Top 5 Chili Recipes

Chili is one of those recipes that never goes out of style—perfect for cozy winter nights, football game days, or simply for a hearty meal that keeps you full and satisfied. These Top 5 Chili Recipes are not just comforting; chili is also typically low in saturated fat, high in protein and fiber, and often low in Weight Watchers points, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to eat healthier while still enjoying delicious food. In this roundup, I’ve gathered the Top 5 Chili Recipes for you to enjoy this holiday season, during football season, or even as a meal prep option to make ahead and freeze for those days when you’re running low on Weight Watchers points. Let’s dive into some flavor-packed bowls that you’ll love having on hand!

this is a bowl of the best buffalo chicken chili

Best Buffalo Chicken Chili!

Yield: 8 servings
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour

Hands down the best buffalo chicken chili you'll ever make.  I first posted this in February of 2010 and since then dozens and dozens of people have won chili contests with it - including me!  

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 large carrots
  • 3 stalks celery
  • 1 large red pepper
  • 5 cloves of garlic
  • 5 tablespoons of chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1/2 cup Frank’s Hot Sauce
  • 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) black beans, drained
  • 1 (15 oz) chili beans in sauce (do not drain)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  •  

Instructions

Put chicken breasts in food processor to grind up – if you can find ground chicken breast, you can use that too.  Heat oil and add ground chicken and cook about 10 minutes on medium heat until no longer pink.  Rinse out processor and add carrots, celery, garlic and red pepper and puree.  Add to chicken mixture and cook about 5 minutes until veggies start to soften.

Next add the rest of the ingredients, put stove on simmer and cook for 1 hour.

Notes

On my WW plan, each 1.5 cup is 2 WW points.  Click this link to see what the points would be on your WW plan.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 315Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 1031mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 7gSugar: 9gProtein: 40g

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This is a photo of beef chili

Spicy Beef Chili

Yield: 11 one cup servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

This beef (and turkey) chili is so hearty and delicious. No one will know there is ground turkey or a shit ton of veggies in it - pinky swear!

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces ground beef 80/20
  • 1 pound ground turkey breast
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 28 ounce fire roasted crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup carrots, chopped
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 chipotle pepper (canned)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained
  • 1 can black beans, drained

Instructions

    1. In a large stock pot, start browning the beef.  You don’t need to add any oil because there
      is enough fat in the beef.  Once some of the fat renders after a few minutes, add the ground turkey and cook, breaking
      up the meat and mixing it with the beef, for about 5 minutes.  Remove the meat and set aside.
    2. Add the tomatoes, carrots, celery, chipotle pepper and bell pepper to the pot.  Simmer for 30
      minutes, or until the carrots and celery are fork tender.  Using a stick blender, blend until
      smooth. 
    3. Add back to pot, add beef and remaining ingredients.
    4. Mix until combined, bring your heat to medium low and simmer
      for 30 minutes.



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weight watchers spicy beef chili

this is a picture of pumpkin chicken chili

Pumpkin Chicken Chili

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

This is a savory chili that is perfect on a cool fall day.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken breast, ground
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 5 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 15 oz canned pumpkin
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 15 oz fire roasted tomatoes
  • 1 cup cooked black beans
  • 1 cup kidney beans
  • 1 cup chili beans, do not drain
  • 1 tsp salt, optional

Instructions

  1. In a large stock pot spray with avocado oil spray. Add the chicken and garlic and saute for about 5 minutes. Add in the remaining ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes. That's it! Serve with cheese on top.

Notes

On my WW plan, one cup is only 1 WW point. Click this link to see what the WW points would be on your plan.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1 grams
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 278Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 1098mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 9gSugar: 7gProtein: 32g

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weight watchers pumpkin chicken

This is a bowl of 10 minute beef chili

Quick Chili Recipe

Yield: 4 - heaping 1 cup servings
Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 minute

Who knew that Bush's Beans had a chili starter? This chili came together in 10 minutes, yet tastes like its been simmering all day.

Ingredients

  • 1 15.5 ounce can Bush's Chili Magic (my flavor was medium campfire style)
  • 1 15 ounce can kidney beans, drained
  • 8 ounces lean ground beef (I used 93/7)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 15 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes
  • 1 chipotle pepper

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients:

Open and drain the kidney beans.
Remove one chipotle pepper from the can and finely chop it.

Brown Ground Beef:

In a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat, add the lean ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned.
Add Chili Powder:

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chili powder over the browned beef. Stir well to evenly coat the meat with the spices.

Combine Beans and Tomatoes:

Pour in the Bush's Chili Magic, including the sauce, into the skillet with the beef. Add the drained kidney beans and the entire can of fire-roasted tomatoes. Add the finely chopped chipotle pepper to the mixture. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference; you can add more for extra heat.

Stir and Simmer:

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Allow the chili to simmer over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Check and Adjust Seasoning:

Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more chili powder, salt, or pepper according to your taste.
Serve:

Once the chili is heated through and well-flavored, it's ready to be served. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Notes

As of the date of this publication, each heaping cup serving is 3 Weight Watchers points. Click here for the WW tracker.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 432Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 1014mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 10gSugar: 9gProtein: 35g

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weight watchers quick chili recipe

this is a photo of black bean sweet potato chili

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili

Yield: 4 two cup servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

This chili tastes as if its been simmering all day, but the chipotle peppers give such a depth of flavor, this chili is ready to eat in just an hour. Freezes great too!

Ingredients

  • avocado oil spray
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes
  • 4 tsp minced garlic
  • 2 Tbsp chili powder
  • 4 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp table salt
  • 1 cup water
  • 28 oz canned black beans, rinsed
  • 2 cup(s) canned tomatoes
  • 1 Tbsp cilantro, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp canned chipotle peppers, (one whole pepper)
  • (optional - add 1 cup diced canned potatoes)

Instructions

    1. Heat avocado oil in a large stock pot and bring to medium-high heat. Add diced sweet potato and cook, stirring often, about 4 minutes.Add garlic, chili powder, chipotle and salt and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
    2. Add water, bring to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook until potato is tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Add canned tomatoes. (If you don't like chunks like I do, puree at this point). Add beans, tomatoes and lime juice and return to a simmer. Cook for an additional 45 minutes.
    3. Garnish with nonfat Greek yogurt and shredded cheddar cheese

Notes

If you are on WW, please click here to add this to your tracker to calculate the points for your personal points.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 307Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1069mgCarbohydrates: 53gFiber: 19gSugar: 7gProtein: 15g

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black bean sweet potato

How to stay on track during the holidays?

Staying on track with your goals during the holiday season can be challenging, but with a little planning, it’s totally possible. Here are the top three things that can help.

First, set realistic expectations for yourself—holidays are about enjoying time with loved ones, so focus on balance instead of perfection. Allow yourself to indulge a little, but make sure you’re mindful of portion sizes and stay in tune with your hunger cues.

Second, plan ahead by bringing a healthy dish to gatherings or eating a balanced meal beforehand, so you don’t arrive ravenous and make impulsive choices.

Finally, keep moving! Stay active by incorporating fun activities like family walks, dancing, or short at-home workouts. Remember, consistency is key, and small steps can make a big difference.

Looking for more Weight Watchers friendly recipes?  Check out my main course category!

Let me know what your favorite chili is in the comments – I’d love to know which one is your favorite.