Chili's Kids Menu Updated (2026): Everything Parents Need to Know Before You Go
My kids have strong opinions about restaurants. Like, very strong. One will only eat pasta, the other thinks fries are a food group, and convincing either of them to try something new is basically a negotiation. So when I say Chili’s has become our go-to family dinner spot, that actually means something. The Chili’s kids menu, which is officially called the Pepper Pals menu, is one of those rare setups that keeps both the kids AND the parents happy. The food is familiar enough that picky eaters would not melt down, but there is just enough variety that you are not ordering the exact same thing every single time. Moreover, the prices are also very reasonable, which matter when you are feeding a whole family. Here’s everything you need to know before your next visit.
What Is the Chili's Pepper Pals Kids Menu?
Chili’s does not just slap a couple of boring options on a laminated sheet and call it a kids menu. The Pepper Pals menu has around 11 different entrée options, and each designed specifically for younger diners. Every meal comes with a side and a drink included, so you are not playing à la carte math at the table. The name “Pepper Pals” is a nice touch, kids seem to vibe with it, and Chili’s leans into the branding with activity sheets and crayons at the table, which is genuinely a lifesaver when you are waiting on food.
Full Chili's Kids Menu Breakdown
It is imperative to have a glance first that what Pepper Pals menu presents, with typical prices. Keep in mind prices can vary a bit by location, so treat these as ballpark figures.
| Item | Price | Calories | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepper Pals Burger Bites | $6.95 | ~400 | Picky eaters |
| Pepper Pals Chicken Crispers | $6.95 | ~500–600 | Crunch lovers |
| Pepper Pals Cheese Pizza | $6.95 | ~500 | Safe option |
| Pepper Pals Grilled Chicken Dippers | $6.95 | ~280 | Healthier choice |
| Pepper Pals Mac & Cheese | $6.95 | ~400+ | Comfort food |
| Pepper Pals Grilled Cheese | $6.95 | ~350 | Light eaters |
| Pepper Pals Corn Dog | $6.95 | ~450 | Classic favorite |
| Pepper Pals Cheese Quesadilla | $6.95 | ~400 | Snack-style meal |
Main Entrées
Pepper Pals Burger Bites
Mini-sized cheeseburgers that are just right for smaller hands and smaller appetites. Around 400 calories and priced in the $6–$7 range. These are consistently a hit. Kids who “don’t like burgers” somehow always like these.
Pepper Pals Grilled Chicken Dippers
One of the healthier picks on the menu, these grilled chicken pieces clock in around 280 calories. Good option if you’re trying to steer away from fried everything.
Pepper Pals Chicken Crispers (Fried)
The classic crispy version for kids who want that crunch. More indulgent, but honestly, it’s what most kids actually want.
Pepper Pals Cheese Pizza
A 6-inch pizza, roughly 500 calories. Simple, cheesy, and reliable. This is my pasta-only kid’s backup option when pasta isn’t on the menu.
Pepper Pals Mac & Cheese
Creamy mac that costs around $6. Exactly what it sounds like. Zero surprises, which is sometimes exactly what you need.
Pepper Pals Grilled Cheese
A solid choice for the kid who just wants something comforting and familiar. Simple, toasty, no drama.
Pepper Pals Mini Steak Tacos
A slightly more adventurous pick for kids who are ready to branch out. Not every location may carry this, so worth checking.
Pepper Pals Corn Dog
A classic. Some kids just aren’t going anywhere without seeing this on the menu.
Pepper Pals Cheese Quesadilla
Light, not too cheesy (which is actually a selling point for some kids), and works great as a snack-sized meal.
Sides That Come With the Meal
Kids’ meals come with a side — typically fries, applesauce, or steamed veggies, depending on the location. It’s worth asking your server what the current side options are because they can vary. Steamed broccoli is available at most locations if you want something a little more nutritious alongside the meal.
Drinks
The meal includes a non-alcoholic drink, which usually means juice, milk, or a soft drink. Standard stuff, but appreciated since it keeps the total cost manageable.
How Much Does the Chili's Kids Menu Cost?
Kids menu prices are set at $6.95 for an entrée, one side, and a drink. You can add an additional side for $1.50. Given that you’re getting a complete meal — main, side, and drink — that’s genuinely solid value compared to most casual dining chains. In 2026, Chili’s keeps prices low for families, with meals ranging from $3 to $7. Prices might nudge slightly higher in certain markets or airports, but they’re always on the affordable end.
The Kids Eat Free Deal — And How to Actually Get It
This one’s worth knowing about before your visit. Chili’s offers a free kids’ meal for kids 12 and under when you buy any regular adult entrée. To get it, you need to be a My Chili’s Rewards member. They’ll send you offers via email or text, letting you know when the deal’s on. It works for dining in or ordering online. So it’s not an everyday thing — it’s a periodic promotional offer. But if you eat at Chili’s even semi-regularly, signing up for My Chili’s Rewards takes about two minutes and is genuinely worth it. Beyond the Kids Eat Free deal, My Chili’s Rewards also gets you free chips and salsa or a non-alcoholic drink on every visit (with a $5 minimum purchase), plus exclusive discounts and points for every dollar spent. Basically, just sign up. There’s no reason not to.
Nutrition: What Parents Actually Want to Know
Look, no one’s pretending the kids menu is a health food showcase. But Chili’s does publish calorie counts, which helps you make informed choices. The calorie count includes 280 calories for the Grilled Chicken Dippers, 400 for Burger Bites, and 500 for Cheese Pizza. If you’re trying to keep things on the lighter side, the Grilled Chicken Dippers with a veggie side is probably your best bet. If your kid is just hungry and you’re done negotiating, the mac & cheese or pizza will do the job. One thing to flag: Chili’s notes that their kitchens use shared equipment, so if your kid has severe allergies, double-check with the staff about cross-contamination risks. Always worth asking.
Tips for a Smoother Chili's Visit With Kids
A few things I’ve picked up from too many family dinners:
- Go slightly off-peak. Weekday evenings before 6pm are quieter and you’ll get faster service. Weekend lunch can get hectic.
- Let them pick their side. Something about having a small choice makes kids way more invested in eating the actual meal.
- Ask about current sides. Locations differ in what they offer, so if your kid has strong opinions, confirm before ordering.
- Use the activity sheet. It’s there for a reason. Crayons + tic-tac-toe buys you approximately 8–12 minutes of peace.
- Check your rewards app before you sit down. Takes 20 seconds and might save you $7.
Is the Chili's Kids Menu Worth It?
Honestly, yeah. The Chili’s kids menu includes corn dogs, sliders, individual pizzas, chicken strips, and even a grilled chicken breast with broccoli — which covers a pretty wide range of what kids will and won’t eat. It’s not going to win any awards for culinary innovation, but that’s not the point. The point is that your kid eats something they like, you eat something you actually want, and nobody cries. That’s the win. The pricing is fair, the portions are right-sized, and the meal, entree plus side plus drink, is a complete package. For casual family dining, it’s hard to beat.
Bonus: Can Adults Order From the Kids Menu?
Bit of a fun one. Employees at Chili’s often reveal in forums and online that the chain doesn’t have an age limit for who can order from the kids menu. So if you’re watching your budget or just not that hungry, the kids menu is apparently fair game. The portion sizes are smaller, but at $6.95 for a full meal with a drink, it’s not the worst call. The cheese quesadillas are a great pick for adults too, especially if you’re not looking for anything overly cheesy — light and ideal for snacks.
Wrapping It Up — Is Chili's Worth the Family Trip?
After all the dinners, the spilled juice cups, the crayon negotiations, and the “I don’t WANT that” moments — yes. Chili’s is genuinely one of the better casual dining spots for families, and the Pepper Pals kids menu is a big part of why. It’s not fancy. It’s not trying to be. But it covers the basics really well — familiar options, right-sized portions, a complete meal for under $7, and a rewards program that occasionally makes one of those meals free. That’s a solid package for a weeknight family dinner or a weekend treat. If your kid is a picky eater, the mac & cheese, grilled cheese, or cheese pizza will save the day. If they’re a bit more adventurous, the mini steak tacos or chicken dippers are worth trying. And if you have a kid with dietary needs, it’s definitely worth reading up before you go — Chili’s does have options, you just want to know what to ask for. The bottom line? Chili’s has quietly figured out how to make family dining low-stress and wallet-friendly — and that’s actually kind of hard to do.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What age is the Chili's kids menu for?
The Pepper Pals menu is generally intended for kids 12 and under. That’s also the age cutoff for the Kids Eat Free promotion.
Does every Chili's location have the same kids menu?
Mostly, yes,but there can be small variations in what sides are offered or whether certain items are available. It’s always worth a quick check on the app or a call ahead if your kid has a very specific request.
How do I get the Chili's Kids Eat Free deal?
Sign up for My Chili’s Rewards (free, on their website or app). Watch for the offer to pop up via email or text, then order any regular adult entrée and the kid’s meal is covered. Works in-restaurant and online.
Are there healthy options on the Chili's kids menu?
Yes — the Grilled Chicken Dippers are one of the lighter choices at around 280 calories, and steamed broccoli is available as a side at most locations. Fresh fruit is also an option at some Chili’s.
Does the kids meal include a drink?
Yes. Each Pepper Pals meal comes with an entrée, one side, and a non-alcoholic drink included in the price.
Explore More Chili's Menu Guides
- Chili’s Full Menu — A complete breakdown of every category on the menu, from appetizers to desserts, with prices and top picks for every type of diner.
- Chili’s Happy Hour Menu — Planning a post-kids-bedtime adult outing? The Happy Hour deals at Chili’s are genuinely good. Check what’s available and when.
- Chili’s Gluten Free Menu Guide — If anyone in your family eats gluten-free, don’t skip this. We’ve mapped out all the safe options and what to watch out for when ordering
For placing order or further details, please visit the nearest Chili’s Restaurant or visit the Chili’s official site.