Wild Game Chili Recipe

Wild Game

Wild game chili brings bold flavors and a taste of adventure to your table. In Park City, UT, wild game dishes are a staple at many restaurants, and for good reason. Visitors love the chance to try meats they rarely see at home—buffalo, elk, venison, and even wild boar. These unique ingredients add depth and richness to any dish, and chili is no exception.

I’ve lived in Park City for six years and have tried them all. Each wild game type brings its flavor and texture to the table. But is wild game better than beef? That depends on your taste. While I love a tender venison steak in the mountains, I’d still choose a New York strip if I had the option.

This recipe celebrates the hearty, robust flavors of wild game in a dish that’s comforting and easy to make. The chili’s smoky spices, rich tomatoes, and tender chunks of meat are perfect after a day on the slopes or a crisp mountain hike. Whether you’re a seasoned wild game enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this chili offers a delicious, memorable experience. Let’s dive in and make something extraordinary!

Zane's Wild Game Chile

One recipe I would like to try at home if I can find the ingredients, is Zane Holmquist's Wild Game Chili. Zane is the executive chef at the world-class Stein Eriksen Lodge in Deer Valley, just up the road from downtown Park City.

I'm not sure Zane remembers who I am, but we met many times when I lived there and even went to a Fourth of July barbecue at his house years ago.

Zane said this about cooking wild game meats in the Park City Magazine, where I found this recipe,

We're in the West; it's part of our heritage. It's also nice to broaden our horizons and use meat with unique textures and flavors.

He also says in the article, "Seasonings like garlic, verdant herbs, and earthy mushrooms help to balance the robust flavors of the wild game before cooking the meat to a medium-rare to medium doneness."

Wild Game Chile

If you’re tired of the same old beef or turkey chili, wild game chili offers a delicious alternative. It takes you beyond the usual, bringing the flavors of venison, bison, or even wild boar to your bowl. Each type of wild game adds a unique flavor and texture, making this dish a comforting yet adventurous choice.

Wild game chili is more than just a meal. It celebrates nature’s bounty and honors culinary traditions passed down through generations. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter eager to showcase your harvest or simply curious to explore new flavors, this dish invites creativity and experimentation in the kitchen.

This post’ll guide you through creating a memorable wild game chili. We’ll cover everything from choosing the perfect meat to mastering spices and seasonings. Our tips will help you craft a chili that’s flavorful, tender, and perfectly balanced, whether you're a beginner or an experienced chef.

Prepare for a culinary adventure that will excite your taste buds and spark your passion for cooking. Grab your apron and knife, and let’s dive into the world of wild game chili!

Here’s a look at the wild game meats in this recipe, along with their flavor and texture profiles:

• Bison (Buffalo): Slightly sweet and rich, with a flavor more complex than beef. Leaner than beef, it has a dense, chewy texture.
• Elk: Mild and subtly sweet, elk is tender and juicy with a finer grain than beef.
• Wild Boar: Bold, nutty, and spiced with hints of sweetness, wild boar offers a coarse, gamey texture.

Each of these meats provides a unique experience, adding depth to your wild game chili or any dish you create!

Where Can You Buy Wild Game Meats?

Wild game meats can be purchased from various sources, depending on your location and local regulations. Here are some common places where you can buy wild game meats:

1. Specialty Butcher Shops: Some specialty butcher shops or gourmet grocery stores may carry a selection of wild game meats, such as venison, bison, or wild boar. These shops often source their meats from reputable suppliers who adhere to strict quality and sustainability standards.
2. Farmers Markets: Local farmers markets are great places to find fresh, locally sourced wild game meats. Farmers who hunt or raise game may offer rabbit, duck, or pheasant options.
3. Online Retailers: Several online retailers specialize in selling wild game meats. These websites often offer a wide range of options, allowing you to purchase exotic meats like elk, quail, or even alligator from the comfort of your home.
4. Hunting Clubs or Associations: If you have connections with hunting clubs or associations, you may be able to purchase wild game meats directly from hunters or through organized hunting events. This can be a great way to access fresh, locally sourced game meats.
5. Local Hunters: Building relationships with local hunters can also be a valuable resource for obtaining wild game meats. Hunters often have excess meat from their hunts and may be willing to sell or trade it with others.
6. Game Farms: Some game farms specialize in raising and selling farm-raised game meats. While these meats may not be considered "wild," they can still offer unique flavors and are often more readily available than true wild game.

When purchasing wild game meat, it is essential to ensure that the meat has been sourced responsibly and adheres to local hunting and wildlife regulations. Look for suppliers prioritizing ethical hunting practices, sustainability, and quality to ensure you get the best possible product.

Are Wild Game Meats Really Wild or Farm-Raised?

Wild game meats available for purchase can be either wild or farm-raised, depending on the specific type of meat and where you're purchasing it. Truly wild game meats come from animals that have been hunted in their natural habitats. These meats are typically sourced from animals like deer, elk, bison, wild boar, and various game birds that have been hunted legally and sustainably. 

Farm-raised game meats are sourced from animals raised on farms under controlled conditions. These meats can include a variety of game animals, such as elk, venison, rabbit, quail, and more.

When purchasing wild game meats, it's important to know whether you're buying truly wild or farm-raised meat, as this can impact the meat's flavor, texture, and overall quality. Both options can offer delicious and unique culinary experiences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific dish you're preparing.

📖 Recipe

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Wild Game Chili

Prep Time45 minutes mins

Cook Time3 hours hrs

Total Time3 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or corn oil
• ½ pound buffalo meat diced in ¾ inch cubes
• ½ pound elk or venison, diced in ¾ inch cubes
• ½ pound wild boar or pork, diced in ¾ inch cubes
• 1 onion medium diced
• 2 cloves garlic chopped
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• ½ tablespoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons pasilla chile powder
• 2 tablespoons New Mexican chili powder
• ½ cup coffee brewed
• 1 bay leaf
• 9 ounces tomato juice
• 18 ounces diced tomatoes canned
• 1½ cups beef stock or one 12-ounce can of beer
• 4 cups water
• sour cream for garnish
• green onions for garnish

Instructions

• Mix all the dry spices together and use half the mixture to season the meat.
• Heat the oil in a large stock or soup pot until hot but not smoking, and brown the meat for 10 - 15 minutes in the pan.
• Add the onions and garlic and saute for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Add the coffee, tomato juice, bay leaves, diced tomatoes, stock, water, and the remaining spice mixture. Simmer for 2 to 3 hours until the meat is tender. You can adjust the consistency with more stock and check the seasonings.
• Garnish with sour cream and green onions before serving.

Notes

This sounds like a great recipe and I'm sure you can substitute some easier to find ingredients for the wild game meats and still have a great result.

By the way, one of my other favorite all time chili recipes is Deer Valley Chili and very popular to everyone who ski at the Deer Valley Resort.