Chili’s Grill & Bar is making a significant change to its appetizer menu by replacing its long-standing Skillet Beef and White Skillet Queso with a new Southwestern Queso. The new item rolls out nationwide on Tuesday, October 7.
The updated recipe comes after nearly two years of development and is part of a broader push by the chain to improve its food and guest experience.
Chili’s noted that the two previous queso options accounted for only about 1% of overall sales, a sign that they weren’t resonating with diners. That feedback pushed the brand to prioritize an overhaul.
“Our guests told us they wanted a better queso, and we listened,” said George Felix, Chief Marketing Officer at Chili’s. “We took our time to get it right, and we’re excited to finally serve a queso that delivers the bold, Southwestern flavors our guests love.”
What’s in the New Queso?
The Southwestern Queso features a blend of American and cheddar cheeses, fire-roasted green chilies, sweet onions, and a hint of lime. It’s served with Chili’s signature thin tortilla chips and house-made salsa.
The company says the new version tested well with customers after nearly 70% of participants in a taste test said they preferred the Southwestern Queso over the outgoing Skillet Beef version.
Free Queso Promotion for Rewards Members
To mark the launch, Chili’s is offering free Southwestern Queso and chips to My Chili’s Rewards members from October 7 through October 21. The offer is limited to one redemption per member.
The queso will be available in several ways such as a standalone appetizer, as part of the Dip Trio, or as a side with Chili’s Sizzlin’ Fajitas. It will also appear in a new item: Chicken Bacon Ranch Nachos.
The nachos include chicken, bacon bits, a generous pour of Southwestern Queso, and are topped with Pico de Gallo, sour cream, and Chili’s house-made ranch.
The new Southwestern Queso and Chicken Bacon Ranch Nachos will be available at all Chili’s locations nationwide starting October 7.