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.
Mediterranean Chickpea Chili
When looking for a unique chili recipe, consider what Mediterranean ingredients can bring to the table. Grape tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and lemon zest give this garbanzo bean chili a fresh Greek twist.
Mexican Winter Chili
Sweet and hot peppers plus bold spices give this chili some typical Tex-Mex flavors. So, what makes it merit a spot on our list of unique chili recipes? A can of pumpkin and a touch of cream. The unexpected ingredients add richness and depth of flavor to this cold-weather supper.
Caribbean Chili with Black Beans
Add some flavors from the tropics for 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.
New World Chili
In our quest for unique chili recipes, we scored one with a seasonal bent. Butternut squash and cranberries are classic autumnal flavors. These ingredients meld beautifully with traditional chili fixings, including jalapeño pepper, chili powder, beans, and Monterey Jack cheese.
Coconut-Chicken Chili
Crisp veggies, ginger, basil, garlic, and coconut milk. Those ingredients sound more like something you'd find in your favorite Thai dish than in a chili. But add drained and rinsed beans and chili powder, and the combo might just earn a spot on your list of great new chili ideas.
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Veggie Chili Verde with Seitan Crumbles and Lager
If vegetarian chili sounds boring, just wait until you try this unique recipe. The hearty chili is spiced with green chiles, tomatillos, chipotle peppers in adobo, and—wait for it—beer! Mexican beer is added to the pot to give it a deeper flavor that will have you coming back for a second (or third) bowl.
Harvest Chili
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.
Family-Style Chili and Corn Bread Dumplings
When a chili recipe's ingredient list starts with round steak or pork shoulder, you know it will be rich and meaty! What makes it score a spot on our list of unusual chili recipes, however, is the plus-one of cornmeal dumplings.
Steak and Soda Chili
This might be the most creative of our unique chili recipes! Two kinds of dried chilis plus a can of a popular soft drink add sweet-spicy flavors to the bowl of red. What? No beans? Nope, it's patterned after a classic Texas-style chili, which means beans are out!
Vegetarian Green Chili
Fill your bowl with greens, soybeans, and rice when craving unique chili recipes that are healthful to boot. You'll also love how the celery, chopped green onions, spinach, and avocado make you see chili in a fresh, new way.
Chunky Vegetable Chili
With celery, corn, and zucchini joining the usual bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, this vegetarian chili isn't just meatless; it's downright veggie-driven! Put it on your list of different chili recipes that can be made in a slow cooker.
Sweet Potato-Black Bean Chili
Not only is this one of our most unique chili recipes, but it's also one of our most colorful, thanks to the corn, tomatoes, jalapeños, and sweet potatoes. Try it the next time you're looking for ultra-satisfying meatless Monday recipes.
Fast or Slow Jalapeño Popper Chili
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.
Cornbread and Chili are a Classic Pairing
Cornbread may not go with all of these chili recipes, but for most of them (and just about any other chili recipe), a piece of cornbread would be a welcome side dish. Classic cornbread is the obvious choice, but a Maple Bacon Corn Muffin sounds amazing. For something a little different, try these Pull-Apart Cornmeal Dinner Rolls or fry up some Cornmeal Griddle Cakes if you have the time.
