Bj’s Chili Recipe

Craving a warm, comforting bowl of chili that’s bursting with flavor? This BJ’s Chili Recipe delivers just that and more. With a savory blend of pork and beef, bold spices, and a couple of clever secret ingredients, this chili is anything but ordinary. Whether you’re cozying up on a cold day or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe brings maximum comfort with minimal fuss.

What makes this chili stand out is the depth of flavor. From perfectly browned meat to smoky chipotle and a hint of cocoa, each bite is rich, balanced, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that gets better the longer it simmers perfect for lazy weekend cooking.

This isn’t your everyday chili. It’s hearty, spicy, and full of personality, with layers of flavors that’ll keep everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds).

Why You’ll Love Bj’s Chili

The first time I made this BJ’s Chili Recipe, I was hooked before it even hit the bowl. The smell alone rich, smoky, and slightly sweet had me hovering over the pot with anticipation. The combination of pork and beef gave it that unbeatable texture, while the chipotle and cocoa created a deep, complex flavor profile.

I love how flexible this recipe is. You can switch out the protein or adjust the heat level to your liking. But let’s be honest nothing beats the classic combo of beef, pork, and bold spices. Add a generous handful of cheddar and a dollop of sour cream, and it’s absolute chili perfection.

This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially during colder months. It’s comfort food with a gourmet edge and one I always look forward to sharing.

Ingredients Required for Bj’s Chili Recipe

Before you start, make sure you have all the following ingredients listed below for this Bj’s Chili Recipe

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tbsp beef bouillon powder
• 1 tsp MSG (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
• 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo, blended
• 1 tbsp garlic paste
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• Pinch of cinnamon
• 2–3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1 can tomato soup
• 1 can light kidney beans, drained
• 1 can dark kidney beans, drained
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños
• Fried onions
• Chives

Kitchen Equipment Needed

1. Dutch oven or large pot
2. Slotted spoon
3. Blender or NutriBullet
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Measuring spoons and cups

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Total Time: Approx. 2 hours

Copycat Bj’s Chili Recipe

Just follow these easy steps to make your own Bj’s Chili at home

1. Brown the Meat: Heat avocado oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground pork and beef. Spread evenly and sear until browned and crusted. Season with beef bouillon, MSG (optional), and a little all-purpose seasoning. Remove the meat using a slotted spoon, leaving the fat in the pot.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onions, green onions, and jalapeño. Cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Toast Spices and Secret Ingredients: Add cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Stir and let the spices toast in the fat for a minute. Deglaze the pot with a splash of Mexican beer or beef broth, scraping the bottom to release flavor.

4. Build the Chili Base: Add blended chipotle peppers in adobo, crushed tomatoes, and tomato soup. Stir to combine, then season with salt, all-purpose seasoning, and more bouillon if desired.

5. Simmer with Beans: Pour in the beef broth and add both light and dark kidney beans. Let the chili simmer uncovered on low for about an hour, stirring occasionally.

6. Finish and Serve: Stir in brown sugar, honey, and garlic paste. Return the browned meat to the pot. Simmer another hour until thick and flavorful. Serve hot with toppings like cheddar cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, and fried onions.

How to Store Bj’s Chili Properly?

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Check another delicious recipe form BJ’s Brewhouse, called Bj’s Jambalaya Recipe.

What to Pair and Serve with Bj’s Chili

1. Classic with Cheddar and Sour Cream
Let’s start with the go-to. A generous handful of shredded sharp cheddar melting over hot chili, topped with a big dollop of sour cream it’s pure comfort. We do this every time, and it never fails to satisfy. The creaminess cuts the heat just right.

2. Cornbread on the Side (or Underneath!)
We love pouring the chili right over a warm slice of honey cornbread. The sweetness of the cornbread balances out the smoky spice perfectly. Pro tip: crumble it right into the bowl and mix it up for next-level texture.

3. Loaded Chili Fries
Take your chili leftovers and spoon them over a tray of crispy fries then top with cheese, jalapeños, and maybe a drizzle of ranch or hot sauce. We’ve made this during game nights and let’s just say… it disappears fast.

4. Chili-Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are a blank canvas. We’ve tried stuffing them with this chili, topping with cheese and a bit of chive it turns a humble potato into a full-on meal. Plus, it reheats well if you prep it ahead.

5. With a Crusty Bread Bowl
If you haven’t had chili in a bread bowl yet, you’re missing out. We served it this way at a gathering once, and it was a hit. The bread soaks up all the rich sauce you’ll be scraping the sides by the end.

6. Chili Dogs
We’ve made backyard chili dogs with this recipe and honestly, it takes hot dogs to a whole new level. Just toast the buns, spoon the chili over the dog, add diced onions and shredded cheese so good!

7. Nacho Night Twist
Grab some tortilla chips, layer them with chili, jalapeños, queso, and sour cream. We do this when we’re craving something indulgent and fun. It’s a great way to repurpose leftovers too.

8. Chili Mac (Ultimate Comfort Combo)
One time, we stirred this chili into a pot of elbow macaroni and… wow. The result? The creamiest, boldest chili mac we’ve ever had. We’ve done it multiple times since it’s a keeper.

9. Chili Topped with Fried Egg (Brunch Vibes)
Trust us on this. A fried egg on top of hot chili with a runny yolk adds a whole new level of richness. We tried this on a slow Sunday morning and now it’s in our permanent brunch rotation.

10. Chili-Stuffed Bell Peppers
For a lighter option, we’ve stuffed hollowed-out bell peppers with this chili and baked them until tender. It makes a colorful, low-carb twist and still packs all the flavor. Bonus: great for meal prep!

My Personal Experience With this Recipe and Some Tips

1. Brown the meat really well
Let the meat sit in the pot without moving it too much. That nice brown crust gives your chili lots of yummy flavor!

2. Use both pork and beef
Using two kinds of meat makes the chili extra tasty. But if you don’t have both, just use one kind it’s still delicious!

3. Don’t skip the veggies
Onions and jalapeños make the chili smell and taste awesome like the Bj’s Brewhouse Brussel Sprouts. Let them cook until they’re soft before adding spices.

4. Try the cocoa powder
It might sound funny, but cocoa powder adds a rich flavor. Don’t worry it’s not sweet!

5. Blend the chipotle peppers
Blending makes them smooth so they mix in nicely. They make the chili smoky and spicy!

6. Taste as you go
Every time you add something, give it a little taste. You can always add more salt or spice if needed.

7. Let it simmer
The longer your chili cooks, the better it tastes. Be patient good things take time!

8. Make it your own
Don’t like it too spicy? Use fewer peppers. Like it sweet? Add a little more honey. Chili is all about what you like.

9. Add fun toppings
Cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, fried onions go wild! Toppings make your bowl of chili extra fun and yummy.

10. Save leftovers!
Chili tastes even better the next day. Keep extra in the fridge or freeze some for a busy day.

FAQs on Bj’s Chili Recipe

Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about the Bj’s Chili Recipe

1. Can I make this chili without pork?

Yes, absolutely! We’ve made it with just ground beef several times, and it still turns out delicious. You can also use turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. The pork adds richness, but it’s not essential to the flavor.

2. Why do you use cocoa powder in chili?

Great question we were skeptical at first too! Unsweetened cocoa powder adds a deep, earthy richness to the chili without making it sweet. It brings out the smokiness of the chipotle and adds complexity you don’t even realize you’re missing until you try it.

3. How spicy is this recipe?

It does have a good kick, especially with the chipotle peppers and jalapeños. If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the chipotle to just one pepper or skip the jalapeño. We like it spicy, but it’s easy to adjust to your comfort level.

4. Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes canned beans are what we use most of the time for convenience. Just make sure to drain and rinse them. We usually go with one can of light kidney beans and one of dark kidney beans, and it works perfectly.

5. Is tomato soup really necessary?

Honestly, we were surprised too, but tomato soup gives the chili a slightly smoother texture and mellow sweetness that balances the spices. It’s one of those quirky add-ins that stuck with us from our early chili-making days and now we never skip it.

6. What’s the best pot to cook this in?

We always use a Dutch oven. It holds heat really well, browns the meat beautifully, and gives you room to simmer everything down without boiling over. If you don’t have one, a heavy-bottomed soup pot or Piggy Soup works too.

7. How long should I simmer the chili?

At least an hour, but honestly, the longer the better. We’ve let it simmer for two hours or more, and the flavors just keep getting richer. It’s the kind of dish that rewards patience.

8. Can I make this chili in advance?

Yes, and we often do! This chili actually tastes better the next day because the flavors have more time to meld. Just store it in the fridge overnight and reheat it gently before serving.

9. What are the best toppings for this chili?

Our go-to lineup is sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, fried onions, and chives. But don’t be afraid to get creative cornbread croutons, avocado slices, or tortilla strips are great too.

10. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Definitely. We always make a big batch and freeze portions for quick meals later. Just let the chili cool completely, transfer it to airtight containers, and freeze for up to three months. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop.

If you’re craving chili that’s bold, hearty, and packed with flavor, this BJ’s Chili Recipe is your go-to. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or meal prep, it’s a comfort food classic with an unforgettable twist. Try it out, and let me know your favorite toppings in the comments below happy cooking!

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