The Ultimate Chili Recipes
Updated Sep 04, 2025
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When the temperatures dip or you're craving something hearty, few meals are as satisfying as a big bowl of chili. Cozy, filling, and endlessly adaptable, these recipes range from classic beef to lighter chicken to hearty vegetarian options, each recipe is tested to be both flavorful and easy.
Perfect for tailgates, potlucks, or a simple night at home, chili has a way of bringing comfort to any occasion. So grab a bowl and enjoy one of these crowd-pleasing chili recipes.
The Best Chili Recipes
1. Chili Seasoning
We can't talk chili without talking seasoning. My Homemade Chili Seasoning is a reader favorite for good reason. With the perfect balance of spices, it has become a pantry staple in millions of kitchens. No fillers, no excess sodium-just pure flavor.
2. Crockpot Chili
Crockpot Chili is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it cozy recipe. This classic beef and bean chili is cooked low and slow allowing it to develop maximum flavor with minimal effort.
3. Instant Pot Chili
The cooking process has been sped up in this recipe for classic chili, but the flavor is not compromised. In fact, this is my family's all-time favorite chili recipe. It never disappoints!
4. Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Creamy, hearty, and packed with protein, this chili is a lighter take that doesn't skimp on flavor. The secret? Diced green chiles and just the right blend of spices. My family loves it with tortilla chips on the side.
5. Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
This cozy Instant Pot white chicken chili is incredibly creamy, perfectly spiced, and always a favorite. Bonus? It can be made with fresh or frozen chicken.
6. Crockpot Red Chicken Chili
If taco night and chili night had a baby, it would be this chili recipe. Made with simple pantry staples and plenty of chicken, it's hearty, budget-friendly, and perfect for serving a hungry crowd.
7. Instant Pot Chicken Chili
This dump-and-cook chili recipe delivers intense flavor with minimal effort. There is no need to sauté anything and it can be prepared using fresh or frozen chicken. Chili doesn't get much easier (or flavorful) than this!
8. Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili
Are you craving a cozy bowl of chili that will leave you satisfied without weighing you down? Sweet Potato Chili is the answer! This simple chili recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, yet the flavor is unbelievably good!
9. Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili
Thick, hearty, and bursting with plant protein, this vegetarian chili comes together fast thanks to the Instant Pot.
10. Lentil Chili
Hearty, protein-packed, and budget-friendly, lentils make this chili extra filling with a wonderful meaty texture.
11. Instant Pot Lentil Chili
The addition of red wine and balsamic vinegar transforms inexpensive ingredients into a 5-star chili recipe! And the Instant Pot speeds up the process!
12. Butternut Squash Chili
Butternut squash adds earthy sweetness that plays beautifully against the chili spices. This veggie-packed version is perfect if you're looking for a chili option that's every bit as satisfying as it is light.
Kristen's Universal Tips on Chili
Regardless of which chili recipe you opt to make, I have a few tips that will help help guarantee the best results.
- Skip the seasoning packets. The very best way to take any type of chili to the next level is to make your own blend of spices. This will allow you to control the sodium, spice, and flavor, and leave additives on the shelf. Start with my award-winning chili seasoning for classic flavor or turn to taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex style chili.
- Finish strong. The best bowl of chili is even better when you add toppings. Serve with shredded cheese, diced avocado, minced onions, pickled jalapenos, tortilla chips, sour cream, fresh herbs, and/or a side of cornbread. Use the toppings as a time to add additional flavor and texture.
- Leftover chili is even better. While chili is delicious served immediately after preparation, the flavors will continue to intensify as it cools. It is one of those dishes that tastes better if prepared the day before and warmed up when ready to enjoy.
- Get creative with leftovers. Serve over pasta, rice, Instant Pot baked potatoes, Instant Pot sweet potatoes or use as the base for a tamale casserole.
I hope you found a chili, or three, to enjoy! I am craving a big old bowl myself. Now to just narrow it down what I feel like! 😉 But honestly, you can't go wrong with ANY of these chili recipes! Enjoy! xo, Kristen
I love to make chili. I use ground chuck, diced onion, diced tomatoes in the can, tomatoes crushed in the can, v8 juice cumin, Chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon a dash, and Coco powder just a dash. Red and light kidney beans or pinto beans mild jalapeños seeded and finely diced. Cook in Dutch oven couple of hours until juices start to thicken.
That sounds like the chili my mom used to make 🙂 She always added v8 and cinnamon.