Have you been craving that warm, comforting bowl of Southwest Chicken Soup from Chili’s Grill & Bar but worried about the calorie content? I’ve been there too! As someone who tries to balance eating out with staying healthy I wanted to dig deep into exactly what’s in this popular menu item.
The Quick Calorie Breakdown
Let’s cut to the chase – here’s what you’re getting in a cup (8 fl. oz) of Chili’s Southwest Chicken Soup:
- Calories: 125 calories
- Fat: 5.5g (8% DV)
- Carbs: 14g (5% DV)
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 1.5g (6% DV)
This makes it one of the lower-calorie options on Chili’s menu which is great news for soup lovers!
Nutritional Details: What’s Really in That Bowl?
When you’re enjoying that flavorful Southwest Chicken Soup, here’s a more detailed breakdown of what you’re consuming:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | 5.5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g | – |
| Cholesterol | 13mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 695mg | 29% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14g | 5% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5g | 6% |
| Sugars | 2g | – |
| Protein | 5g | – |
Watch Out for the Sodium!
One thing that jumps out to me is the sodium content – 695mg is about 29% of your recommended daily intake in just one cup of soup! If you’re watching your salt intake, this is definitely something to be aware of.
How Long Would It Take to Burn Off?
We all know calories in is only half the equation – what about calories out? To burn off that 125-calorie cup of Southwest Chicken Soup, you’d need to:
- Swim: 10 minutes
- Jog: 14 minutes
- Cycle: 19 minutes
- Walk: 35 minutes
These calculations are based on a 35-year-old female who is 5’7″ tall and weighs 144 lbs, Your actual calorie burn might vary depending on your body size and fitness level
How Does It Compare to Other Chili’s Soups?
Chili’s offers several soups on their menu. Let’s see how the Southwest Chicken Soup stacks up against its soupy siblings:
- Southwest Chicken Soup: 125 calories per cup
- Chicken Enchilada Soup: 205-410 calories (depending on serving size)
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup: 235-471 calories
- Clam Chowder Soup: 165-330 calories
- The Original Chili: 365-731 calories
As you can see, the Southwest Chicken Soup is actually the lightest option in the soup category at Chili’s! This makes it a smart choice if you’re trying to keep your calorie intake in check while still enjoying a meal at Chili’s.
What’s Making Up Those Calories?
The calorie breakdown of the Southwest Chicken Soup is approximately:
- 38% from fat
- 47% from carbs
- 15% from protein
This distribution actually makes it a fairly balanced meal component, though I’d personally like to see a bit more protein.
Is It Actually Healthy?
Well, “healthy” is relative and depends on your personal nutrition goals. However, here are some pros and cons:
Pros:
- Low calorie (only 125 per cup)
- Contains some fiber (1.5g)
- Moderate protein content (5g)
- Lower in fat than many other menu items
Cons:
- High in sodium (695mg per cup)
- Contains trans fat (0.3g)
- Not super high in protein compared to other options
Making It Part of a Balanced Meal
If you’re having the Southwest Chicken Soup at Chili’s, here are some tips to create a more balanced meal:
- Start with the soup as an appetizer rather than higher-calorie options like Texas Cheese Fries (1341-1862 calories!)
- Pair it with a side salad to add more fiber and nutrients
- Consider it as part of a Lunch Combo which typically keeps portions smaller
- Watch your drink choice – stick with water or unsweetened tea to avoid adding empty calories
What Others Are Saying
I’ve talked to several friends who are big fans of this soup, and most agree that it’s one of those rare menu items that feels satisfying without leaving you with food regret afterward. The consensus seems to be that it’s flavorful enough to feel like an indulgence, even though it’s relatively light on calories.
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
At 125 calories per cup, Chili’s Southwest Chicken Soup is definitely one of the more waistline-friendly options on their menu. When you compare it to something like their Awesome Blossom appetizer (821 calories) or Quesadilla Explosion Salad (1411 calories – yes, a SALAD!), the soup comes out looking pretty good.
However, if you’re strictly counting calories or watching sodium, you should know that restaurant soups generally contain more salt than homemade versions. The 695mg of sodium is substantial for a single cup of soup.
How to Recreate It at Home
If you love the taste but want more control over the ingredients, here’s a basic idea for making your own version:
- Start with low-sodium chicken broth
- Add diced chicken breast
- Toss in corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, and peppers
- Season with cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder
- Add a small amount of cream at the end if desired
- Top with a few tortilla strips for crunch
This way, you can enjoy a similar flavor profile while controlling the sodium and potentially boosting the protein content.
Final Thoughts
I’ve gotta say, finding a menu item at a restaurant chain that’s under 150 calories and still tastes good is kinda like finding a unicorn! Chili’s Southwest Chicken Soup offers a tasty way to start your meal without blowing your calorie budget right off the bat.
Just remember, if you follow it up with a Molten Chocolate Cake (1171 calories), you’re kinda defeating the purpose of choosing a lighter starter.
The next time you’re at Chili’s and craving something warm and satisfying without the calorie guilt, the Southwest Chicken Soup is definitely worth considering. Just be mindful of that sodium content if you’re watching your salt intake.
Have you tried this soup at Chili’s? What did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts and whether you think it’s worth the calories!
FAQs About Chili’s Southwest Chicken Soup
How many calories are in a bowl of Chili’s Southwest Chicken Soup?
The calorie content may vary depending on serving size. A cup (8 fl. oz) contains 125 calories, so a bowl would typically be around 250 calories if it’s a 16 oz serving.
Is Chili’s Southwest Chicken Soup gluten-free?
Chili’s doesn’t specifically list this soup as gluten-free on their menu. If you have gluten sensitivities, it’s best to ask your server for the most current information.
Can I order Chili’s Southwest Chicken Soup as part of a combo?
Yes! The soup is available as part of Chili’s Lunch Combo options, which can help you control portions and calories.
How does Chili’s Southwest Chicken Soup compare to other fast food soups?
At 125 calories per cup, it’s generally lower in calories than many comparable restaurant soups, making it a relatively good choice for those watching their calorie intake.
Does Chili’s Southwest Chicken Soup contain dairy?
Based on the nutritional information, it likely contains some dairy as it has 1g of saturated fat, but for specific allergen information, it’s best to check with the restaurant directly.
Remember, enjoying your food is just as important as counting calories, so if this soup brings you joy, it definitely deserves a place in your balanced diet approach!
Chili’s Southwest Chicken Soup Cup Nutrition Facts
*All percent daily value figures are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.Nutritional information source:
There are 125 calories in a Southwest Chicken Soup Cup from Chilis. Most of those calories come from fat (42%) and carbohydrates (43%).
To burn the 125 calories in a Southwest Chicken Soup Cup, you would have to run for 11 minutes or walk for 18 minutes. — Advertisement. Content continues below — Popular Restaurants
Let us know what you think! Review the nutrition facts above and then vote on whether you think a Southwest Chicken Soup Cup is healthy or not.