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Step 1
Refine the recipe. Many chili recipes appear online and in cookbooks. Start with those as a beginning and develop an individual spin on it. Try variations and test the recipe on family, friends and co-workers.
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Step 2
Attend cook-offs. Cook-offs are fun, but for a future contestant, attending chili cook-offs is a form of homework. Taste other chili recipes; compare them to a possible competition recipe. Learn how a cook-off is run and what makes a winner win.
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Step 3
Join if necessary. The two major associations for chili chefs are the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI) and the International Chili Society (ICS). ICS requires membership to compete in any of its sanctioned events.
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Step 4
Check for area cook-offs. Both ICS and CASI list upcoming cook-offs that are sanctioned by their associations. Look for one nearby and contact the cook-off organizers for rules and registration information.
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Step 5
Register and read the rules. Complete registration forms and fees should by a set deadline. Read the cook-off rules regarding arrival, the schedule and definitions.
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Step 6
Review the judging criteria. While the criteria may vary from cook-off to cook-off, generally the judges look at flavor, consistency, meat texture, spices, smell and appearance. Make sure the chili recipe succeeds in all those areas.
