21 Perfect-for-Fall Chili Recipes That Are Anything But Basic

These unique savory recipes will keep you feeling warm, cozy, and full all season long

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When it starts to get chilly outside, it’s time to start making chili inside. These unique variations of the classic chili recipe will surely warm up your routine—whether you’re looking for a go-to weeknight dinner or a bring-to-the-office lunch. Here, we’ve rounded up 21 chili recipes that will make you happy cold weather is here.

Autumn Chicken Apple Cider Chili

Put those freshly picked apples to good use in a dish that combines your favorite fall drink with the aromatic flavors of chili.

Find the recipe via Foxes Love Lemons.

Mole Chicken Chili

For a traditional Mexican feel, infuse your chili with mole. Dark chocolate and spices create a rich sauce that is both exotic and familiar at once.

Find the recipe via Whole Bite.

Bacon Bison Beer Chili

This gluten-free option is packed with high-protein bison, the leanest red meat, and bacon, which is, well, less lean.

Find the recipe via Healthy Life.

Chorizo Sweet Potato Chili

Slightly spicy and slightly sweet, this chili makes for a great main course for a fall dinner.

Find the recipe via Paleo Running Momma.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

One way to make an easy weeknight dinner is throw all the ingredients into a slow cooker. It’s even better when it’s buffalo chicken-flavored.

Find the recipe via Slow Cooker Gourmet.

Healthy Pumpkin Chili

‘Tis the season to cook with pumpkin, and chili is no exception. The subtle pumpkin flavor is surprisingly refreshing in this recipe.

Find the recipe via The Glowing Fridge.

Easy Vegan Chili

This vegan chili recipe is overflowing with vegetables. Red peppers, zucchini, and celery make this a delectable dish—without the meat.

Find the recipe via Vegan Family Recipes.

Turkey Chili with Kale

Chili can be healthy, and here’s proof: You can sneak in kale or other hearty greens.

Find the recipe via The Vintage Mixer.

Slow Cooker Chili Cheese Dog Chili

This recipe is a great excuse to dust off that slow cooker and cook up something that reminds you of a baseball season classic: chili cheese dogs.

Find the recipe via The Gracious Wife.

Smoky BBQ Bourbon Crock Pot Chicken Chili

Cooking with liquor always seems to add a touch of sophistication to a meal. Bourbon and barbecue sauce combine to make one delectable meal complete with perfect, falling-off-the-bone chicken.

Find the recipe via The Endless Meal.

Jalapeño Popper White Chicken Chili

If you prefer your chili spicy, you’ll love this meal. A touch of jalapeño and plenty of cheese make for one fantastic dish.

Find the recipe via Show Me The Yummy.

Butternut Squash Chili

Butternut squash lends a hearty addition to this healthy chili recipe. It’s also made with quinoa, black beans and peppers for a variety of flavors and textures.

Find the recipe via Savory Tooth.

Black Bean and Corn Chili with Avocado Salsa

This vegan-friendly chili is so chock-full of veggie goodness, you won’t even miss the meat.

Find the recipe via The Endless Meal.

Sweet and Spicy Chili

Surprisingly, there are no beans in this chili but you wouldn’t even notice thanks to all the other delicious ingredients.

Find the recipe via The Suburban Soapbox.

Mediterranean Chickpea Chili

We love this spin on the classic chili recipe using Mediterranean ingredients like feta cheese, olives and chickpeas. We can see this being a recipe we can use all year round.

Find the recipe via Better Homes & Gardens.

Chocolate Bacon Chili

Chocolate? Check. Bacon? Check. A life-changing recipe? Check.

Find the recipe via Wallflower Kitchen.

Sweet Potato Turkey Chili

We can picture eating this dish with a side of cornbread and a warm fire. Perfection.

Find the recipe via Pinch of Yum.

Roasted Red Pepper Quinoa Chili

This is a great side dish or a dip for chips, bread or even tator tots!

Find the recipe via Fit Foodie Finds.

Chicken Apple Cheddar

We usually see the chicken and apple combo on salads, but this duo works extremely well in a chili recipe as well. The cheddar cheese offsets the sweetness of the apples for a perfect cold-weather dish.

Find the recipe via Running to the Kitchen.

Dr. Pepper and Chocolate Chili This may look like your average chili, but inside it’s what chili-dreams are made of. Dr. Pepper and chocolate take your average recipe to a whole new level.

Find the recipe via Oh Sweet Basil.

Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower Chili

Here’s a great game-day side dish sure to please your vegetarian friends. The cauliflower is a surprising addition that works well with the buffalo spices.

Find the recipe via Kitchen Treaty.