Not every bowl of chili needs to be packed with tomatoes and heat. There are plenty of ways to make a hearty, flavorful chili without setting your mouth on fire. White beans, mild peppers, creamy broths—there’s more to chili than just spice. These recipes keep things rich and comforting without relying on heat to do all the work.
Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili
Apples in chili? Yep, and it works. Chicken, white beans, and cheddar make a creamy base, while the apples add just a little sweetness. It’s unexpected, but it hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili
Chocolate Lamb Chili
This one’s bold, but trust the process. Lamb, beans, and just a little bit of chocolate give this chili deep, rich flavor. If you like mole sauce, this is right up your alley.
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Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili With Cauliflower
A big bowl of creamy white bean chicken chili with cauliflower is perfect when you want something hearty but not overloaded with spice. The cauliflower keeps it light, the white beans make it filling, and the whole thing comes together in one pot. Easy win.
Get the Recipe: Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili With Cauliflower
Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili
Dump it in, walk away, and come back to a slow cooker full of creamy white chicken chili. Salsa verde adds just enough tang without making it fiery. It’s low effort and high reward, which is exactly what dinner should be.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
This Instant Pot white chicken chili gets dinner done fast. Tender chicken, white beans, and corn cook up in a creamy broth in about 30 minutes. Great for when you want something that feels homemade without spending all day making it.
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Pork Chili with Butternut and Kale
A chili that skips the beef and heat but still delivers. Pork, butternut squash, and kale come together for a great balance of hearty and fresh. Bonus: it actually tastes just as good the next day, so make extra.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chili with Butternut and Kale
Creamy White Chicken Chili
Less than 15 minutes of prep gets you a big batch of creamy white chicken chili. With cream cheese and a hit of lime, it’s rich without being heavy. Perfect for when you need something filling but don’t want to mess with a complicated recipe.
Get the Recipe: Creamy White Chicken Chili
Chicken Poblano White Bean Chili
This one’s great for feeding a crowd. Chicken, white beans, and roasted poblanos make a chili that’s mellow on spice but still packed with flavor. Make a big pot for a weeknight dinner or a lazy Sunday meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Poblano White Bean Chili
White Chicken Chili
A slow cooker classic that never disappoints. Creamy, chunky, and packed with chicken and white beans, this chili is an easy go-to. Just throw everything in, and a few hours later, you’ve got dinner ready to go.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili
Creamy White Bean and Turkey Chili
Got leftover turkey? This chili puts it to good use. White beans, a creamy broth, and a handful of toppings make it great for an easy meal. Grab some tortilla chips or cheese and call it a night.
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Chicken Chili Verde
Pulled chicken, corn, and roasted poblano peppers simmer in a mild green sauce for a chili that skips the heat but still brings flavor. Perfect for a laid-back dinner that doesn’t require a ton of work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chili Verde
Chili Tater Tot Casserole
Chili meets crispy tater tots in this easy skillet meal. Cheddar cheese and golden tots on top make this a no-brainer for a cozy dinner. Just try not to eat all the crispy edges straight from the pan.
Get the Recipe: Chili Tater Tot Casserole
Crockpot White Chicken Chili
This one’s as easy as it gets. Toss everything into the slow cooker, let it do its thing, and come back to a creamy, flavorful bowl of chili. Perfect for busy nights when cooking just isn’t happening.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot White Chicken Chili
White Corn Chicken Chili
White corn, shredded chicken, and a mix of mild spices make this a great chili for when you want something flavorful but not spicy. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with southwest vibes.
Get the Recipe: White Corn Chicken Chili
Dr Pepper Chili
A rich, thick chili with a little something extra—Dr Pepper. It gives this meaty dish a deep, slightly sweet flavor that makes it stand out. Great for game day or just when you want something different.
Get the Recipe: Dr Pepper Chili
Instant Pot Chili With Turkey or Ground Beef
This Instant Pot chili means business. Ground turkey or beef, beans, and tomatoes come together fast, making it great for when you need something hearty but don’t want to babysit a pot all night.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chili With Turkey or Ground Beef
Chili Mac
Mac and cheese meets chili in a one-pot meal that’s pure comfort food. Ground beef, elbow macaroni, and plenty of melted cheese make this one perfect for big appetites.
Get the Recipe: Chili Mac
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
