10 Healthy Chili Recipes to Cozy Up With This Winter

By Nile Cappello

Updated on Jan 27, 2018 at 8:46 PM

Winter cuisine can be a struggle for those of us who are trying to get a head start on our New Year's resolutions-to-be. And while we love the comfort and spice from a bowl of great chili, it doesn't exactly scream diet-friendly.

But just because chili is hearty doesn't mean it has to be unhealthy; there are plenty of ways to cut the calories without cutting the flavor profile. In fact, many of the main components, including meat, beans, and chilis, are not inherently fattening and can in fact work well into a resolution-worthy meal rotation. It's the toppings — just a few scoops of sour cream and a handful of shredded cheese — that push chili into the trouble zone for calories and fat.

These healthy chili recipes prove that dieting — or simply just trying to stay healthy — isn't only possible during the wintertime, it's delicious.

Spaghetti Squash, Sweet Potato, and Black Bean Chili

This chili recipe is both gluten-free and vegan (depending on toppings) and lets you enjoy all the comfort food feels without being over-the-top indulgent.

All Meat and Veggie Paleo Chili

No, you don’t need beans to make chili — especially not with this all meat and veggie recipe. Laura Fuentes’s thick, hearty chili is ideal for those looking to cut calories without cutting corners on flavor.

30-Minute Leftover Turkey Chili

This quick chili recipe from Just a Taste is made with a base of turkey — a leaner option than the traditional ground beef. To make it even healthier, skip the calorie-heavy toppings like shredded cheese and sour cream.

Quinoa Chicken Chili

Heather Christo’s quinoa chicken chili recipe is a soupy version that incorporates a combination of white-meat chicken, cannellini beans, vegetables and — perhaps healthiest of all — quinoa. Plus, there’s no cheese or sour cream in sight.

Crockpot Italian Chicken and Broccoli Rabe Chili

This vegetable-heavy chili recipe from Half Baked Harvest creates a blockbuster blend of spices to pump up the flavor of the chicken and broccoli rabe. The slow-cook-style chili is also made completely free from sour cream and contains minimal cheese.

Homemade Vegetarian Chili

As written, Cookie and Kate’s homemade vegetarian chili is gluten-free and vegan. The chili itself is a complex flavor built by layering a combination of simple, healthy ingredients, so there’s no hidden calories built into processed additives.

Easy 30-Minute Homemade White Chicken Chili

Though Averie Cooks doesn’t specify what part of the chicken should be used for this white chicken chili recipe, we suggest using a shredded breast to maximize the health benefits and minimize the calories. The hearty flavor profile is built on a blend of Vidalia onions, jalapeño peppers, green chilis, and cannellini beans.

Low-Fat Turkey Chili

This sour cream-less low-fat turkey chili recipe includes fresh ingredients like bell peppers, carrots, and even celery. The author and recipe developer is careful to note that the only two “unhealthy” additions, bacon and red wine, can easily be omitted.

Turkey Chili Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash makes up the hearty texture of this chili recipe and is only complemented by the turkey, spices, and chili beans.

Slow-Cooker Turkey Quinoa Chili With Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans

The combination of turkey, quinoa, and black beans makes this recipe one of the healthiest chilis out there. To reduce the calories, follow Well Plated’s instructions for replacing the IPA beer with low-sodium chicken stock.