When we posed the question to Brian Paquette, Chili’s head of culinary innovation, about which of the restaurant’s burgers held the top spot in his personal ranking, he did not hesitate before naming the chain’s recently introduced creation, the Big Smasher. This particular burger, which represents Chili’s modern take on classic American comfort food, combines hearty flavors with a bold presentation. According to Paquette, anyone hoping to replicate this indulgent item in their own kitchen will need to assemble a carefully selected group of simple yet essential staples: a generous slice of creamy American cheese, finely diced red onion for a sharp bite, shredded lettuce to contribute refreshing texture, tangy pickles to cut through the richness, and, tying everything together, a drizzle of Thousand Island dressing to provide that signature balance of creaminess, sweetness, and acidity.
After conducting a meticulous taste test in which we sampled and ranked every burger offered at Chili’s, our conversation naturally shifted toward another favorite. We were especially curious about the chain’s beloved Alex’s Santa Fe burger, a menu item with a reputation for packing a more adventurous and layered flavor profile. Paquette explained that recreating this burger at home requires gathering a somewhat broader set of ingredients: smooth slices of avocado that contribute buttery richness, pepper jack cheese that offers a subtle spicy kick, slices of fresh red onion for pungency, fiery jalapeños for heat, juicy tomatoes, crisp pickles, fragrant cilantro, and, most importantly, Chili’s own Santa Fe sauce—a zesty condiment that delivers a distinctive spiciness and perfectly ties all the elements together.
When we pressed Paquette for guidance on approximating this more complex burger in a home kitchen, he emphasized one element above all: the use of roasted jalapeños. He recommended that while grilling your hamburger patties, you should also roast a jalapeño or two on the grill until they develop that slightly charred smokiness, which greatly deepens their flavor. Once prepared in this way, the peppers can be coarsely chopped and either layered directly on top of the burger or incorporated into a quick homemade sauce by blending them with ranch dressing. This simple method not only captures the essence of Chili’s Santa Fe sauce but gives home cooks an easy way to enhance both the heat and dimension of their burgers.
Paquette went on to suggest additional techniques intended to approximate the indulgent flavor combinations customers experience in the restaurant. He noted that one convenient and effective option is to purchase freshly prepared guacamole from a local grocery’s deli counter. Spread generously atop the burger, guacamole contributes both creaminess and vibrancy, echoing the chain’s use of avocado without requiring additional preparation at home. Alternatively, cooks can simply slice a fresh avocado and layer those slices directly onto the patty, ensuring both flavor and texture are preserved. By relying on either of these methods, Paquette explained, any home griller can elevate their burgers beyond the ordinary and capture a closer resemblance to Chili’s Alex’s Santa Fe burger in both taste and presentation.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/best-burger-grilling-tips-chilis-head-chef-2024-7
