Ever found yourself sitting at Chili’s, staring at those golden-brown Chicken Crispers and wondering just how many calories you’re about to enjoy? I’ve been there too! As a food blogger who loves eating out (maybe a bit too much), I’ve done the research so you don’t have to.
What Are Chili’s Original Chicken Crispers?
Chili’s Original Chicken Crispers are one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, These aren’t your ordinary chicken tenders! They’re made with tender chicken strips in a special batter that creates a uniquely crispy yet light coating that’s different from regular breaded chicken tenders
The Original Chicken Crispers come as an appetizer or as part of a meal, and they’re typically served with dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch.
Calories in Chili’s Original Chicken Crispers
According to the nutritional information from Chili’s Grill & Bar Restaurant, here’s the calorie breakdown for Original Chicken Crispers:
- Original Chicken Crispers (as served): 510 calories
That’s for the standard appetizer portion. If you’re ordering as part of the Triple Dipper appetizer platter, the portion is smaller:
- TD™ Original Chicken Crispers: 630 calories
And if you’re ordering the full entrée version:
- Chicken Crispers – Original Style: 1490 calories (includes sides)
Complete Nutritional Breakdown
Let’s look at the complete nutritional profile of Chili’s Original Chicken Crispers (as served):
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 510 | – |
| Total Fat | 34g | 52% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | – |
| Cholesterol | 105mg | 35% |
| Sodium | 1350mg | 56% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23g | 8% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugars | 10g | – |
| Protein | 31g | – |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
How Long Would It Take to Burn Off?
According to CalorieKing, here’s how long it would take to burn off the 510 calories in Chili’s Original Chicken Crispers through different exercises:
- Swimming: 43 minutes
- Jogging: 59 minutes
- Cycling: 78 minutes
- Walking: 142 minutes
(These estimates are based on a 35-year-old female who is 5’7″ tall and weighs 144 lbs.)
How Do Original Chicken Crispers Compare to Other Menu Items?
Wondering how the Original Chicken Crispers stack up against other popular Chili’s items? Let’s compare:
| Menu Item | Calories | Fat (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Chicken Crispers (as served) | 510 | 34 | 31 |
| Crispy Chicken Crispers (full meal) | 1381 | 63 | 59 |
| Crispy Honey-Chipotle Chicken Crispers | 1832 | 81 | 60 |
| Boneless Buffalo Wings | 1050 | 67 | 51 |
| Classic Nachos (Regular) | 830 | 57 | 39 |
| Bacon Avocado Chicken Sandwich | 1580 | 82 | 73 |
As you can see, the Original Chicken Crispers appetizer portion is actually one of the more moderate options on the Chili’s menu in terms of calories.
Are Original Chicken Crispers Healthy?
Let’s be real – Original Chicken Crispers aren’t exactly a health food. With 34 grams of fat and 1350 mg of sodium, they’re probably not what your doctor would recommend as a daily meal.
However, in the context of restaurant appetizers, they’re not the worst choice you could make. The 31 grams of protein is a nice nutritional bonus, and they’re lower in calories than many other appetizer options at Chili’s.
Pros:
- Good source of protein (31g)
- Lower in calories than many other Chili’s appetizers
- No trans fat
- Moderate carbohydrate content (23g)
Cons:
- High in fat (34g, 52% of daily value)
- High in sodium (1350mg, 56% of daily value)
- Contains 10g of sugar
Making Healthier Choices at Chili’s
If you’re watching your calorie intake but still want to enjoy Chili’s, here are some options that are lower in calories than the Original Chicken Crispers:
- Grilled Chicken Salad: 440 calories
- Guiltless Grill Classic Sirloin Steak: 330 calories
- Guiltless Grill Margarita Grilled Chicken: 651 calories
- Seared Shrimp: 30-60 calories (as an add-on)
- Fresco Salad: 130 calories
My Personal Experience with Chili’s Original Chicken Crispers
I first tried Chili’s Original Chicken Crispers about 5 years ago, and I’ve been hooked ever since. There’s something about that crispy-yet-light batter that just hits different from other chicken tenders.
When I’m trying to be “good” with my eating, I’ll split an order with a friend and pair it with a side salad. But let’s be honest – sometimes you just need to enjoy the full order yourself! At 510 calories, it’s not a diet-buster if you’re mindful of your other meals that day.
Tips for Enjoying Original Chicken Crispers in a Balanced Diet
- Share an order with a friend to cut the calories in half
- Skip the fries if you’re ordering as a meal and opt for steamed broccoli (40 calories) instead
- Go easy on the dipping sauces – they can add significant calories
- Balance your day – if you know you’re having Chicken Crispers for dinner, go lighter on breakfast and lunch
- Add a veggie side to increase the nutritional value of your meal
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Chili’s Original Chicken Crispers gluten-free?
No, the Original Chicken Crispers contain gluten in the batter.
How many Chicken Crispers come in a serving?
A typical appetizer serving contains 4-5 pieces, though this may vary by location.
Can I order Original Chicken Crispers as part of a meal?
Yes, you can order them as an entrée, which typically comes with sides like fries and coleslaw.
Are the Original Chicken Crispers different from the Crispy Chicken Crispers?
Yes! The Original Chicken Crispers have a lighter, more tempura-like batter, while the Crispy Chicken Crispers have a thicker, more traditional breading.
How many calories are in the dipping sauces?
- Honey Mustard Sauce: 200 calories
- Ranch Dressing: 170 calories
- BBQ Sauce: 60-80 calories depending on the type
Conclusion
Chili’s Original Chicken Crispers clock in at 510 calories as served, with 34g of fat, 23g of carbs, and 31g of protein. While they’re not exactly diet food, they’re one of the more moderate appetizer choices at Chili’s in terms of calories.
As with any restaurant food, moderation is key. If you’re craving those crispy, tender chicken strips, go ahead and enjoy them – just be mindful of your overall daily intake and maybe throw in some extra steps or a workout to balance things out.
References
This nutritional information was sourced from Chili’s official nutrition information and CalorieKing, last updated in September 2024. Please note that restaurant preparations can vary, so actual nutritional values may differ slightly.
Disclaimer: I’m not a registered dietitian or nutritionist. This article is based on publicly available nutrition information and should not be considered medical or nutritional advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dietary recommendations.
Chili’s Crispy Chicken Crispers Nutrition Facts
*All percent daily value figures are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.Nutritional information source:
There are 1381 calories in Crispy Chicken Crispers from Chilis. Most of those calories come from fat (47%) and carbohydrates (37%).
To burn the 1381 calories in Crispy Chicken Crispers, you would have to run for 121 minutes or walk for 197 minutes. — Advertisement. Content continues below — Popular Restaurants
According to our website visitors, Crispy Chicken Crispers is not a healthy and nutritious option from Chilis, with only 17% of voters finding it to be healthy.
Let us know what you think! Review the nutrition facts above and then vote on whether you think Crispy Chicken Crispers is healthy or not.