8 Unique Chili Recipes For Tonight’s Dinner
Hands up if you agree that nothing beats a big bowlful of chili for dinner! It’s hearty, easy to make in big batches, and there are so many different ways to change it up depending on what you’re in the mood for. This collection brings together a mix of my favorite chili recipes, from the classic beef-and-bean staple everyone should know how to make, to lighter options like turkey chili and white chicken chili. There are also a few twists if you’re ready to branch out a little, like Mexican street corn chili, birria chili, and even a surprisingly good root beer chili (trust me, it works!).
Whether you like your chili thick and traditional, creamy and chicken-based, or something a little different, there’s plenty here to keep chili night interesting. I hope you’ll love these recipes and they’ll encourage you to try out something a little different!
Easy Homemade Beef Chili
Every cook needs a go-to classic chili, and this is one you’ll come back to again and again. It slow cooks with a hearty mix of beans, beef, and warm spices until everything turns thick and deeply flavorful. Simple, reliable, and perfect for piling into bowls on a cold night.
Healthy & Easy Turkey & Bean Chili
This healthy turkey and bean chili is a lighter take on the classic but still plenty hearty! Lean ground turkey cooks with bold spices and three kinds of beans that add texture and help stretch the pot a little further. It’s filling, flavorful, and a solid choice when you want chili night without feeling weighed down.
Hot Dog Chili
This hot dog chili is made for piling high and digging in. Ground beef cooks with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices until it thickens into the perfect scoopable topping that stays put on a hot dog. It’s kid-friendly, great for game day, and just as good on fries or nachos as it is on a classic chili dog.
The Best White Chicken Chili
White chicken chili is a nice change when you want something lighter than the usual beef version. It’s creamy and brothy with tender shredded chicken, soft beans, and little pops of sweet corn throughout. Green chiles and warm spices give it just enough kick to keep things interesting without making it too spicy.
Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili
This Mexican street corn white chicken chili is a fun twist on the classic bowl! Shredded chicken simmers with sweet corn, mild chilies, and warm spices, then gets finished with cream cheese and a squeeze of lime. The result is rich, cozy, and full of those street corn flavors that make it a little different from the usual chili night.
Root Beer Chili
Root beer chili might sound unusual at first, but it really works. As it cooks, the root beer blends into the tomatoes, spices, and beef, adding a subtle sweetness that rounds everything out and balances the heat. It’s a fun twist on a classic bowl and surprisingly family-friendly once it all comes together.
Red Chicken Chili
This red chicken chili is a hearty, tomato-based take on chili night. Chicken cooks slowly with beans, corn, Rotel tomatoes, and plenty of warm spices until everything is rich and flavorful. Once the chicken is shredded back into the pot, it turns into a thick, satisfying bowl that’s great with your favorite toppings.
Serves: 8-10
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 (10 oz) cans Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 15 oz can no salt tomato sauce
- 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 15 oz can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 12 oz package frozen corn kernels
- 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts in an even layer in your slow cooker and top with bell peppers, onion, garlic, Rotel, tomato sauce, beans, and corn.
- Add the chicken broth and seasonings.
- Place lid on top and cook on the low setting for 6-8 hours or the high setting for 4-5 hours.
- Remove the chicken breasts and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to slow cooker and stir into the chili.
- Ladle into bowls and serve with any toppings or sides of choice.
Birria Chili
This birria chili brings those deep, smoky flavors into a simple bowl of chili. Instead of a big roast, it uses ground beef, which keeps it easier and more budget-friendly while still delivering that rich, slightly spicy birria character. It’s a great option when you want something a little different from the usual chili night.
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
-
2 pounds ground beef, browned and drained
-
1 large onion, diced
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 (14-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
-
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
-
1 (1-ounce) envelope birria seasoning mix
-
1 teaspoon sugar
-
1 teaspoon onion powder
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
-
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
-
3 cups beef broth
-
1 chipotle pepper in adobo, chopped
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
Fresh cilantro, diced onion, and lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
-
Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
-
Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, birria seasoning mix, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until everything is coated and well mixed.
-
Mix in the black beans, pinto beans, beef broth, and chipotle pepper. Stir well.
-
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, stirring halfway through.
-
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
-
Ladle into bowls and top with cilantro, diced onion, and lime wedges before serving.
If you’re stuck in a chili rut, these are the recipes that will break you right out of it! I’d love to hear your thoughts if you try these. You can leave a comment below, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @slimmingviolet and #slimmingviolet. It always makes my day to see what you’ve been creating in your own kitchen!
