Five Great Chili Recipes With Cincinnati Flair

When the wind starts blowing and the temperature drops, it's time to treat yourself to a hearty meal. In Cincinnati, nothing says "winter" like a piping hot bowl of chili — and there are so many varieties to try. Here are five great chili recipes with Cincinnati flair.

Classic Cincinnati Chili with Cheddar

Classic Cincinnati chili has a thinner consistency than most. Its flavor is also unique, coming from a combination of spices that includes cinnamon and allspice. It's customary to serve this chili over pasta or rice, and top it with a heaping pile of shredded cheddar cheese. This recipe is the perfect guide to making the most authentic Cincinnati chili you'll ever taste. It makes up to eight servings and takes about an hour and a half to assemble, making it a great choice for company.

Cincinnati Chicken Chili

If you're looking for a healthier, lower-calorie chili that still has that classic Cincinnati spice, then this Weight Watchers recipe is for you. It uses chopped chiles for heat, along with unsweetened cocoa, cinnamon and cumin for that balanced, sweet appeal. Boneless, skinless chicken breast adds protein and a lovely texture without the guilt. This recipe serves eight, so you'll have leftovers for the next day's lunch!

Crockpot Cincinnati Chili

When you're at work all day, coming home to a nice, warm meal in the crock pot is so satisfying. This recipe is the perfect adaptation of classic Cincinnati chili for the slow cooker. It gets awesome flavor from allspice, cinnamon and brown sugar, and plenty of complexity from red kidney beans and lean beef. Brown the beef, put everything in the crock pot in the morning, and enjoy a hot meal five hours later.

Cincinnati Turkey Chili

Here's another healthier take on Cincinnati chili. This recipe calls for ground Turkey, which is lower in fat than ground beef. Precooking the onion gives it a sweeter, caramelized flavor, and tomato paste makes for a rich base. Semi-sweet chocolate is a a convenient substitute for the cocoa powder found in most Cincinnati chili recipes. Serve this chili over whole wheat pasta for a higher-fiber dinner. It takes less than an hour to prepare, so it's a great one for a busy weeknight.

Food Network's Cincinnati Chili

This Cincinnati chili recipe is slightly different from the norm, but still very authentic. It calls for coriander and sweet paprika, giving it an excellent spice profile. Red wine vinegar gives it a small kick of acid that pairs perfectly with the heap of cheddar cheese you put on top. This recipe takes just over an hour to prepare and is great for newer cooks since the steps are pretty straightforward.

Whether you prefer it with beef, turkey, chicken or slow-cooked in the crock pot, there's a Cincinnati chili recipe on this list that's perfect for you. Residents at Springs at West Chester and Springs at Liberty Township, let us know if you try any of these recipes, and comment below with your opinions.