Chili's Kids Menu Updated (2026): Everything Parents Need to Know Before You Go
The Chili’s kids menu, known as the Pepper Pals menu, offers a selection of meals designed for younger diners. Depending on the location, choices may include burgers, chicken, pizza, grilled cheese, mac and cheese, quesadillas, and other familiar options.
This guide provides an overview of Pepper Pals menu choices, typical prices, calorie information, sides, drinks, promotional offers, and practical points for families to consider before visiting. Menu items, prices, nutrition information, promotions, and availability can vary by restaurant location, so current local information should be confirmed before ordering.
What Is the Chili's Pepper Pals Kids Menu?
The Pepper Pals menu is Chili’s menu for younger diners and includes a range of familiar entrée choices. Kids meals generally combine an entrée with available side and beverage options, although exact selections can vary by location.
Some restaurants may also provide children’s activity materials. Families who want a particular meal, side, activity option, or accommodation should confirm availability with the selected restaurant.
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 | Simple, familiar 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
The Pepper Pals Cheese Pizza is a straightforward option for children who prefer familiar flavors. Check the current local menu for serving size, calorie information, price, and availability.
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 practical checks can make ordering from the kids menu easier:
- Check the local menu before visiting. Prices, entrées, sides, and promotions may differ by restaurant location.
- Confirm available sides. If a child prefers a particular side, check that it is available before ordering.
- Review rewards offers. My Chili’s Rewards promotions can change, so check the current app or account before relying on a specific offer.
- Ask about activity materials. Availability of crayons, activity sheets, or similar items may vary by location.
- Discuss dietary requirements directly with restaurant staff. Guests managing food allergies or other dietary restrictions should review current allergen information and confirm preparation details before ordering.
Is the Chili's Kids Menu Worth It?
The Pepper Pals menu provides several familiar options for younger diners, with choices that may include burgers, pizza, chicken, grilled cheese, and other kid-friendly meals. For many families, the main advantage is the ability to choose a smaller meal designed around a child’s appetite rather than ordering a full adult entrée.
Overall value depends on the current local price, portion preference, available sides and drinks, and any active My Chili’s Rewards promotion. Checking the menu for the specific restaurant before visiting provides the most accurate basis for comparison.
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?
The Pepper Pals menu gives families a selection of familiar meals in portions intended for younger diners. Depending on location, options can include burgers, chicken, pizza, grilled cheese, mac and cheese, quesadillas, sides, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Families comparing options should consider the current local price, available sides, portion preferences, nutrition information, and any active rewards promotions. Because menu selections and promotions can change, checking the selected restaurant’s current menu before visiting is recommended.
For children with food allergies or medically necessary dietary restrictions, review Chili’s current allergen information and discuss the dietary requirement directly with restaurant staff. Shared preparation areas and equipment may create cross-contact risks.
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 — Review gluten-friendly menu possibilities, ingredient considerations, and important cross-contact information before ordering.
For placing order or further details, please visit the nearest Chili’s Restaurant or visit the Chili’s official site.