salmon A salmon filet blackened with Cajun spices and topped with bell peppers and green onions. Served with rice pilaf and broccoli.
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Salmon Santa Fe: Grilled salmon glazed with a spicy cream sauce and served over rice pilaf with broccoli.
In addition to the salmon entrees, the Chicken & Seafood section of the Chili’s menu also includes:
- Grilled shrimp dishes like Caribbean and bacon mac & cheese shrimp
- Fried seafood like crispy shrimp and golden fried chicken tenders
- Grilled chicken breast options
So while seafood doesn’t make up the bulk of their offerings, Chili’s does have a handful of high-quality salmon and shrimp entrees that provide a nice break from fajitas and burgers.
A Closer Look at the Ancho Salmon Dish
Of Chili’s three salmon entrees, the Ancho Salmon seems to be the most popular. Here’s a breakdown of this dish:
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Protein: The entree features a 6 oz grilled Atlantic salmon fillet. Salmon is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
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Seasoning: The salmon is drizzled with ancho chile, a mildly spicy dried chile pepper that provides smoky, sweet flavor. It’s also topped with a cilantro pesto for fresh herbal flavor.
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Sides: The salmon comes with Mexican rice, which provides fiber and complements the Tex-Mex seasonings. Steamed broccoli is the vegetable side.
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Nutrition: A 6 oz salmon fillet packs around 300 calories and 40g of protein. The ancho seasoning adds lots of flavor without significant calories.
Overall, the Ancho Salmon provides a lighter yet satisfying protein option at Chili’s. The bold Southwestern flavors pair nicely with the tender salmon. It’s no surprise this dish is a popular choice!
Who Might Enjoy the Salmon Dishes at Chili’s?
While Chili’s is best known for Tex-Mex favorites, the salmon entrees open up their menu to a wider range of diners. Here are some examples of customers who may enjoy ordering salmon at Chili’s:
- People looking for a break from fajitas or burgers
- Diners trying to make healthier menu choices
- Pescatarians who want to avoid meat but eat seafood
- Customers craving the bold flavors of Tex-Mex seasoning
- Salmon lovers seeking new preparations of this fish
- Those who don’t often cook fish at home but want to incorporate it into their diet
The salmon dishes at Chili’s range from 300-470 calories, so they can be a satisfying lighter meal option. Overall, the salmon entrees make the menu more diverse and provide options for health-conscious diners.
Tips for Ordering Salmon at Chili’s
If you want to give the salmon at Chili’s a try, here are some tips to get the most enjoyment from this fish dish:
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Stick to lunch or early dinner to avoid busy times. Seafood can take a bit longer to prepare.
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Specify grilled preparation instead of blackened or fried. This reduces calories.
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Request sides like steamed veggies or cilantro rice instead of fries for a lighter meal.
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Ask for extra lime wedges and pico de gallo for extra brightness and flavor.
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Complete the plate with a salad like the Guacamole Chicken Salad.
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Quench your thirst with a homemade Strawberry Lemonade instead of a sugary margarita.
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Take half the portion home and enjoy salmon leftovers the next day.
Following these tips will help you have the best salmon dining experience when you visit Chili’s.
Is the Salmon at Chili’s Worth a Try?
At the end of the day, while Chili’s is primarily known for Tex-Mex fare, the salmon entrees provide a nice alternative for seafood lovers. The salmon is boldly seasoned with Southwestern flavors that pair wonderfully with the tender fish. Portion sizes are generous, and the addition of salmon dishes opens up the menu to a wider range of diners.
If you typically only think of Chili’s for sizzling fajitas and margaritas, it’s worth branching out and giving one of their salmon entrees a try for your next visit. The Ancho Salmon, Cajun Salmon, and Salmon Santa Fe will give you a taste of Chili’s take on seafood. While not the star of the show, the salmon dishes add variety and lighter options to this popular chain’s menu.
Chili’s Ancho Salmon RAW & UNCUT
FAQ
Does Chili’s have salmon in it?
Ancho Salmon. Seared chile-rubbed Atlantic salmon, cilantro pesto, and cilantro. Served with Mexican rice and steamed broccoli.
Does chile have wild caught salmon?
“Salmon is not native to Chile,” Muñoz said. “That’s one important this to remember. So, when you introduce them (through escape or accident) into the ecosystem, they act as predators that threaten native species.”
Is Chilean salmon good to eat?
Farmed salmon from Chile is generally considered safe to eat, but there are a few important points to consider: Regulations and Standards: Chilean salmon farming is regulated by the government, which enforces standards for health and safety.
Does Chili’s offer seafood?
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