11 Chili Cookoff Recipes

This is the time of year when many local groups and churches get together for a big chili cookoff. Our church has done one for years, and while I’ve never done first place, I have come in second and third before, so I consider myself somewhat knowledgeable about what makes a good chili recipe. My biggest advice is to make sure it’s flavorful, but not too spicy. You never know what kind of tolerance for heat the judges will have, and if they don’t like spicy food, the rest of your chili flavors won’t matter. You also need to know your audience. I made a delicious white chicken chili one year, but all the chili recipes that placed were traditional chili recipes. On the other hand, you might be part of a group where a more non-traditional chili recipe is what they’re looking for! The good thing is, even if you don’t win, every single one of these 11 chili cookoff recipes is delicious!