The Best (and Most Unique!) Chili Recipes of All Time (2024)

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The Best (and Most Unique!) Chili Recipes of All Time (1)Lauren Jarvis-GibsonUpdated: Nov. 18, 2023

    Looking for unique chili recipes? Try one of these comforting, top-rated favorites.

    Chili is one of those dishes that feels like a hug whenever you have it. It’s savory, rich and the perfect comforting meal when it starts getting a little chilly outside. If you’re a chili lover, you’ll be delighted to find classic recipes, savory recipes, sweet chili recipesand our all time best chili recipes. So grab your spoons and get ready to chow down.

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    Cincinnati Chili

    This warm and inviting dish is one of the most unique chili recipes out there—it’s served atop a pile of spaghetti!

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    Spicy Fajita Chili

    This spicy chili is perfect with a dollop of sour cream. If you want to add even more of a kick, use a spicier V8!

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    Smoky Peanut Butter Chili

    This is a special kind of chili without any beans! The peanuts and peanut butter make this dish hearty and full of crunchy texture.

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    Slow-Cooker Quinoa Chili

    If you’re wary about quinoa or aren’t quite used to it yet, make this yummy quinoa chili! It’s just as delicious and equally nutritious.

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    White Chili with a Kick

    Store-bought rotisserie chicken makes this spicy chili easy, but you could also cook your own. It’s even better with sour cream, shredded cheese and some hot sauce.

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    Meaty Mushroom Chili

    If you aren’t a fan of beans, you can still make a delicious chili. The mushrooms add a wonderful earthy taste to the dish.

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    Sweet Potato Chili with Turkey

    This sweet potato chili is packed with flavor. Ground turkey is a lighter alternative to beef and sweet potato puree sneaks in some vitamin A.

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    A bowl of steaming hot chili is always a pleasant way to warm up on a cold day. This one has a combination of chuck steak and brats in a spicy broth.

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    Tex-Mex Chili

    Need a hot meal to look forward to for dinner? Look no further than this Tex-Mex recipe with meat, plenty of beans and tasty spices.

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    10/55

    Chunky Vegetarian Chili

    This robust chili combines rice, kidney and pinto beans, and a variety of colorful vegetables for a hearty meatless meal.

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    Effortless Black Bean Chili

    This black bean chili is rich and hearty. It’s perfect for chilly evenings and we guarantee your family members will agree.

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    White Turkey Chili

    Are you over red chili? Here’s proof that chili doesn’t have to be red. This creamy and appealing-looking soup is just as good (if not better) than your classic chili recipe.

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    Thai-Style Chicken Chili

    If you’re looking for an out-of-the-box dish to serve for weeknights, try this Asian-inspired chili.

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    Chili Macaroni and Cheese

    What could be tastier on a cold winter day than chili or mac and cheese? Put them together and you have a creamy and cheesy dish that will warm you up in no time.

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    Chili for a Crowd

    This chili is perfect when you have to feed a large crowd, whether it’s for a party or another special occasion. This chili will be eaten up in no time, we promise.

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    Butternut Squash Chili

    While butternut squash isn’t typically used in chili, we love the added nutrition. Add butternut squash to chili for a tasty, filling, energy-packed dish your whole family will love.

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    Game-Stopper Chili

    This hearty chili with sausage, beef, beans and barley is perfect for a big gathering. Veggie fans and meat lovers will adore this dish.

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    Black Bean Turkey Chili

    This easy chili recipe is full of flavor thanks to the black beans and chiles. Top with sour cream if it’s too hot for you.

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    Chicken Butternut Chili

    Everyone loves a good comforting, hearty, tomato-based chili with bold flavors! This recipe is chock full of veggies and flavor.

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    Healthy Turkey Chili

    This healthy turkey chili recipe is thicker and more robust than your typical healthy chili. This will surely be a family favorite, especially for the cooler months.

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    Creamy White Chili

    This chili is creamy, rich and hard to resist. It’s the perfect meal for when you want something nutritious and filling.

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    Slow-Cooker Spicy Pork Chili

    Tender pork adds extra heartiness to this slow-cooked chili. You can use pork tenderloin, boneless pork roast or boneless pork chops.

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    Zippy Vegetarian Chili

    Hominy and garbanzo beans are fun additions to this zippy chili recipe that uses canned goods from your pantry. We recommend serving this particular chili with cornbread on the side. Delicious!

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    Contest-Winning Pepperoni Pizza Chili

    Pizza and chili together—what could be better? This contest-winning chili will be loved by kids and adults alike. Prepare for your whole family to get seconds (or thirds).

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    Beer Brat Chili

    This beer brat chili is a fun and unique twist! The brats add a wonderful savory flavor to the dish.

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    White Chicken Chili

    This is the best chicken white chili we’ve ever tried! The green chiles add a wonderful trace of heat with every bite you take.

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    Spicy Touchdown Chili

    What is a better pairing than football and chili? Watch your favorite team while enjoying this classic chili recipe that everyone will gobble up in no time.

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    Chicken Chili with Black Beans

    Thanks to the full, hearty flavor, this chili recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite. It’s best served with warm cornbread.

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    Spicy White Chili

    The green chiles and other seasonings makes this chili spicy and vibrant. If you want even more heat, you can’t go wrong with a few drops of your favorite hot sauce.

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    Pork Chile Verde

    Say hello to your new favorite fall dish. In this chili, pork is slowly stewed with jalapenos, onion, green enchilada sauce and spices. It’s wonderful on its own or stuffed in a warm tortilla with sour cream. Don’t forget your hot sauce!

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    Spiced Apple Chili

    Nothing says fall like chili and apples. But have you ever had them together? The smoked paprika in this recipe gives this slightly sweet chili a smoky kick.

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    This chicken and bean chili is a favorite for meat lovers. It’s a must for potlucks any time of year.

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    Zippy Pork Chili

    This comforting chili recipe is great served over a bed of rice, but it’s also fantastic scooped up in tortilla chips.

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    Sandy’s Slow-Cooked Chili

    This is a slow cooked chili that gets better and better over time. The slow cooker allows all the flavors to combine and blend together for a perfect bowl of chili.

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    Mexican Chicken Chili

    Corn and black beans give this hearty chili a Mexican flair the whole family will love. If you want it be less spicy, use less cayenne pepper seasoning.

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    Slow-Cooked Chunky Chili

    Pork sausage, ground beef and plenty of beans make this chili a marvelous meal. Feel free to add more vegetables like corn and carrots.

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    Ground Beef Chili

    This beef chili may be even better than anything you could get at a restaurant. It’s especially good with homemade cornbread.

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    Texican Chili

    This flavorful, meaty chili is a warm and comforting dish. It’s also so easy to prepare in the slow cooker.

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    Easy White Chicken Chili

    Chicken and white beans add a new twist on the regular bowl of red. It’s soothing comfort food that is perfect for a rainy day.

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    40/55

    This chili is packed with everything from beans to beef to veggies. Feel free to add more toppings like pico de gallo, red onion, cilantro and cheese.

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    Hearty Taco Chili

    Ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning give extra special flavor to this dish. We won’t blame you if you go back for seconds.

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    Meatball Chili with Dumplings

    This is a fun take on a classic. This chili tastes like a hearty meatball stew with incredibly addictive dumplings.

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    Quinoa Turkey Chili

    This healthy turkey quinoa chili is not only tasty, it’s packed with vitamins and protein that will keep you feeling satisfied and energized.

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    Firehouse Chili

    This firehouse chili is hearty and satisfying. If you need to feed a crowd, look no further than this recipe.

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    Spicy Pork Chili Verde

    This chili is brimming with poblano and sweet red peppers for a kick. We recommend serving it with sour cream, shredded cheese and tortilla chips.

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    This recipe takes chili to the next level by changing up the flavors and adding a surprise—sweet potatoes. The addition of chorizo and black beans adds a southwestern twist.

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    Creamy Slow-Cooker White Chicken Chili

    This creamy slow-cooker white chicken chili is extra rich thanks to the Alfredo sauce.

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    Quick Pork Chili

    If you want to whip up a quick and easy chili, this is the recipe for you. The pork in here is also a nice switch up from traditional beef.

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    Santa Fe Chili

    This hearty chili is full of protein! With black beans, kidney beans and pinto beans, you will be entranced by all of the textures and flavors.

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    White Bean Chicken Chili

    This chicken chili is loaded with white beans and flavor. The jalapenos adds a nice kick without it being overly hot.

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    White Bean Turkey Chili

    Attention turkey lovers! This chili is chock-full of ground turkey, white kidney beans and diced tomatoes. It’s so full of flavor, you won’t even miss having beef.

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    Green Chile Chicken Chili

    Shredded chicken and hot green chilis turn this chili into a masterpiece. Shredded cheese and sour cream will help combat the spice.

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    Kids’ Favorite Chili

    Kids will love this version of sweet chili. Plus, it’s easy to make and adults will be running back for seconds too.

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    Chunky Chipotle Pork Chili

    What more could you want on a cool evening for dinner? This chili is packed with a smoky flavor thanks to the chipotle pork.

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    Lime Chicken Chili

    Lime juice gives this chili a zesty twist, while canned tomatoes and beans make this easy and mess free. Top with tortilla strips for an extra crunch.

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    Originally Published: January 01, 2020

    The Best (and Most Unique!) Chili Recipes of All Time (57)

    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson

    Lauren has spent more than eight years writing lifestyle, health and wellness content for publishers like Allure, Teen Vogue and Thought Catalog. As Taste of Home's assistant editor, she ran the Holiday, Healthy and Desserts newsletters, and wrote and edited everything from recipe tutorials to healthy eating tips.After work hours, you can find Lauren trying out new pasta recipes, obsessing over her dog, Andre, and working on her third book of poetry.

    The Best (and Most Unique!) Chili Recipes of All Time (2024)

    FAQs

    What can I add to chili to make it unique? ›

    5 Secret Ingredients That'll Take Your Chili to the Next Level
    1. Cocoa Powder. Chocolate might not be the first thing you think of when you're making a batch of chili but it pairs perfectly with peppers. ...
    2. Beer. Why use water or stock as your liquid when you could add beer? ...
    3. Coffee. ...
    4. Cinnamon.
    Sep 12, 2021

    What is the most important spice in chili? ›

    Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

    How to make the best chili? ›

    How to Make The Best Chili
    1. Cook the bacon. I let my bacon cook until it's perfectly browned and crispy.
    2. Saute the vegetables. Saute the diced onion and bell pepper with the bacon for a few minutes.
    3. Brown the ground beef. ...
    4. Toast the spices. ...
    5. Add the tomatoes, broth, and beans. ...
    6. Simmer the chili.
    Dec 15, 2023

    What is the most flavorful meat for chili? ›

    You can really use any meat for chili, but here are the cuts that are most popular for classic chili:
    • Ground beef (80/20) ...
    • Ground sirloin (90/10) ...
    • Brisket. ...
    • Short ribs. ...
    • Tri-tip sirloin. ...
    • Work with your butcher to get multiple textures. ...
    • Use multiple animals to add depth. ...
    • Go for grass-fed and grass-finished beef.
    May 11, 2021

    What is a good secret ingredient for chili? ›

    Alternatively, you could whip up a cheap meal with this 5-ingredient (now 6-ingredient) chili and simply add a bit of chocolate to the ground beef, diced yellow onion, chili powder, diced tomatoes, and drained beans. Whichever recipe you go for, know that a bit of dark chocolate never hurt anyone.

    What is the secret to competition chili? ›

    Additional Depth of Flavor

    Ingredients like tomato paste, cinnamon, coffee and liquid smoke can all add flavor hints that will make your chili cook-off entry unique. Roast your vegetables and use broth or beer instead of water for even more flavor in your pot.

    How to jazz up chili? ›

    1. Adding beer to your chili can make it more complex. ...
    2. Mix in cocoa for a deeper flavor. ...
    3. Fresh, chopped ingredients are excellent chili toppings. ...
    4. You can also top your meal with cooked bacon. ...
    5. Roast and mix in some chiles. ...
    6. Common spices and pantry staples can also upgrade your meal.
    Oct 16, 2022

    What can I add to my chili to give it more flavor? ›

    So what happens if you buy a chili powder but it doesn't meet your expectations? Modify it. If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika.

    What is my chili missing? ›

    Sometimes after a long simmer, your chili will taste wonderful be maybe missing one little thing you can't figure out. Try a tad bit of vinegar or a squeeze of lime! The acidity in vinegar & limes bring a good roundness to the pot and binds all the flavors together.

    How does Martha Stewart make chili? ›

    Add chili powder, cocoa, and tomato paste; cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes more. Add tomatoes, broth, and cooked beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, until thickened slightly, 25 to 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; serve with sour cream and chives.

    What herbs go best in chili? ›

    Best Herbs And Spices For Chilli Con Carne
    • Smoked paprika. Smoked paprika is an essential spice in any chilli recipe. ...
    • Ground cumin. It's hard to imagine Mexican chilli con carne without cumin. ...
    • Garlic powder. ...
    • Onion powder. ...
    • Oregano. ...
    • Marjoram. ...
    • Ground coriander. ...
    • Chilli powder.

    Does chili get better the longer you simmer it? ›

    A low and slow cook time—at least an hour total—is key for drawing out the most flavor in a pot of chili. Yes, a quick chili is most welcome on weeknights, but it won't have quite the same results. A slow cooker works wonders, but if you're short on time, try a pressure cooker.

    How do you make chili taste richer? ›

    I like to give my chili a little more complexity, so I'll often add canned chipotle chili peppers, a touch of cinnamon or Chinese 5 spice, chocolate and cilantro or coriander. A few other flavor boosting ingredients could be: smoked sausage, grilled corn kernels, coffee, beer or roasted tomatoes.

    What are the best beans for chili? ›

    The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

    What are the best onions for chili? ›

    Sweet Onion

    Sweet onions are great for caramelizing due to their higher sugar content. You can cook them into your chili, serve them raw over top, or even elevate your chili with a sophisticated caramelized onion topping! Some of my favorite sweet onions are Walla, Walla, Maui, and Vidalia Onions.

    Why add vinegar to chili? ›

    With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

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