16 Chili Recipes That Will Make You Feel Like A Genius

Here's a rundown of 16 top-rated chili recipes you're going to want to make, and why. Just in case you need to justify your chili. Which you don't.

Because you made this chili the day before, and now can spend the day rooting for your team.

Because all you had to chop was the garlic.

Because you know it takes 28 ingredients to make the perfect chili.

Because sometimes just six ingredients and a slow cooker are all you want to deal with.

Because with a rotisserie chicken and 25 minutes, you can make anything. Including chili.

Because you can take the heat of ancho AND chipotle chiles.

Related: How to Make Chili Like a Champion

Because you're tired of using your oyster crackers only on clam chowder.

Because your fridge is full of bell peppers, mushrooms, and corn, but you feel like making chili anyway.

Because you used skinless chicken breast instead of beef to keep it healthy, then topped things off with heavy whipping cream.

Because you don't stop at dried ancho chiles, you throw in Italian sausage and Worcestershire sauce too!

Because you haven't been able to figure out what else to do with that freezer full of ground buffalo.

Because you wanted a reason to eat sweet corn bread for dinner tonight.

Because you've been hankering to go back to Denver.

Because you want to be able to say "Hoosier Daddy" in front of your family with a straight face.

Because canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are the perfect supplement to a couple handfuls of chili powder.

Because if it's not hotter than you-know-what, it's not worth eating.

You know what takes genius-level chili recipes to an even higher level of excellence? These heirloom beans. And maybe this savory waffle made of cornbread.

Check out these 6 chili cook-off blue-ribbon winners. Or scope out our complete collection of Chili Recipes.