23 easy chili recipes perfect for busy weeknights

Busy nights just got a whole lot easier with simple, hearty meals. These 23 quick chili recipes bring big flavor without the fuss. One pot, easy steps, and dinner is done fast. Weeknight cooking finally feels stress-free and full of comfort.

Vegan White Chickpea Chili

Bowl of creamy soup with corn, beans, tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños, avocado, sour cream, and cilantro garnish. — Vegan White Chickpea Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Some nights just need a no-fuss dinner that doesn’t lean on meat or dairy. With a creamy texture and just the right spice, Vegan White Chickpea Chili hits the spot. Chickpeas hold up well, even in leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Vegan White Chickpea Chili

Sweet Chili Wings

Sticky, flavorful wings make a great weeknight switch-up when you’re craving chili flavor without the bowl. Sweet Chili Wings strike a nice balance between heat and sweetness. They work as a quick dinner or part of a bigger spread.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Chili Wings

Crockpot Chili

Image shows a closeup of a bowl of Crockpot beef chili. — Crockpot Chili. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

When you don’t want to think twice about dinner, this one’s ready to step in. Crockpot Chili is a set-it-and-leave-it kind of meal that keeps things traditional and straightforward. You can tweak the spice or keep it mild, depending on your mood.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

A white bowl filled with shredded chicken, corn, tortilla strips, and herbs sits on a table with other bowls containing similar ingredients. — Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Bright and creamy, this version stays light but still filling. Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili comes together with minimal chopping and just enough heat. It’s one of those recipes you end up making again the next week.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnatti chili on top of spaghetti and covered with cheese, beans and onions. — Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With its signature spices, this chili brings something unexpected to the table. Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili adds cinnamon and depth that play well over noodles or baked potatoes. It’s a great way to change up the usual chili routine.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Close-up of cheesy pasta with vegetables and herbs topped with sliced green onions. — Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Let dinner simmer in the background while you get other things done. Big flavor shows up in Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili without any heavy lifting. Leftovers make lunch the next day an easy win.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Hearty Beef Chili

A pot of chili topped with parsley, surrounded by toppings like cheese, corn chips, and jalapeños, with cornbread pieces in the background. — Hearty Beef Chili. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Sometimes all you want is something classic that doesn’t take all day. Hearty Beef Chili sticks to the basics in the best way. It hits the spot after a long day without complicating your night.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Beef Chili

Slow Cooker Pork Chili

Image shows close-up of a spoonful of chili with beans, cheese, and corn, held above a pot filled with the same dish, placed on a wooden surface. — Slow Cooker Pork Chili. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This version leans into deep flavor and minimal effort. Slow Cooker Pork Chili cooks low and slow while you go about your day. It works just as well for leftovers as it does right out of the pot.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chili

Crockpot Green Chili Chicken

Three chicken tacos topped with cilantro, avocado and red onions on a wooden cutting board. — Crockpot Green Chili Chicken. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Green chilies and tender chicken make this dish flavorful without going overboard. Crockpot Green Chili Chicken is the kind of dinner that feels laid-back but still interesting. Toss it in the pot and move on with your day.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Green Chili Chicken

Lentil And Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili

Bowl of lentil curry with yogurt, topped with cilantro, and served with crunchy flatbread. — Lentil And Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

The combo of lentils and squash keeps things filling without feeling too heavy. Lentil And Butternut Squash Chili fits perfectly into a weeknight routine. It’s a smart option for meal prep too.
Get the Recipe: Lentil And Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili

Green Chili Chicken Soup

Overhead shot of a pot of the soup with two bowls of the soup and garnishes. — Green Chili Chicken Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Keep things fresh and fast with something lighter that still checks all the boxes. The tangy heat in Green Chili Chicken Soup pairs well with shredded chicken and minimal extras. Add a squeeze of lime or tortilla strips and call it done.
Get the Recipe: Green Chili Chicken Soup

Chicken Enchilada Soup - Chili's Copycat

Bowl of chili topped with crispy tortilla strips and cilantro. Surrounding the bowl are fresh cilantro leaves and a whole red chili pepper. — Chicken Enchilada Soup - Chili's Copycat. Photo credit: xoxobella.

All the comfort of enchiladas in one easy pot. Chicken Enchilada Soup brings together cheese, spice, and chicken in a way that doesn’t need much effort. It works great with chips or on its own.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Soup - Chili's Copycat

Brisket Chili

Give leftover brisket a new job in a bowl that comes together without much fuss. The deep flavor in Brisket Chili makes it feel weekend-worthy, even if it’s a Tuesday. Great with cornbread or just as-is.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Chili

Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Bowl of chili with baked tortilla strips. — Instant Pot Turkey Chili. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When you're pressed for time, the pressure cooker comes through. Instant Pot Turkey Chili leans on lean meat and pantry staples for something hearty in under an hour. You’ll want to keep this one in regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili

A bowl of bean stew with tomatoes and a spoon on a textured blue surface. — Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

For something cozy and quick, this chili nails both. Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili pairs plant-based protein with a touch of sweetness. One batch feeds a crowd or sets you up for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili

Kabocha Squash Chili

Skip the usual and lean into something with a little more personality. Kabocha Squash Chili brings mellow sweetness and warm spice in a way that feels a little different. One pot holds enough for a couple of nights.
Get the Recipe: Kabocha Squash Chili

Beanless Chili

A bowl of chili topped with green onions and red onions, garnished with a lime wedge, on a plate with a piece of cornbread and a spoon. — Beanless Chili. Photo credit: xoxobella.

No beans, no problem, this one keeps things focused on bold flavor. Beanless Chili works well when you’re looking for a quicker, meat-forward option. It’s ideal when you want a lighter bowl that still feels like chili.
Get the Recipe: Beanless Chili

Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

A bowl of Texas roadhouse chili with jalapenos and beans. — Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The flavor hits close to the original, without all the extra steps. Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe brings a bold, beefy bowl that doesn’t take much to pull together. Top it how you like and dig in.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili

Bowl of chili with beans, shredded cheese, avocado chunks, sour cream, fresh herbs, and a spoon. — Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

When you want something with a little extra kick, this one checks the box. Smoky and bold, Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili brings heat without much effort. The slow cooker does the work while you keep your evening free.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili

Hearty Pumpkin Chili

A bowl of chili topped with avocado and peppers. — Hearty Pumpkin Chili. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Try something a little different without adding to your prep list. The mellow richness in Hearty Pumpkin Chili works well with beans and a bit of heat. It’s a simple shift from the usual tomato base.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Pumpkin Chili

Venison Chili

A bowl of chili topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, and sliced jalapeños. Surrounded by saltine crackers and tortilla chips. A spoon is in the bowl. — Venison Chili. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Lean and rich, this version brings something a little different to your weeknight routine. Venison Chili holds deep flavor without feeling too heavy. It works especially well when you want a break from the usual beef or turkey.
Get the Recipe: Venison Chili

Slow Cooker Chili Mac

This mash-up hits both chili night and pasta night in one go. Slow Cooker Chili Mac brings all the comfort with hardly any prep. It’s a no-brainer when you need a low-effort meal that everyone will eat.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Lean turkey makes this a lighter option that still delivers on flavor. Slow Cooker Turkey Chili keeps things simple and clean without sacrificing the feel of classic chili. It’s easy to prep in the morning and forget until dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Chili