Whether meat-centric, veggie-forward, boldly spiced, or globally driven, these unique chili recipes all have one thing in common: They’re all uncommonly good. Once you take in all the different kinds of chilis showcased here, you’ll be hard-pressed to settle for the same old bowl again.
Caribbean Chili with Black Beans
Andy Lyons
Add some flavors from the tropicsfor unique chili recipes that go beyond the usual bowl of red. Here, sweet mango, allspice, and orange juice temper the spice of the habanero pepper.
Harvest Chili
Andy Lyons
As soon as there’s a nip in the air, we start rifling through our archives of unique chili recipes to find the best way to kick off chili season. With chicken-apple sausage, butternut squash, and fresh green apples, this contender is perfect for when summer’s growing season gives way to the autumn harvest.
Fast or Slow Jalapeño Popper Chili
Jason Donnelly
With melted cream cheese and fresh jalapeño peppers, this chili is inspired by a popular bar-grill snack. Add bacon to the mix, and it’s no wonder it’s on our list of best chili ideas! For a bright and perky side dish, team with a side of Vinaigrette Coleslaw. Cook it for a few hours in the slow cooker. Or get the job done in about 30 minutes in a pressure cooker.
Green Chili with Pork and Poblanos
Jason Donnelly
Try something new for your next batch of chili! Our green chili recipe is loaded with ground pork, poblano peppers, green salsa, and white beans. After it cooks low and slow, serve each bowl with tortilla chips, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. A squeeze of lime doesn’t hurt!
Copycat Turkey Chili
Brie Goldman
This copycat recipe takes inspiration from your favorite restaurant turkey chili. Corn, garbanzo beans, and edamame add both flavor and texture to the finished recipe. As one BHG home cook raved, “This recipe was easy to make and we all enjoyed it. I added a bit more spice but otherwise, the recipe was spot-on. I especially enjoyed the variety of veggies.”
Beefy No-Bean Chili
Jason Donnelly
This Paleo chili recipe skips the beans in favor of a rich fire-roasted tomato and ground beef mixture. Prep the seasoned ground beef ahead and stash it in the freeze for any time you want to make a pot of chili.
Fast or Slow White Chicken Chili
Jason Donnelly
We’re sharing our best white chicken chili recipe with two simple cooking methods. If you’re in a hurry, choose our how to for making chicken chili in the pressure cooker. Have more time? Let the flavors develop by slow cooking a batch.
Mexican-Inspired Chili
BHG/Crystal Hughes
A few things bring the Mexican-inspired flavor to this ground beef chili recipe. Canned Mexican-style stewed tomatoes, canned green chiles, and cumin go a long way in spicing up each bowl. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and a generous scoop of sour cream.
Quick and Easy Chili Recipe
BHG / Abbey Littlejohn
This is our classic Better Homes & Garden’s chili recipe and it’s been a fan-favorite for decades. Once you’ve mastered the recipe, try our variation for Cincinnati-style chili which includes cocoa powder, cider vinegar, and cinnamon.
In-Your-Sleep Chili
Scott Little
What makes this chili recipe so easy you could make it in your sleep? Just five ingredients and a slow cooker method. Hot-style vegetable juice is our secret ingredient for flavorful chili.
All-American Classic Chili
Jason Donnelly
Start here if you want a traditional bowl of beef and bean chili. We highly recommend serving it with corn bread on top for soaking up all the flavorful broth. We’re sharing a hands-off slow cooker method, but you could also make it on the stove top.
Texas Chuck Roast Chili
BHG / Andrea Araiza
Not a fan of beans in chili? Here’s the recipe for you. Each bite is loaded with tender chuck roast, a spicy tomato broth, and chipotle pepper. Crushed tortilla chips are our secret to ensuring it’s the perfect thick texture.
Chili Verde Soup
Scott Little
If you’re looking for a fresh take on green chili, start here. We’re making the green broth from scratching using tomatillos, onions, and canned green chiles. Adding spinach and lime juice boosts the color and brightness of the finished chili.
Small-Batch Chili
BHG / Ana Cadena
If you’re cooking for one or two, try this small-batch chili recipe. Everything is perfectly portioned for four servings without having leftover canned beans or tomatoes. Our editors like to meal prep a batch on Sunday and eat it for lunch throughout the week.