16 Chili Recipes That Will Make You Feel Like A Genius

A steaming bowl of comforting chili is always a genius move.

Here's a rundown of 16 top-rated chili recipes you're going to want to make, and why. Just in case you need to justify your chili. Which you don't.

1. Wazzu Tailgate Chili | 4.8 Stars

Because you made this chili the day before, and now can spend the day rooting for your team.

Wazzu Tailgate Chili
Photo by *Sherri*.

2. Easy Sweet Chili | 4.6 Stars

Because all you had to chop was the garlic.

Easy Sweet Chili
Photo by Molly.

3. Best Damn Chili | 4.7 Stars

Because you know it takes 28 ingredients to make the perfect chili.

Best Damn Chili
Photo by *Sherri*.

4. Easy White Chili II | 4.6 Stars

Because sometimes just six ingredients and a slow cooker are all you want to deal with.

5.Cheater's Chicken Chili | 4.5 Stars

Because with a rotisserie chicken and 25 minutes, you can make anything. Including chili.

Cheater's Chicken Chili
Photo by Deb C.

6.White Bean Chicken Breast Chili | 4.8 Stars

Because you can take the heat of ancho AND chipotle chiles.

White Bean Chicken Breast Chili
Photo by Diana Mc.


7.It's Chili by George!! | 4.6 Stars

Because you're tired of using your oyster crackers only on clam chowder.

It's Chili by George
Photo by CandiceSteele.

8.Black Bean Chili | 4.5 Stars

Because your fridge is full of bell peppers, mushrooms, and corn, but you feel like making chili anyway.

Black Bean Chili
Black Bean Chili | Photo by BrooklynKyler.

9.Creamy White Chili | 4.8 Stars

Because you used skinless chicken breast instead of beef to keep it healthy, then topped things off with heavy whipping cream.

Creamy White Chili
Photo by mis7up.

10. Fusion Chili | 4.7 Stars

Because you don't stop at dried ancho chiles, you throw in Italian sausage and Worcestershire sauce too!

Fusion Chili
Photo by lutzflcat.

11. Colorado Buffalo Chili | 4.7 Stars

Because you haven't been able to figure out what else to do with that freezer full of ground buffalo.

Colorado Buffalo Chili
Photo by Zndrson.

12. Easy White Chili | 4.6 Stars

Because you wanted a reason to eat sweet corn bread for dinner tonight.

Easy White Chili
Photo by abapplez.

13. Mile High Green Chili | 4.6 Stars

Because you've been hankering to go back to Denver.

Mile High Green Chili
Photo by RB46.

14. Justin's Hoosier Daddy Chili | 4.6 Stars

Because you want to be able to say "Hoosier Daddy" in front of your family with a straight face.

Justin's Hoosier Daddy Chili
Photo by Mi ~ (a PRO at) Being Mi.

15. Emily's Chipotle Chili | 4.5 Stars

Because canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are the perfect supplement to a couple handfuls of chili powder.

Emily's Chipotle Chili
Photo by Rock_lobster.

16. Habanero Hellfire Chili | 4.7 Stars

Because if it's not hotter than you-know-what, it's not worth eating.

Habanero Hellfire Chili
Photo by Baasinator.

You know what takes genius-level chili recipes to an even higher level of excellence? These heirloom beans. And maybe this savory waffle made of cornbread.


Check out these 6 chili cook-off blue-ribbon winners. Or scope out our complete collection of Chili Recipes.

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