Few culinary topics are as divisive as those surrounding the types of chili across the country. Many regions of the U.S. take their chili very seriously and believe that anything less than their recipe is an imposter. The good news is that the many opinions result in a lot of delicious chili recipes to try! Familiarize yourself with the chili variations available across America to find your favorite.

Classic Types of Chili: Chili Con Carne

As chili recipes go, chili con carne is among the oldest and most traditional. It originated in the southern Texas and northern Mexico regions. References in writing started during the Wild West, though historians date the dish as far back as Aztec times.

The name translates to "chili with meat." Chili con carne is typically made with beef, whether ground or cubed. Most chili con carne recipes also contain beans, tomatoes, chili peppers, onions and garlic. Traditional recipes include red kidney beans, whether dark, light or a mixture of both. Some recipes also include pinto beans. 

Classic Types of Chili: Texas Red

Texas Red chili is a popular version that’s sold throughout Texas, though it has its origins in San Antonio. In most renditions, Texas Red chili is bean-free. In fact, most of Texas defines chili as bean-free.

Instead, this is a beef-based dish. Although traditionally made with cubed beef, it can also be made with a ground variety. The beef is cooked in a red chili adobo sauce with cumin and other spices. That sauce is deep red in color, which contributes a red hue to the meat and the finished dish. 

Unique Types of Chili: Chili Verde

One unique variation of chili that’s native to the New Mexico and Colorado regions is Chili Verde. As the name suggests, this chili is green in color. That green hue comes from the hatch green chiles or poblanos and the tomatillos that are traditional to the dish. You’ll also find that, instead of beef, Chili Verde relies on pork or chicken for protein. 

Chili Verde is free of beans as well. The meat simmers low and slow in the sauce until it starts to fall apart, resulting in a tender protein with rich, green chile sauce. Most Chili Verde is further seasoned with onion, garlic, and Mexican oregano. Some variations include cilantro or cumin, but those additions are a matter of personal preference.

Unique Types of Chili: White Chili

Traditional chili dishes are rich, flavorful and tomato-based. For those looking for a departure from the heavier flavors, white chili is equally popular. White chili recipes are chicken-based instead of beef or pork. Made with green chiles or poblanos, white beans are responsible for the unique color. 

Great Northern, cannellini or garbanzo beans are all popular choices in this dish depending on personal preferences. The base of white chili includes chicken broth, black pepper, cumin and garlic. The chicken is cubed and simmered in the chili so that it becomes a flavorful, tender addition.

Regional Types of Chili: Cincinnati Chili

You may know Cincinnati chili as Skyline chili. It’s native to Ohio, as the name suggests, and is a unique take on chili con carne, having a sweeter base. This chili is made with sweet, warm spices like cinnamon and allspice. It gets additional rich flavor from Worcestershire sauce and chocolate. 

The base recipe is free of beans and is typically made with ground beef, resulting in a chili sauce. It’s served over the top of spaghetti noodles, and it can be topped however you prefer, with any combination of shredded cheese, onions and beans.

Regional Types of Chili: Oklahoma Chili

Chili in Oklahoma dates back to the late 1800s and early 1900s as it evolved into what is now the go-to chili recipe in the region. At its core, Oklahoma chili is a variation of Texas Red chili. It contains many of the same fundamental ingredients, but most versions also feature kidney beans. Some versions of Oklahoma chili include cocoa powder for added depth to the dish. Additionally, Oklahoma chili can be made with ground beef or cubed beef, depending on your preferences.

Regional Types of Chili: Springfield Chili

Springfield, Illinois, has laid claim to its own chili reputation as well. The area has become synonymous with a chili con carne base that includes Worcestershire sauce and a can of beer. Both are added during the simmering phase so that the flavors have time to incorporate and meld with the rest of the ingredients. Most Springfield Chili recipes include a substantial amount of onions and ground beef as well as pinto beans and a small amount of bacon for added flavor.

Regional Types of Chili: Cajun Chili

Cajun chili is, as the name would indicate, a local dish of Louisiana. Cajun chili typically starts with the beanless chili recipes traditional of Texas. To that foundation of flavors, add Creole seasonings and other cajun spices as well as hot sauce. That heat and cajun spice profile set it apart from other chili recipes. Although the foundation of cajun chili is a beanless chili, beans may be added in some parts of Louisiana or to meet personal preferences.

Other Types of Chili: Cultural, Dietary and Traditional Changes

While these varieties are the foundations of different chili dishes across the country, you’ll find that there are variations to those dishes even within those regions. For example, the Cincinnati chili is a foundation for hot dog chili sauce, and some regions add masa to their chili to thicken it.

Few dishes have such a deeply ingrained history throughout a country and yet feature so many distinct versions. With so many different types of chili available in different regions of America, there is sure to be an option or two that meets your personal flavor preferences. While there are recipes available for virtually any variation on chili, many of the dishes require patience and time to create. If you want to simplify the process without sacrificing flavor, try the chili con carne from XLNT Foods.

Sources and Additional reading…

https://www.homestratosphere.com/types-of-chili/

https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/types-of-chili/

https://www.thedailymeal.com/eat/regional-american-chili-styles

https://www.insider.com/different-styles-of-chili-in-america-2017-10

https://www.allrecipes.com/article/regional-chili-guide/

https://www.seriouseats.com/guide-to-chili-styles-types-of-chili-recipes

https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/what-is-authentic-chili-con-carne/

https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=CH041