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- Food & Beverage
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- United States
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- Fourth Thursday of February
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National Chili Day spices up the calendar every fourth Thursday of February, a moment to savor the legendary dish that brings people together. From guarded family recipes to fierce debates over ingredients, chili is a culinary experience. Gather your loved ones, perfect your recipe, and share your favorite bowl with the world.
Want to sponsor National Chili Day? Learn how
Expected National Chili Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows that National Chili Day brings out the best deals from major restaurant chains and grocery stores. Look for discounts on chili bowls and Frito pies at establishments like Wendy’s and Chili’s. Grocery retailers such as Kroger and Walmart often feature sales on ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and chili spices from brands like McCormick and Bush’s Best. Specialty stores like Whole Foods Market may highlight organic chili ingredients or prepared gourmet chili. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as February 25 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Chili Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalChiliDay. Share your secret chili recipe or a fun taste-test video.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalChiliDay. Post mouth-watering photos of your chili creations or a behind-the-scenes look at a chili cook-off.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalChiliDay. Host a poll on the ‘beans or no beans’ debate or share your family’s chili traditions.
National Chili Day Hero
Frank X. Tolbert
National Chili Day timeline
It is believed that immigrants from the Canary Islands introduced chili after settling in San Antonio.
Still without a name, the earliest description of chili is written by Houston-based J.C. Clopper.
Chili stands featuring women dressed as ‘chili queens’ and serving chili to customers become popular in San Antonio, Texas.
The Texas legislature declares chili as its official dish.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Chili Day
Local restaurants and diners can celebrate National Chili Day by offering special discounts on their signature chili bowls or creating unique chili-themed menu items. Consider a ‘Chili Flight’ featuring different regional styles or a ‘Build Your Own Chili’ bar with diverse toppings. Grocery stores can run promotions on chili ingredients, from ground meat and beans to spices and cornbread mixes. Even local bars can get in on the action with chili dog specials or chili cheese fries.
National Chili Day - Survey Results
FULL RANKING OF THE MOST POPULAR CHILI ACCOMPANIMENTS #1: Cheese (31%) #2: Crackers (15%) #3: Cornbread (15%) #4: Sour cream (12%) #5: Tortilla chips (9%) #6: Diced onions (5%) #7: Hot sauce (4%) #8: Avocado (3%) #9: Salsa (3%) #10: Black olives (1%) #11: Cilantro (1%) FULL RANKING OF THE MOST POPULAR WAYS TO EAT CHILI #1: In a bowl (52%) #2: On a hot dog (12%) #3: In a Frito chili pie (9%) #4: On top of fries (8%) #5: Over rice (6%) #6: On a baked potato (4%) #7: On garlic bread (3%) #8: Over spaghetti (2%) #9: With mac & cheese (2%) #10: On a sloppy joe (2%)
National Chili Day FAQs
When is National Chili Day?
In 2027, National Chili Day will be observed on Friday, February 25, setting the stage for a delicious start to the weekend. This year offers an ideal opportunity for weekend chili cook-offs.
How popular is chili in the United States?
According to various food surveys, chili consistently ranks among America’s favorite comfort foods, with an estimated 60% of Americans enjoying it at least once a month. Its versatility ensures its enduring appeal.
What are the main types of chili?
Beyond the classic beef and bean varieties, you’ll find white chicken chili, vegetarian chili, and even regional specialties like chili mac. The diversity reflects the dish’s adaptability to local tastes and available ingredients.
What is the 'beans or no beans' debate in chili?
While purists argue that beans are an unwelcome addition, many popular chili recipes and commercial varieties include beans (such as kidney or pinto) for added texture, flavor, and bulk. This difference often defines regional chili styles.
National Chili Day Activities
Cook up your favorite chili
Maybe your go-to recipe is in your head, or maybe it’s earmarked in your favorite cookbook. Maybe you need to call your mom and have her give your step-by-step instructions. However the chili gets on the stove, get it there, and then enjoy a piping hot bowl of the good stuff.
Host a chili cook-off
Everyone, and we mean everyone, has a chili recipe. So invite everyone over and have a chili throw down. Competition will be fierce, but so will your appetites.
Go on chili tour
We mean it when we say that everyone has a chili recipe — that includes the chefs at your favorite restaurants. Find out which spots in your town have chili on the menu, and do your own version of a progressive dinner to find your favorite. Then next year on National Chili Day, you’ll know where to head.
Why We Love National Chili Day
It's hearty
Some soups are barely an appetizer, but chili is a meal unto itself. A big bowl of steaming chili can warm you up and satisfy you like few other foods can. It sticks to your bones and keeps you full.
Everyone has an opinion
Secret chili recipes are the stuff of legend — and of deliciousness. The variety in the dish is mind-boggling, and means you’ll never get sick of showing up at a friend’s house and hearing that chili being served. And chili has sprung one of the fiercest food debates there is: do beans belong in chili?
It brings people together
Chili is the ultimate comfort food. You start feeling good the minute you open the door, its spicy aroma wafting through the air. Hold a steaming bowl of the stuff in your hands and you’re on your way to perfect culinary experience. No one misses chili night. It’s informal, cozy, and a time for people to be together.
National Chili Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 27 | Thursday |
| 2026 | February 26 | Thursday |
| 2027 | February 25 | Thursday |
| 2028 | February 24 | Thursday |
| 2029 | February 22 | Thursday |
Social Media Tips for National Chili Day
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