Homemade Chili Recipes: the Ultimate Guide
On February 03, 2025
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Master homemade chili recipes with this guide. From smoky brisket to creamy white chicken, plus seasonings, sides, and yummy leftover ideas.
The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Chili Recipes
Chili is the ultimate year-round comfort food that works for any season and occasion. From hearty beef chili that warms for winter nights, to zesty white chicken chili perfect for summer cookouts, this versatile dish is a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style. Whether you prefer it loaded with beans and veggies or Texas-style loaded with tender meat, this guide has the perfect bowl of chili for you.
It doesn’t stop there, though, because everything you need for a successful chili cook is included. I threw in some recipes for seasonings so you can bring the most flavor out of your chili. Plus, all my favorite chili sides are here so you can round things out. If you’re ready to become a real chili hero, let’s get started.
Homemade Chili Recipes
Get ready to discover your next favorite chili recipe. From classic ground beef to smoky brisket and creamy white chicken variations, these tried-and-true recipes deliver deep, complex flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Each recipe has been carefully tested and perfected so you get amazing results every time.
Brisket Chili
This recipe for thick and hearty Brisket Chili is the perfect way to use up a bunch of leftover smoked beef brisket. It’s full of yummy goodness, so you can continue to enjoy your tasty brisket for days to come!
Easy Homemade Chili
Whether you’re looking for a rich and hearty winter meal, or a little spice for those summertime hotdogs, you can’’t go wrong with my Easy Homemade Chili recipe. Add some of my favorite chili toppings and you’re in for a cheesy, meaty, delicious treat that can’t be beat.
Smoked Chili
This Smoked Chili gets a hit of smoky flavor from grill-roasted meat and veggies and the fried jalapeño rings hit you with enough spice to make you sweat.
Smoked Tri Tip Chili
This Smoked Tri Tip Chili is the perfect, hearty chili when you have leftover tri tip to use up, or you’re simply looking for a tasty meal on a cool day. Packed full with all the good stuff, this chili will leave you full and satisfied.
White Chicken Chili
Tender, juicy, smoked chicken and smoky poblanos in a creamy white chili sauce, my White Chicken Chili has something for everyone. Scoop up a bowl to keep you warm this winter.
Seasoning Recipes for Chili
The secret to exceptional chili lies in the perfect blend of spices. These homemade seasoning recipes eliminate the need for store-bought packets and let you control the heat and flavor profile of your dishes. Plus, they’re versatile enough to use in countless other Southwestern and Mexican-inspired recipes.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
My Homemade Taco Seasoning is a rich blend of herbs and spices that delivers bold taco flavor to your ground beef, chicken, shrimp, and more. Impress everyone at your next Taco Tuesday with this secret ingredient.
Fiesta Rub
My Homemade Fiesta Rub is full of big flavor, and it’s extremely versatile! Use it in tacos, chili, fajitas, shredded pork, chicken, and beef. It’s so much more than just a taco seasoning! You can also pick some up in the Hey Grill Hey Store if you don’t feel like making your own.
What to Serve with Chili
Every great bowl of chili deserves equally delicious sides to complement it. Whether you’re looking for something to soak up every last drop of that rich sauce or add a touch of sweetness to balance the heat, these tested side dish recipes are the perfect companions to your homemade chili.
Skillet Cornbread
This Skillet Cornbread is the ultimate comfort food. It has the perfect cornbread texture with beautifully crispy edges. One bite and you’ll be hooked on this sweet, golden goodness.
Easy Honey Corn Muffins
Soft and moist with a crispy, golden exterior right on your grill in under 30 minutes, these Easy Honey Corn Muffins will steal the show at your next BBQ.
Recipes to Make Using Chili
Don’t let leftover chili go to waste. Transform yesterday’s batch into totally new and exciting dishes that your family will love. From loaded burgers to creative comfort food mashups, these recipes prove that chili is the ultimate make-ahead ingredient that keeps on giving.
Chili Mac
When you’re craving that smooth and creamy goodness of mac and cheese, but you need the rich and hearty comfort only chili can provide, the only answer is my Chili Mac. You get 2 of my most popular recipes at once, and you can make it all in a single dish.
Smoked Chili Cheese Dogs
These Smoked Chili Cheese Dogs are everything you love in a classic chili cheese hot dog. It’s a simple, palate-pleasing combo of chili, cheese, and all-beef hot dogs cooked in a smoker for a smoky twist on traditional flavors.
Tri Tip Chili Cheeseburger
This Tri Tip Chili Cheeseburger is the ultimate in over the top meaty eats. Topped them with my glorious smoky tri tip chili for layers of tasty indulgence. It’s perfect for a weekend cookout or tailgating with your crew. Full mouths, messy hands, can’t lose.
Smoked Baked Potatoes
This extremely easy recipe for Smoked Baked Potatoes is sure to result in the tastiest potatoes you’ll ever eat! They’re everything you love in a baked potato with a wonderful smoky twist.
Baked Potatoes on the Grill
These Baked Potatoes on the Grill are the best baked potatoes you’ll ever have. They’re fluffy, soft, and cooked to complete BBQ perfection. The secret is in the process. By seasoning well, grilling them in foil, and finishing them on direct heat, these potatoes stay moist on the inside, and crispy on the outside.
More Chili, Soup, and Stew Recipes
When you’re ready for more hearty, satisfying recipes like these chili favorites, download the Hey Grill Hey App. for instant access to my complete collection of tested comfort food recipes. From rich stews to smoky soups, these dishes deliver the same bold flavors and satisfying comfort you love in a great bowl of chili.
Chili Recipes, Videos, and More
If you’re ready to master these chili recipes, then head over to my YouTube channel. I’ve got step-by-step video tutorials so you can nail these dishes on your first try. I’ll walk you through each recipe, sharing tips and tricks, so you can produce you get amazing results every time.
Don’t forget to follow Hey Grill Hey on Instagram and Facebook so you don’t miss out on your daily grilling inspiration. I love seeing your creations, so be sure to tag me when you make these yummy recipes. Whether you’re making your first batch of homemade chili or you’re a seasoned pro looking to expand your recipe collection, I’m here to help you become a Backyard BBQ Hero.
