Chili’s Skillet Queso: Price, Calories & Copycat Recipe
Chili’s serves two quesos: the Skillet Beef Queso (about $13.59, 1,340 calories) with seasoned beef, and the meatless Southwestern Queso (about $14.39, 1,360 calories). Both arrive hot with a basket of tortilla chips and are made for sharing.
Chili’s Queso Prices
| Option | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Skillet Beef Queso | About $13.59 | 1,340 |
| Southwestern Queso | About $14.39 | 1,360 |
| Side of queso (4 oz sauce) | About $3.00 | Varies |
What’s in Chili’s Skillet Queso?
A smooth, melted cheese dip mixed with seasoned ground beef, served in a small cast-iron skillet and topped with pico or cilantro depending on location. The Southwestern version skips the beef and adds a spicier Southwestern flavour.
Cheaper Ways to Get Queso
- Order free chips & salsa with My Chili’s Rewards and add a 4 oz side of queso for about $3.
- Look for queso on the happy hour appetizer list at your location.
- Try the DIY queso nachos hack from our Chili’s secret menu guide.
Copycat Skillet Queso
- Brown 1/2 lb ground beef with chili powder, cumin and salt.
- Melt 1 lb processed cheese with 1/2 cup milk on low heat.
- Stir in a can of chili (no beans) or diced green chiles and the beef.
- Serve hot in a skillet with tortilla chips.
Skillet Beef Queso vs Southwestern Queso
| Skillet Beef Queso | Southwestern Queso | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | About $13.59 | About $14.39 |
| Calories | About 1,340 | About 1,360 |
| Meat | Seasoned beef | None |
| Best for | Hearty, beefy dip | Meat-free, spicier flavour |
Both come with tortilla chips and are made for sharing between two to four people.
Best Things to Dip in Chili’s Queso
- Tortilla chips — the classic.
- Southwestern Eggrolls — cheesy on cheesy.
- Chicken Crispers® — a kid favourite.
- Fries — ask for a side of queso for loaded fries at home.
- Fajita tortillas — spoon it inside for extra richness.
Queso Ordering Tips
Queso thickens as it cools, so eat it while it is hot or ask for it to be refreshed if it sits too long. If you only want a little, a 4 oz side of queso is much cheaper than a full skillet. Pair it with a Margarita of the Month or an iced tea for a classic Tex-Mex snack.
For official nutrition and allergen information, see the Chili’s nutrition guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the queso?
Skillet Beef Queso is about $13.59 and Southwestern Queso about $14.39.
Is Chili’s queso vegetarian?
The Southwestern Queso has no beef, but ingredients such as broth may vary; ask your server.
Does Chili’s queso come with chips?
Yes, both quesos come with tortilla chips.
How many calories are in Chili’s Skillet Queso?
About 1,340 calories with chips.
Is Chili’s queso gluten-free?
The queso itself may not contain wheat, but chips are fried in shared oil. Check the official allergen guide and tell your server.
Can I order just a side of queso?
Yes, a 4 oz side of queso is usually available for about $3.00.
Explore More of the Menu
This page is part of our full Chili’s menu with prices guide. You may also like:
