How to Get the Most from Chili’s Grill and Bar Catering

Who can forget the iconic and catchy Chili’s Grill and Bar jingle? “I want my baby back, baby back, baby back ribs!” And according to Today, it’s back. Not only that, Chili’s recently streamlined their expansive menu to focus on improving the burgers, ribs, fajitas, and healthy fare with the flair that made them a beloved national franchise over 40 years ago. There are hundreds of locations nationwide serving buffet-style catering orders. So say hello to the southwest spirit. Here are some tips for ordering Chili’s Grill and Bar catering for your next event.

Those Baby Back Ribs…and More

For popular starters, think classic bar food with that extra something. Chili’s Big Mouth Bites beef sliders get topped with smoky bacon, American cheese, sweet sautéed onions, and ranch dressing. Southwestern Eggrolls tightly combine smoked chicken, black beans, corn, jalapeno Jack cheese, red peppers, and spinach into flour tortillas made for easy dipping into their avocado-ranch dressing. For wing connoisseurs, try bone-in, boneless, and Crispers fried chicken fingers. Tossed in honey-chipotle, Buffalo Bleu, and Fiery Pepper sauces, they all come with more sauce for dipping on the side, too.

Fiery, chili-laced popular entree orders include grilled Ancho Salmon and Jalapeno-Cheddar Smoked Sausage. If you’re a bit chili-averse, the Margarita Grilled Chicken or Cajun Pasta with Grilled Chicken and Alfredo Sauce are big wins. For a particularly interactive experience, look to Mix & Match Fajitas. They come with chicken, steak, or shrimp cooked with garlic butter, vegetables, and all the fixings. And, of course, don’t forget those Baby Back Ribs with the dry rub or sweet sauce.

Planning Your Event

Chili’s Grill and Bar catering orders are pre-portioned for groups, so there are some things to anticipate before ordering. As you plan your event, consider how hungry your guests might be. People eat more at social events or longer meetings, for example, which affects your portions. Plan on an entree option per person, and coordinate appetizers and sides by your event specifications. For shorter events, you might just need a selection of trays from the starter menu.

You can individually order Chili’s wings and sliders on individual trays that generally serve six to 11 people. Most people will eat two sliders or three wings. To mix and match, the Triple Dipper combo allows you to choose 3 different appetizers, like the Chicken Crispers or the Southwestern Eggrolls, with all the appropriate dipping sauces. You’ll want one per every eight people at your event.

Entree portion sizes run true to form. Trays of Baby Back Ribs, California Turkey Club Toasted Sandwiches, and the Make It A Combo Platter of entree and side options come buffet-style to satisfy your headcount. And if you’d like a touch more food for peace of mind, you can order half sizes of sides like Mexican Rice, Black Beans, Loaded Mashed Potatoes, and Steamed Broccoli.

Don’t Forget Dessert

And if your Chili’s Grill and Bar catering location offers dessert, too, don’t miss out. The decadent Dessert Trio should not be missed. It comes with mini molten chocolate cakes, chocolate chip cookies, and classic cheesecake. That’s all the sweet stuff on one great platter.

You may come for the baby back, baby back, baby back ribs. But you’ll find there’s so much more on the menu for your next event.