Alright, let’s talk about one of life’s ultimate comfort foods: potato soup. And not just any potato soup—Chili’s loaded potato soup. If you’ve ever cozied up with a warm, creamy bowl of this stuff, you already know it’s a winner. But let’s be real: a question lingers in every food lover’s mind when indulging in something this good: how many calories am I actually eating?
Spoiler alert: it’s not exactly “light” fare. But hey, you’re here for the flavour, not a diet lecture. Let’s break it all down, calorie by calorie, and answer some FAQs while we’re at it.
Chili’s Potato Soup: What’s in It?
First, let’s set the scene. Chili’s loaded potato soup is a creamy, hearty dish packed with all the good stuff: tender potatoes, a rich, creamy base, shredded cheese, crispy bacon, and a dollop of sour cream on top. Oh, and let’s not forget that sprinkle of green onions for a pop of freshness.
Each of these ingredients brings its own calorie contribution to the table, so it’s no surprise this soup isn’t exactly low-calorie. But that’s why we love it—it’s indulgent, satisfying, and honestly worth every spoonful.
So, How Many Calories Are We Talking?
Here’s the lowdown: a cup of Chili’s loaded potato soup contains about 400–450 calories. But—and here’s the kicker—that’s just for a cup. If you’re ordering a full bowl (because, let’s face it, who stops at a cup?), you’re looking at roughly 700–1,000 calories, depending on the toppings and portion size.
Now, if you pair that with Chili’s famous Texas toast or their tortilla chips (which, let’s be honest, you probably will), you’re easily adding another 200–300 calories. Toss in a drink (hello, sweet tea), and that one soup meal could hit 1,200–1,500 calories—aka, a full day’s worth for some people.
Breaking Down the Calories (Ingredient by Ingredient)
- Potatoes: A key player in the soup, potatoes bring about 110–150 calories per cup, depending on the portion size. Potatoes themselves aren’t super high-calorie, but once they’re swimming in cream… well, things change.
- Creamy Base: The creamy soup base is where the calorie count shoots up. Cream, butter, and possibly a little flour or cornstarch for thickening add roughly 200–300 calories per serving.
- Cheese: A generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese adds about 100–150 calories, depending on how heavy-handed the chef is.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon crumbles contribute another 80–100 calories. (Totally worth it, though.)
- Sour Cream: That dollop of sour cream on top is roughly 30–50 calories.
- Toppings (like green onions): Practically negligible in calories—but hey, they make the soup look pretty!
Is It a Healthy Option?
Let’s not kid ourselves—Chili’s potato soup isn’t exactly a “health food.” It’s high in calories, fats, and carbs, which makes it more of an indulgence than a daily staple. But if you’re treating yourself, that’s totally okay! Life’s too short to skip out on something this delicious.
Pro Tip: If you’re watching your calories, you can try these swaps:
- Ask for the soup without sour cream or bacon.
- Go light on the cheese.
- Pair it with a side salad instead of bread or chips.
- Order a cup instead of a bowl (or split it with a friend!).
Calories in a Meal Featuring Chili’s Potato Soup
If you’re having Chili’s potato soup as part of a meal, the calorie count can climb quickly depending on what you pair it with. For example, adding a side salad with ranch dressing adds around 150–200 calories, while a slice of their signature Texas toast clocks in at 160 calories per slice. Want to share some chips and salsa with the table? That’ll add about 900 calories to the meal if you go all in. This makes the potato soup an indulgence that’s best savoured as a treat or balanced with lighter options on the menu.
How Chili’s Potato Soup Fits into a Balanced Diet
Let’s talk about balance for a minute. If you’re aiming to keep your daily calorie intake in check, you can absolutely work Chili’s potato soup into your day. Plan ahead by keeping breakfast or lunch on the lighter side. For example, starting your day with Greek yogurt and fruit or a veggie-packed salad can give you the wiggle room to enjoy the soup later. The key is to enjoy it mindfully and avoid pairing it with other high-calorie sides unless you’re treating yourself to a big night out (which is totally okay sometimes!).
How Chili’s Potato Soup Stacks Up Against Other Restaurant Soups
When it comes to restaurant soups, Chili’s potato soup is one of the richer, creamier options. By comparison, a cup of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup has about 360 calories, while Olive Garden’s famous Zuppa Toscana runs about 220 calories per cup. Even Chili’s own Southwest chicken soup is lighter, with just 200–250 calories per cup. However, none of these soups offer quite the same comforting, loaded potato flavour that you get with Chili’s. So, while it’s a splurge, it’s one that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
Hidden Calories to Watch Out For in Chili’s Potato Soup
Here’s something to keep in mind: the calorie count can vary based on how the soup is served. Extra cheese or a second dollop of sour cream might sneak into your bowl, adding an additional 50–100 calories without you even realizing it. Additionally, if you love dipping bread or chips into your soup, those calories add up fast. While it’s all delicious, keeping these extras in check can help you enjoy the soup without going too far over your calorie goals.
Is Chili’s Potato Soup a Good Option for Weight Watchers or Other Diet Plans?
If you’re following a program like Weight Watchers or tracking your calories on an app like MyFitnessPal, you’ll want to factor in the high calorie and fat content of Chili’s potato soup. A single serving might cost you a significant portion of your daily points or calorie budget. That said, it’s still doable if you plan ahead or share it with a friend. A small portion paired with lighter options like a grilled chicken salad can help you enjoy the flavour without overindulging.
FAQs About Chili’s Potato Soup
1. How many carbs are in Chili’s potato soup?
One cup of Chili’s loaded potato soup typically contains about 25–30 grams of carbs, while a full bowl could have closer to 50–60 grams. Most of the carbs come from the potatoes and the creamy soup base.
2. Does Chili’s potato soup have gluten?
Yes, it likely contains gluten due to the flour or other thickeners used in the creamy base. If you have gluten sensitivity, it’s best to ask your server for clarification or check Chili’s allergen menu.
3. Can I make a lower-calorie version at home?
Absolutely! You can whip up a lighter version by using:
- Low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of heavy cream.
- Turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
- Reduced-fat cheese or just a smaller amount of regular cheese.
- Less butter (or skip it altogether—your call!).
4. How does it compare to other soups at Chili’s?
Good question! Chili’s potato soup is one of their richest options, calorie-wise. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, try their chicken enchilada soup or Southwest chicken soup, which are generally lower in calories but still packed with flavour.
A Quick Recipe for Chili’s Potato Soup (Inspired by the OG)
If you’re craving that Chili’s potato soup vibe but don’t want to head out, you can totally make a similar version at home! Here’s a simplified recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for fewer calories)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook the potatoes in chicken broth until they’re soft (about 15–20 minutes).
- Mash slightly for a chunky texture, or blend if you want it smooth.
- Stir in the cream and shredded cheese, letting everything melt together.
- Top with bacon, green onions, and more cheese—because why not?
This version clocks in at about 300–400 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and ingredient swaps.
Why We Love Chili’s Potato Soup (Calories and All)
Let’s be honest: sometimes you just want comfort food, and Chili’s potato soup hits the spot every time. Sure, it’s not “diet food,” but who cares? Life’s about balance. Enjoy the soup, savour every bite, and don’t stress over the calorie count too much. After all, good food is meant to be enjoyed—not overanalyzed. So go ahead, grab that spoon, and dig in. You deserve it.
Final Thoughts
Chili’s potato soup is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Yes, it’s calorie-heavy, but it’s one of those dishes that’s worth the splurge every now and then. Whether you’re indulging in a bowl at the restaurant or whipping up a lighter version at home, this soup is comfort food at its finest.
And hey, if you’re feeling guilty about the calories, just remind yourself: it’s not every day you treat yourself like this. (Or is it?) Either way, enjoy it. You’ve earned it.
