Chili’s Drops Fan-Favorite Queso, Fans Aren’t Happy

People really do hate change, don't they? I suppose it's just plain human nature. As we mature and age, we get so comfortable with our routines that we carve out a personal comfort zone that cannot be messed with... until someone does mess with it.

I would wager that's why some are having a really difficult time with the smallest changes. In this instance, Chili's swapping out the beloved chili queso for the new Southwest queso dip.

What Happened to Chili’s Chili Queso?

We were sitting in Chili's over the weekend, because it's part of our routine, and when they confirmed that the chili queso was gone, they offered the new queso for us to try for free.

@chilisofficialMy Chili’s Members get the all new Southwestern Queso for free* until October 21st with the purchase of an entree, you’re welcome. Must be a My Chili’s rewards member. One per customer. May not be combined with other offers.♬ Ghosts 'n' Stuff (Original Instrumental Mix) - deadmau5

It was a very telling moment. Chili's used to offer chips and salsa for free as a reward for app members, but free queso? I guess they're having a really hard time convincing everyone that their new, more cost-effective appetizer is worth a try. So much so, they're giving it away for free... Or, in this case, trying to.

The Free Queso Giveaway Nobody Asked For

We gladly accepted and tried it. It's queso. Reminded us of that cheap, canned, ballpark queso with something like Rotel in it, if not a little watered down... but queso. I'm surprised people aren't upset at the new chips.

They're not as thin and crispy as they used to be. When offered the same free queso to try, one of the tables near us flat refused it. Another nearby had a go at it, but from the conversation we tried not to overhear, they thought the same thing. "Mid" hot cheese - their words, not mine.

@hanhowww big miss with the southwestern queso, bring back the skillet @Chili’s Grill & Bar #chilis #tripledipper #foodreview #skilletqueso #foodtok ♬ original sound - Hannah

I would guess that's the same overall feeling across Oklahoma. When we make queso at home, it's never just cheese. We'll put Rotel and jalapenos in the mix, a spicy sausage or taco meat too. Sometimes, some good old homemade chili. It just tastes like a mix between home and football season.

How Fans Are Reacting Online

The internet apparently feels the same way, though, you have to keep in mind that those who are upset generally have a louder voice online. For all we know, there could be as many people who love this new option. I have a co-worker who is praising it, but as a vegetarian, she wouldn't know good queso anyway. On the topic of people who love the new queso, I've seen quite a few "favorable reviews" online, but they're questionable at best. When you include a disclaimer like "Chili's is sponsoring this review of the new...." you can't really believe it, can you?

The Taste Test Verdict

As we really took in the intricacies of the new cheese dip, waiting for our food to come out, everyone at our table agreed. It's not bad, but it's also nowhere near as good as the OG chili queso was.

@hannahb.brandon @Chili’s Grill & Bar I’m sorry but the new queso is a disgrace #chilis #skilletqueso ♬ original sound - Mike Sybrid

As Chili's continues to beg forgiveness in the form of free appetizers, Vegas odds are currently 50/50 they'll give up and return the beloved chili queso to menus sometime in the near future.

If you were curious and couldn't taste it in every bite, Chili's signature chili queso is just Velveeta with Wolf Brand chili mixed in. Not the cleanest ingredients, but a delicious duo for sure.

Update: A rep from Chili's reached out to confirm they are not changing their original thin and crispy tortilla chips, but adding a new, thicker chip for some new nacho dish. A load-bearing chip, if you will. My location must have simply given us the thicker ones for some reason than evening.