Chaparosa Ranch Chili Cook-Off Contestant Official Rules & Regulations

Event Details

Location: Chaparosa Ranch, Rio Verde Foothills, AZ(opens in new tab)
Date & Time: Saturday November 14th 11:00 AM -3:00 PM (Tasting Begins at 12:00 PM)
Entry Fee(s): First Entry- $50 / 2nd Entry- $35 (non-refundable)
Adult Category: Ages 18+
Youth Category: Ages 8-17

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For questions contact:
📧 chaparosaevents@gmail.com
đź“ž 602-315-1635

6 Competing Categories!

NEW FOR THE 2026 8A CHAPAROSA RANCH CHILI COOK OFF!

  1. Traditional Red - is any kind of meat, or combination of meats, cooked with red chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients. Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed.
  2. Homestyle - is any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients. Homestyle chili may be any color. 
  3. Chili Verde - is any kind of meat, or combination of meats, cooked with green chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients. Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed.
  4. Youth - Ages 8-17, must prepare their chili with adult supervision, but not adult participation.
  5. Best Booth Decoration - This speaks for itself, be creative and have fun decorating! Decorations must not block walkways, pose fire hazards, or interfere with neighboring tents and NO BALLOONS ALLOWED for the safety of any surrounding horses.
  6. People’s Choice - Simple, chili with the most votes from our attendee’s, Wins!

Competition Rules

  • Each cooking category will be a TRUE BLIND TASTE TEST. Each competitor will be given a pint size container and will be marked with an undisclosed number. 
  • If you are entering more than one chili category (i.e. traditional and homestyle) the registration fee is $50 for the first entry and $35 for the second entry. There will be no more than 2 entries per person/booth/team.
  • Competitors are responsible for setting aside a pint size amount for judging, which will be collected at various times by our volunteer team.
  • WE DO NOT support the use of canned chili. Canned beans are acceptable to use. This is on the honor system.

YOUTH - Ages 8-17

  1. Youth cooks must prepare their chili at home with adult supervision, but not adult participation. This is on the honor system.
  2. Youth must not leave their booth unattended if leaving the cooking area.
  3. Adults may help with knife work and prep, during the preparation period ONLY.
  4. Adult assistance MUST STOP once the tasting time starts. At that time adults are there to supervise only and assist with any safety concerns (i.e. moving heavy or hot items, etc.)

Chili Prep & Safety

  • Chili must be cooked off-site and brought to the event fully cooked in a food-safe container (e.g., Crock-Pot, warming tray, etc.).
  • Cooks must be ready for tasting by 11:30 AM for judges to start
  • You are responsible for all food – whether stored, resting or cooking - must always be maintained at food-safe temperatures. 
  • Gloves and hand sanitizer must be used when handling food.
  • No raw meat handling or cooking on-site, chili will be prepared off-site, not at the event.
  • Grinding and/or mixing of dry spices and cutting of vegetables are allowed prior to the event. All other ingredients must be prepared off-site.
  • Garnishes are not allowed. Rule of thumb - if an ingredient found on the top layer of an entry serving cannot also be found mixed throughout the entire bowl, it is a garnish and is not permitted. (sour cream, cheese, onions, etc)
  • All ingredients must be sourced from a licensed food manufacturer, wholesale supplier or retail store. 
  • Failure to abide by any of the above, will result in disqualification.

Cooking Schedule

8:30 AM -10:30 AM - Check-In & Booth Setup
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM - On-Site Food & Safety Inspection
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM - Have all supplies and chili ready for tasting for judges
12:00 PM - Tasting Begins
12:00 PM - 2:30 PM - Chili Pints Collected throughout event for tasting
2:30 PM - Tasting Closes
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM - Winners Announced

Winner Selection

  • Each attendee will receive one voting ticket upon entry for People’s Choice.
  • The People's Choice Award will be given to the competitor with the most votes by attendees.
  • In the event of any tie, Rural Metro Judges will break the tie.
  • People’s Choice winner receives a cash prize in the amount of $100, bragging rights, and social media feature and your chili featured at The Pony Express Cafe for the following weekend, November, 19th & 20th
  • All other competing cooking categories will be a true blind taste test, by appointed community judges.
  • Booth decoration will be judged by appointed community judges based on uniqueness, showmanship and overall creativity.

Electricity & Power Requirements

  • Generators are not allowed.
  • You are responsible for bringing your own heavy-duty extension cord and power strip.
  • Propane or Solar sources allowed.

Cook Supply List

Cooks Must Bring:

  • Recommended 4.5+ gallons of chili (turn out last year was over 300 guests)
  • Serving spoon/ladle
  • Tasting spoons (2 oz tasting cups will be provided)
  • Table cloth(s) (secured and or fitted in the event of wind)
  • Extension cords (if using Crock-Pot or warmer)
  • Food prep gloves
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Any signage or decor for your booth
  • Trash receptacle for your booth
  • Cups & spoons for tasting
  • Napkins 
  • Fire extinguisher if using propane gas stove for heating (open flame)

Additional Info

  • All cooks are expected to remain set up until the event ends.
  • Promote the event on your social media once per week leading up to the event.
  • No alcohol may be served by cook-off participants.

We welcome guests of all ages to enjoy this family-friendly, faith and community-centered event. Please help us maintain a respectful and positive atmosphere for everyone. Thank you 🙂

Meet the Competition!

NEW for the 2026 Chaparosa Ranch Chili Cook-Off!

The competition starts before the first pot of chili is served!

As part of your competitor registration, you're invited to an exclusive Competitor Happy Hour at The Pony Express Café on Wednesday, November 4 (time to be announced). This relaxed evening is your chance to connect with fellow chili cooks, share a few laughs, and kick off Chili Cook-Off weekend together.

Whether you're a seasoned chili champion or entering for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow competitors, make new friends, and enjoy the incredible community that makes the Chaparosa Ranch Chili Cook-Off so special.

Your registration includes:

  • 🍹 One complimentary drink ticket
  • 🧀 Light appetizers
  • 🤝 An exclusive opportunity to meet the competition before cook-off day

Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Don't miss it! Great chili starts with great community, and this is the perfect way to kick off an unforgettable weekend at Chaparosa Ranch.

More Than a Competition ❤️

When you register for the 2026 Chaparosa Ranch Chili Cook-Off—you’re doing more than entering a competition, you're investing in your community.

A significant portion of every registration helps support local nonprofit organizations that serve the Rio Verde Foothills and surrounding communities. Together, we're helping strengthen the place we call home by supporting organizations that provide hope, resources, and opportunities for our neighbors.

Thank you for being part of something bigger than a competition, together we're building a stronger community.