12 Chili Recipes
There’s something about a steaming bowl of chili that brings people together, whether you’re watching the game or warming up on a chilly evening.
These chili recipes stand out from the rest with bold flavors, creative twists, and that perfect balance of spice and comfort that keeps you coming back for seconds.
From slow cooker versions that do all the work for you to creative takes with pumpkin and buffalo sauce, this collection proves chili is anything but boring. If you entered these chili recipes in a contest, they would definitely win, they’re that good!
1. Blue Ribbon Beef Chili
This no-fuss recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen. Jarred salsa boosts the taste so much you’ll swear it cooked all day, making it perfect for busy weekends when you want something cozy without the commitment.
Get the Recipe: Blue Ribbon Beef Chili
2. Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Hands-off cooking meets comfort food in this chili that’s practically foolproof to make. The crockpot does all the work while you go about your day, then you come home to tender, shredded chicken in a creamy broth with just enough heat to keep things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
3. Taco Chili
When you can’t decide between taco night and chili night, this recipe gives you both in one satisfying bowl. The Mexican-inspired flavors come together fast, making it ideal for weeknights when you need dinner on the table without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Taco Chili
4. Short Rib Chili
This version turns chili into something special enough to serve guests. The short ribs become fork-tender after a long simmer, while unexpected additions like coffee create a complex, restaurant-quality flavor.
Get the Recipe: Short Rib Chili
5. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
Game day gets a whole lot better with this mashup that captures everything you love about buffalo wings in chili form. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that practically makes itself in the crockpot, leaving you free to actually enjoy the party.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
6. Copycat Wendy’s Chili
Recreate the fast food favorite at home with this spot-on Wendy’s copycat chili that tastes just like the original. Pile it high with all your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Wendy’s Chili
7. Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
This chili is packed with sweet potatoes, black beans, and quinoa. The flexibility to make it on the stove, in the slow cooker, or in your Instant Pot means you can adapt it to however your day unfolds.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
8. Crockpot Chili Without Beans
This extra-meaty chili has no beans and is so simple to make in the slow cooker. It makes the perfect lunch or dinner any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili Without Beans
9. Pumpkin Chili
Fall flavors sneak into this clever twist on classic chili without overwhelming what you love about the original. Canned pumpkin and pumpkin spice make this chili perfect for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Chili
10. White Bean Chicken Chili
Weeknight-friendly and satisfying, this white bean chicken chili will be your family’s new favorite. Browning the chicken first adds a layer of flavor that makes it taste like it took way more effort than it actually did.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Chicken Chili
11. Crockpot Barbecue Chicken Quinoa Chili
Sweet, smoky barbecue flavor transforms this chili into something completely different from the usual recipes. Just 10 minutes of prep in the morning means dinner practically makes itself while you’re at work.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Barbecue Chicken Quinoa Chili
12. Venison Chili
This chili is made with ground venison, beans, peppers, and seasoning that come together in a rich, simmered sauce. One recipe review said that their family really enjoyed this one.
Get the Recipe: Venison Chili
