Bj’s Chili Recipe

There’s something magical about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home, and this BJ’s chili recipe delivers that same rich, complex flavor you crave from the brewhouse chain.

This copycat version captures the signature depth of BJ’s famous chili with layers of smoky heat, subtle sweetness, and perfectly tender beans. Whether you’re a fan of their root beer glazed wings or their jambalaya, this hearty chili ranks among BJ’s most beloved comfort foods.

Made with a blend of ground beef and pork, chipotle peppers, and an unexpected hint of cocoa, this restaurant-style chili transforms your kitchen into your personal brewhouse for the evening.

What Does BJ’s Chili Taste Like?

BJs chili offers a bold, smoky-sweet flavor profile that sets it apart from ordinary chili recipes. The combination of ground beef and pork creates incredible richness, while chipotle peppers in adobo add smoky depth with moderate heat.

You’ll notice subtle sweetness from brown sugar and honey that balances the spice perfectly. The unsweetened cocoa powder adds earthy complexity without making it taste like chocolate, while cinnamon provides warmth in the background.

Every spoonful delivers tender beans, well-seasoned meat, and a thick, velvety tomato base that coats your spoon beautifully it’s comfort food at its finest.

Bj’s Chili Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 cup beef broth
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1 can tomato soup
• 1 can light kidney beans, drained
• 1 can dark kidney beans, drained

Aromatics & Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp garlic paste

Spices & Seasonings:

• 1 tbsp beef bouillon powder
• 1 tsp MSG (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• Pinch of cinnamon
• 2–3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo, blended
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp honey

Toppings:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños
• Fried onions
• Chives

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot
• Slotted spoon
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Blender (for chipotle peppers)

Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10 generous portions

Bj’s Chili Recipe Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Heat avocado oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground pork and ground beef, spreading evenly across the bottom. Let it sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop a deep brown crust. Break up the meat and continue browning. Season with beef bouillon powder, MSG (if using), and salt.

Step 2: Once the meat is fully browned and crusted, remove it using a slotted spoon, leaving all the rendered fat in the pot. This fat is liquid gold for flavor.

Step 3: In the same pot with the reserved fat, add diced onions, green onions, and finely chopped jalapeño. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, and unsweetened cocoa powder directly to the vegetables. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to toast the spices and release their essential oils.

Step 5: Deglaze the pot with a splash of Mexican beer or beef broth, scraping the bottom vigorously with your wooden spoon to release all those caramelized flavor bits stuck to the bottom.

Step 6: Stir in the blended chipotle peppers in adobo, crushed tomatoes, and tomato soup. Mix thoroughly, then season with additional salt and beef bouillon to taste.

Step 7: Pour in the beef broth and add both the light and dark kidney beans. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 8: Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching on the bottom. The chili should reduce and thicken during this time.

Step 9: After the first hour, stir in brown sugar, honey, and garlic paste. Return the browned meat to the pot, mixing it throughout the chili.

Step 10: Continue simmering on low for another hour until the chili reaches a thick, luxurious consistency and all the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 11: Serve hot in bowls, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, crispy fried onions, and fresh chives.

Customization and Pairing Ideas

1. Loaded Chili Cheese Fries: Transform this bj chili into an indulgent appetizer by ladling it over crispy French fries, then topping with melted cheddar, bacon bits, and green onions. It rivals any brewhouse starter, including BJ’s root beer glazed wings for game day appeal.

2. Chili Mac Fusion: Combine this chili with cooked elbow macaroni for a hearty chili mac that feeds a crowd. Add extra cheese for a dish reminiscent of BJ’s baked ziti copycat recipe in its comfort factor.

3. Southwestern Chili Bowl: Serve over cilantro-lime rice with black beans, corn, avocado slices, and a squeeze of fresh lime. This presentation gives it a Tex-Mex twist similar to the bold flavors in BJ’s jambalaya recipe.

4. Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Hollow out baked sweet potatoes and fill them with this bjs chilli, creating a nutritious, balanced meal. The natural sweetness of the potato complements the smoky chipotle beautifully.

5. Chili Nachos Supreme: Layer tortilla chips with this chili, then add queso, jalapeños, guacamole, and pico de gallo for the ultimate nacho platter that disappears at parties.

6. Breakfast Chili Scramble: Reheat leftover chili and fold it into scrambled eggs with cheese for a protein-packed breakfast burrito filling that’s completely unexpected and delicious.

7. Beer Pairing Perfection: Since you’re making a BJ chili copycat, pair it with craft beers like amber ales, brown ales, or even a root beer float for dessert to capture the full brewhouse experience at home.

Expert Tips for Perfect BJ’s Chili

1. Don’t Skip the Meat Searing: The crusty, caramelized sear on your ground beef and pork is essential for developing deep umami flavor. Resist the urge to constantly stir let it sit and brown properly for maximum flavor impact in your bj’s chili.

2. Toast Your Spices: When you add cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder to the hot fat, you’re blooming the spices. This technique releases aromatic compounds and intensifies their flavor exponentially compared to adding them to liquid.

3. Use Both Bean Varieties: The combination of light and dark kidney beans isn’t just aesthetic light kidney beans stay firmer and hold their shape, while dark kidney beans break down slightly, naturally thickening your chili and adding creaminess to the base.

4. Embrace the Cocoa: Unsweetened cocoa powder is the secret weapon in many award-winning chili recipes. It adds earthy depth and helps round out acidic tomato flavors without making your bjs chilli taste sweet or chocolatey.

5. Control the Heat Level: The chipotle peppers provide most of the heat. Start with 2 blended chipotles if you prefer mild-to-medium spice, or use 3-4 for authentic brewhouse heat. You can always add more adobo sauce at the end if needed.

6. Low and Slow Wins: The two-hour simmer isn’t just suggestion it’s crucial. This extended cooking time allows the collagen in the ground meat to break down, the spices to fully integrate, and the flavors to concentrate into that signature bj chili richness you’re craving.

7. Season in Layers: Notice how the recipe adds seasoning at multiple stages? This layering technique seasoning the meat, then the vegetables, then the sauce creates complexity that single-stage seasoning can’t match. Taste and adjust before serving for perfection.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store cooled BJ’s chili in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors intensify overnight, making leftovers even better. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to restore consistency.

Common Queries and FAQs

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Bj’s Chili Recipe that people often ask.

Can I make BJ’s chili in a slow cooker instead of a Dutch oven?

Yes, absolutely! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables in a skillet first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The stovetop method develops slightly better flavor through reduction, but slow cooker convenience works wonderfully for busy schedules.

What can I substitute for the chipotle peppers in adobo?

If you can’t find chipotle peppers, use 1-2 teaspoons of chipotle powder mixed with 1 tablespoon tomato paste and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Alternatively, try smoked jalapeños or add extra smoked paprika with a dash of cayenne, though you’ll lose some of the authentic smokiness.

Is the MSG necessary in this BJ chili recipe?

MSG is completely optional and adds savory umami depth, but it’s not essential. If you prefer to skip it, increase the beef bouillon powder by ½ teaspoon or add a tablespoon of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to boost the umami flavor naturally.

Can I use only ground beef instead of the beef and pork combination?

You can use 2 lbs of ground beef, but the pork adds richness and a slightly sweet, tender texture that makes this bjs chili special. If you must substitute, consider using 80/20 ground beef for adequate fat content, or add 2 tablespoons of butter for richness.

How can I make this chili spicier or milder?

For milder chili, use only 1-2 chipotle peppers and omit the fresh jalapeño. For extra heat, add diced serrano peppers, increase chipotle peppers to 4-5, or stir in hot sauce and cayenne pepper at the end. Remember, you can always add heat but can’t take it away.

What’s the purpose of adding cocoa powder to chili?

Unsweetened cocoa powder is a traditional ingredient in Cincinnati-style and many competition chili recipes. It adds earthy, complex depth and helps balance the acidity of tomatoes without adding sweetness. It creates a fuller, rounder flavor profile in your bj’s chili.

Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?

While kidney beans are traditional, you can substitute pinto beans, black beans, or even white cannellini beans. Some people prefer a bean-free Texas-style chili simply omit the beans and increase the meat to 3 lbs total for an equally delicious variation.

Why do you remove the meat before cooking the vegetables?

Removing the browned meat prevents it from overcooking and becoming tough while the vegetables sauté. This technique also allows the vegetables to cook directly in the rendered fat without steaming from moisture released by the meat, resulting in better caramelization and flavor development.

How thick should BJ’s chili be?

The chili should coat the back of a spoon but still have a slightly pourable consistency not as thick as paste, but thicker than soup. If it’s too thin after simmering, continue cooking uncovered. If too thick, add beef broth a few tablespoons at a time.

Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?

This bjs chilli is actually better when made a day ahead! The flavors meld and deepen overnight in the refrigerator. Make it the day before, refrigerate, then reheat slowly on the stovetop before serving. This also makes it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.

What toppings work best with this BJ chili copycat?

Traditional toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced onions, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. For brewhouse-style presentation, try crispy fried onions, chives, crumbled bacon, avocado slices, or even a dollop of guacamole. Serve with cornbread, crackers, or tortilla chips.

Is there alcohol in this recipe after cooking?

If you use beer to deglaze (optional), most alcohol cooks off during the long simmer, leaving only flavor behind. However, trace amounts may remain. You can substitute beef broth entirely if you need a completely alcohol-free version.

This BJ’s chili recipe brings restaurant-quality comfort straight to your table with layers of smoky, savory, and subtly sweet flavors that make it unforgettable. Whether you’re craving that brewhouse taste or simply want to impress with a crowd-pleasing dish, this copycat version delivers authenticity in every bowl.

The combination of carefully selected spices, dual ground meats, and slow simmering creates the same depth you’d expect from BJ’s kitchen. Fire up your Dutch oven, gather your toppings, and get ready to enjoy bowls of pure comfort food perfection!

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