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American Culinary Federation Texas Chefs Association

Inaugural Houston TCA Chili Cook Off

Get ready for a fiery, flavor-packed community celebration at SpindleTap Brewery! Whether you’re stepping up to compete or showing up hungry, our first-ever Texas Chefs Association Chili Cook-Off brings together chefs, home cooks, and chili lovers for an unforgettable afternoon supporting culinary education and outreach.

People having fun at a chili cook off event.jpg

What to Expect:

Craft Beer
Chili Fun

  • A lineup of competitors bringing their boldest, spiciest, and most creative chili recipes

  • Unlimited chili tasting for guests

  • Your chance to vote for the People’s Choice Champion

  • DJ, Live Music, Drinks, Craft Beer, Local Vendors, and a whole lot of delicious fun

  • All proceeds directly support Texas Chefs Association Houston Chapter and its culinary programs

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Where?

SpindleTap Brewery

10622 Hirsch Rd, Houston, TX 77016

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When?

February 1st, 2026

12 PM - 4 PM

 

Want to Compete?

This is your moment to show off your signature chili, earn bragging rights, and be part of a brand-new annual tradition.

Spots are limited—register your team today!

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$300 grand prize, $150 for 2nd, and $75 for 3rd. Additional awards for people's choice, and most creative booth decor.

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Just Want to Taste?

Grab your ticket, bring your appetite, and enjoy a flavorful day that makes a difference.

 

Be part of the inaugural year—taste, vote, cheer, and help crown our very first Chili Champion!

Cook-Off Information

​General Information

  • Maximum of 4 people per team

  • Registration cost per Team: $50

  • Teams may begin setting up at 8:00 AM on the day of the event

  • Chili may be prepped and pre-cooked prior to cook off day.

  • Chili must be ready to serve no later than 12 PM 

Chili Cook Off

Rules and Regulations

  • Each team must prepare a minimum of 3 gallons of chili to ensure you have enough for guest sampling for the duration of the event.

  • Teams are responsible for supplying their own cooking equipment i.e. utensils, pots, burners, etc.

  • Ingredients may be prepped and pre-cooked ahead of time. Chili may be reheated and held at proper temperatures day of.

  • Contestants must bring their own tables to serve on. 10 X 10 tents are strongly encouraged.

  • All participants must be at least 18 years of age to participate.

  • Chili cookers must prepare chili or retherm to proper servings temperature in their assigned booth using propane, or electric as their means of cooking. Propane or gas tanks must be secured to a fixed object. No open wood fires will be permitted.

  • Generators will not be permitted.

  • Teams are urged to car pool. There will be a designated unloading zone and parking areas provided. 

  • Please have all common allergens posted and be prepared to answer questions regarding ingredients used.

Chili Cook Off Rules

Chili Cook Team Information

This is a public event benefiting the Texas Chef Association Houston Chapter.

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  • Each team will prepare a minimum of 3 gallons of chili to serve to cook off guests.

  • You will be responsible for providing all of your own cooking equipment, including table(s) to serve your chili. 10 x 10 tents are strongly encouraged.

  • Each team may prepare their chili ahead of time in accordance with local health codes and bring their completed chili to the cook off. 

  • All pre-prepared chili must be reheated and held above 145 degrees Fahrenheit during serving.

  • Teams are allowed and encouraged to cook chili on-site.

  • Teams may arrive as early as 8 AM and no later than 10 AM.

  • On-site parking is available. Please arrive on time.

  • Chili must be ready to serve to the public by 12 PM.

  • Teams will be provided with 4 oz bowls and spoons to serve chili samples to guests.

  • Event will open to public at 12 PM and conclude at 4 PM.

  • Winners will be decided by a panel of 3 judges for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. There will be an additional award for people's choice.

  • People's choice voting will occur between 12 PM and 3 PM. Each team will be supplied a voting box.

  • Awards will be announced at 3:30 PM.

  • Teams may begin breaking down after awards are announced.

  • All teams are welcome to stay and enjoy the afterparty. The brewery closes at 7 PM.

GET IN TOUCH

Connect with Us

Reach out to us to learn more about participating, volunteering, or sponsoring. We'd love to hear from you.

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