What’s the most common usage in North America? Chili or chile? “Chili” and “chile” are both the most popular spellings. In fact, along with “chilli”, all three are seen as correct spellings in most dictionaries. Other acceptable spellings for these fruits from the nightshade family include “chilly” and “chillie”. The Short Answer There are many accepted versions and the dictionary lists the main three: chile, chili, and chilli. However, the term "chile" with an "e" is considered the correct way to spell it according to die-hard hot pepper fans. They believe "chili" only refers to the meat dish while "chile" is the pepper. Chile gTzC5.

difference between chili and chile