Nothing signals the start of a great meal at Chili’s like that bubbling skillet of golden queso arriving at your table. This iconic appetizer has been melting hearts and satisfying cravings for over 20 years, becoming one of the most requested copycat recipes online. The magic lies in its simplicity: just three ingredients transformed in
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
The slow cooker’s gentle, even heat prevents the processed cheese from breaking or becoming grainy, while the extended cooking time allows the chili and cheese flavors to meld perfectly. Processed cheese like Velveeta melts smoothly without separating, creating that signature creamy texture that made Chili’s queso famous. The no-bean chili provides the perfect balance of meat and spices without competing textures.
Ingredients
This recipe uses just three simple ingredients.
- Processed cheese – Creates smooth, creamy base that melts perfectly without breaking or becoming grainy
- Half-and-half – Provides ideal consistency and richness without being too heavy or separating
- No-bean chili – Delivers authentic Chili’s flavor with ground beef and spices in a smooth sauce
How to Make Chili’s Skillet Queso in a Crock-Pot
I love simple dips like this, easy to put together, and this chili cheese dip will make your crowd happy. You can put the ingredients in the slow cooker, move on, and get the rest of your party or evening together.
What to do with leftover queso
This is such a popular dip, I bet there isn’t any leftover. But if there is, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will stay good for about a week. Then, you can use it and reuse it on these other food or snack ideas:
- Baked potato topping
- Toss it on top of noodles for a southwest pasta dinner
- Add more ground beef and turn it into a southwest sloppy joe
- Mix with cooked pasta to make a quick chili mac and cheese
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating and stir well to recombine.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Queso thickens when cold but reheats beautifully.
- Reheating Method: Reheat in microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, or return to slow cooker on low heat until warmed through.
Tips For Cooking and Storing Chili’s Skillet Queso
- Get rid of the lumps. Once the dip has cooled to room temperature, you can use a food processor or blender if you prefer a smoother texture. After pureeing, push the mixture through a sieve to ensure an even consistency.
- Use your favorite chili recipe. While many people prefer no-bean chili for this dish, substitute your favorite chili.
- Easy to store. You can double or even triple recipe because it stores well in the freezer for months!
Be sure to know when our newest Chili’s recipes are out by friending us on Facebook!
Easy Appetizer Dips and Game Day Food
- Hot Bacon Swiss Dip Recipe
- Air Fried Jalapeno Popper Recipe
- White Chili Con Queso Recipe
- Buffalo Dip Recipe
- Clam Dip Recipe
- Sausage Dip Rotel Cream Cheese
- Buffalo Wings and Thing
- Garlic Parmesan Wingstop Wings
- Pluckers Wings
- Pretzels with Ranch Seasoning
Popular Chili’s Copycat Recipes
Be sure to look at more of my famous restaurant copycat recipes and the best appetizer recipes.
Chili’s Skillet Queso – Copycat Slow Cooker Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces American cheese
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 can Hormel Chili No Beans
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and heat on low.
- Heat on low for about 1 hour.
I want to make this in my 1 and 1/4 crock pot since it is only the two of us. Would you suggest cutting the measurements in half?!
Thank you!
You could definitely do that!
I have been looking all over the internet for the Olive Garden’s Calabrian chicken recipe. Do you think you could come up with the recipe? I would very. Much appreciate it!
Only if I get to try it.
I’m looking for Chili’s southwest soup recipe.
This recipe is coming very soon 😉
Loved this recipe! It was a hit for family movie night.
Looking for recipe for Casa Ole’s Cilantro Creme Sauce served on their chicken breasts. Had it at their place on I-45 in Pasadena, Tex. I don’t care for cilantro, but this sauce made me a convert!
Dee
I wished they were still open in Houston. Now I have to go up to Huntsville if I want to check out their food.
I was curious to know the can size of the Hormel chili? My grocer carries the 10.5oz and the 15oz. Also your video on your Roku channel for this recipe says to add in chili powder and cumin but it did not include the measurements and it is not listed on this printed recipe.
Whataburger’s creamy pepper sauce. I’d love to replicate that one, for sure.
Great suggestion, I will have to keep it in mind.
We just recently moved to NW Georgia and no Whatabuger places up this way. Have you had a chance to research their authentic creamy pepper sauce? Except for DQ’s double cheese burger, Whataburger was the only fast food place we would visit. Their portions were mammoth and one order was plenty for my wife and I.
I will have to give this a try sometime soon. My favorite fast food place is Taco Casa.
Love Whataburger! We are also in Georgia, NE of Atlanta for now and was so disappointed to find no hamburger or hot dog places when we moved here other than the chains most are familiar with. I think if Whataburger were to open up here, they would do very well as there is no competition. I use to bring chili back from a hot dog place every time we went home to visit. Need places like that here also.
As for Taco Casa, I’m not familiar with them but sure would also like to see other Mexican places similar to what they have in Texas and Oklahoma.
Am curious to see what recipes might show up! Thank you for this site.
What is your favorite dip?
Spinach artichoke