DALLAS, Aug. 27, 2012  /PRNewswire/ -- Chili's® Grill & Bar wants guests to know there's much more to the multi-faceted range of peppers than just heat. That's why the casual-dining brand introduced a new line of dishes as part of a Pick-a-Pepper platform, with six bold entrees showcasing the versatility of peppers.

From mild and tangy, to spicy and smoky, Chili's features a pepper for everyone. If guests aren't sure which peppers tempt their palates, an easy-to-use guide is available to help educate them on the range of pepper flavors. This tool outlines the heat level and specific characteristics of peppers represented throughout the Pick-a-Pepper entrees – and the entire Chili's menu. 

"Our latest culinary innovation, Pick-a-Pepper, fits perfectly with our namesake and our culinary DNA – after all, Chili's knows chile peppers, from  chipotle to roasted red pepper and jalapeno to habanero," said Claudia Schaefer, vice president of marketing for Chili's Grill & Bar. "We're giving our guests a full range of entrees highlighting peppers that ignite their senses with a variety of flavors and heat levels."

Chili's six Pick-a-Pepper entrees are as follows (*denotes new menu item):

• *Smoky Chipotle Chicken Fajitas – sizzling grilled chicken, sauteed onions and bell peppers kicked-up with chipotle pesto sauce and melted Monterey Jack cheese. Topped with crispy onion strings;
• *Santa Cruz Steak – 100 percent USDA Choice 6-ounce sirloin topped with seasoned butter and a side of tangy verde sauce. Served over fire-roasted corn salsa with spicy jalapeño-cheddar mashed potatoes;
• *Roasted Red Pepper Grilled Chicken – grilled chicken breast served over a zesty roasted red pepper cream sauce. Topped with melted pepper Jack cheese and served with rice and steamed broccoli;
• *Chipotle Salmon – seared Cajun-spiced salmon with a smoky chipotle-garlic pesto cream sauce. Served with rice and steamed broccoli;
• * Spicy Grilled Shrimp Tacos – three flour tortillas with grilled shrimp in a spicy chile-lime sauce, fresh cilantro-lime slaw, house-made pico de gallo and sliced avocados;
• Lighter Choices Sweet & Spicy Chicken – Habanero and sweet orange glaze brushed over grilled chicken with onions and peppers. Served with rice and steamed broccoli.

New Pick-a-Pepper entrees are available at participating locations nationwide for a limited time only. As an added value offering for guests, the Santa Cruz Steak, Smoky Chipotle Chicken Fajitas and Roasted Red Pepper Grilled Chicken are featured on Chili's$20 Dinner for Two menu.

Chili's Grill & Bar is the flagship brand of Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), a recognized leader in casual dining. Chili's offers a fun, energetic atmosphere and a distinct, fresh mix of grilled American favorites at more than 1,500 locations in 32 countries and two territories. Brinker's wholly-owned restaurant brands include Chili's® Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy®. Brinker also holds a minority investment in Romano's Macaroni Grill®. Follow news about Chili's on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chilis, @Chilis on Twitter and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/chilis. For more information, please visit www.chilis.com.

SOURCE Chili's Grill & Bar

Chili's Media Relations, 1-800-775-7290