Chili season is officially here and while the temperatures have not quite gotten the memo everywhere, the mindset is there, and that is all you need. However, if you’re being honest, that go-to chili recipe can be a familiar comfort or just the same old thing. If it’s your first time here at A Place to Bake, we like to elevate with ease so you are never stuck with the “same old same old”.
So this chili season, let’s add some new favorites to the rotation. There is no shortage of days that could use chili and there is no shortage of super creative interpretations of chili. A variety of new ways to use seasonal ingredients, fresh produce, and unexpected elements means there are plenty of new chili recipes for you to try out.
Consider swapping ground beef out for chicken, pork, or smoked meat. Instead of your usual, add in new fun elements like sweet potato or pumpkin for more substance. Or, up the spice levels to help you warm up after a colder day.
The season of warm and cozy should be your time to try out new recipes that can become old favorites. So, look no further than these creative chili recipes.
1. White Chicken Chili
This white chicken chili switches out your traditional beef for chicken and plays into some Southwestern flavors with poblano peppers, cilantro, and corn added into the mix. It is the perfect transition comfort food to guide you into the season because it’s still light while leaving you with that cozy falltime warmth.
2. Sweet Potato Chili
Playing into seasonal produce is always a good way to change up your usual meals and is a way to sneak in more whole foods. This sweet potato chili does just that and creates a filling, but lighter chili.
3. White Bean Chili
Chili often leans into the savory, and while this recipe does not leave that behind, it also leans into some creamy flavor profiles. The white beans are still flavorful and full while opting for a creamier approach that is perfect for dinner or a day of football.
4. Beef and Beer Chili
Put football on the TV and this chili on the stove. This hearty and flavorful chili recipe is chocked full of beef and beer of your choice, creating a complex and fun flavor that you will want to make all season long.
5. Slow Cooker Chili Verde
Swap out your beef and chicken for this green chili delight. This pork chili is full of fun additions that leave you with a bright, in color and in flavor, delight. This one is perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day. Just pop the ingredients into the slow cooker and go.
6. Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili
If you’re a fan of Elote, you will be familiar with this flavor profile. This chili recipe combines your traditional chicken chili with street corn flavors and hints of lime. If you’re looking for something on the lighter side or just a different profile, this is the perfect chili recipe to put into your rotation
7. Queso Chili
If you want something on the creamier or cheesier side this queso chili recipe might be exactly what you’re looking for. It also adds in rotini which is a new texture aspect and gives the impression of a pasta dish or hamburger helper but much better.
8. Beer Brisket Chili
Switching out the traditional beef is nothing new, but have you opted for brisket in its stead? This tender chili will not only melt in your mouth but fill your stomach just right, making it perfect for a chili Autumn night.
9. Pumpkin Chili
There is not much more quintessential fall than a pumpkin chili. The classic comfort food gets a slightly sweet, earthy upgrade with the addition of the seasonal vegetable, making for a new spin on a classic.
10. Chorizo Poblano Chili
Smoky and flavorful are the words to describe this treat. A chili that is full of delicious chorizo and poblano peppers to create a spicy, smoky mix that leaves absolutely nothing to be desired once it’s done.
11. Smoked Brisket Chili
Looking for something to do with that delicious brisket you have but definitely made too much of? Spin it into this smoky BBQ delight that combines the comforts of a well-cooked brisket with the coziness of chili.
These chili recipes not only offer innovative and fun new perspectives on a classic meal, but they are also fitting for all occasions during the season. Opt for a lighter chili like the salsa verde chili for lunch or take on the beef and beer chili during a tailgate, it all works!
No matter the meal, you have a variety of options to step your chili season game up this year.
Need more Fall Food inspiration, check out these options that are perfect for everything from the tailgate to dinner.
