16 Chili Recipes That Will Make You Feel Like A Genius

A steaming bowl of comforting chili is always a genius move.

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.

1. Wazzu Tailgate Chili | 4.8 Stars

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

2. Easy Sweet Chili | 4.6 Stars

Because all you had to chop was the garlic.

3. Best Damn Chili | 4.7 Stars

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

4. Easy White Chili II | 4.6 Stars

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

5.Cheater's Chicken Chili | 4.5 Stars

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

6.White Bean Chicken Breast Chili | 4.8 Stars

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

7.It's Chili by George!! | 4.6 Stars

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

8.Black Bean Chili | 4.5 Stars

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

9.Creamy White Chili | 4.8 Stars

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

10. Fusion Chili | 4.7 Stars

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

11. Colorado Buffalo Chili | 4.7 Stars

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

12. Easy White Chili | 4.6 Stars

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

13. Mile High Green Chili | 4.6 Stars

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

14. Justin's Hoosier Daddy Chili | 4.6 Stars

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

15. Emily's Chipotle Chili | 4.5 Stars

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

16. Habanero Hellfire Chili | 4.7 Stars

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.