Five Great Recipes for Oklahoma-Style Chili

Chili is a warm, comforting choice on any winter day. In Oklahoma, chili is basically its own food group, and there are so many great varieties to try. Here are five great chili recipes with Oklahoma City flair.

Oklahoma Chili

The most authentic Oklahoma chili has a barbecue-like flavor that comes from vinegar and onions. This recipe delivers that flavor in a big way. It calls for apple cider vinegar, minced garlic and a hint of cocoa powder for complexity. Red pepper flakes add spice, and you can add as many or as few as you like, according to preference. The recipe calls for flavored vinegar and several types of spicy peppers as toppings, along with plenty of cheese and sour cream for balance.

Barbecue Chili

Here's another delicious chili with a barbecue-style base. It comes out thick and hearty with plenty of kidney beans and black beans. Molasses, brown sugar and barbecue sauce add sweetness, and chili powder adds spice without the need to chop hot peppers. This recipe calls for diced tomatoes, but you could use pureed tomatoes if you prefer a soupier chili. Make sure you plan ahead, since this dish needs to simmer for one to two hours before serving.

BBQ Chicken Chili

If you're looking for an Oklahoma-style barbecue chili that won't break your diet, then try this recipe for BBQ chicken chili. It's made with lean chicken breast, cannellini beans and kidney beans, so it's packed with protein to keep you full. The spice comes from jalapeno pepper and red pepper flakes, and the barbecue flavor comes from your favorite jarred barbecue sauce. The recipe calls for cheddar cheese as a topping, but you could easily leave it off if you're sensitive to dairy.

Spicy Touchdown Chili

This is the perfect chili to make for the next football game! It's made with bacon and sausage, both of which are true Oklahoma favorites. Kidney beans and pinto beans add a chunky texture, and a can of beer gives it a hearty flavor. This recipe calls for dried basil and cumin, which give it a balanced, almost herbal appeal. Since the recipe cooks in the slow cooker, you can put it all together in the morning and let it cook while you run errands or do weekend chores.

BBQ Turkey Chili

If you're looking for a really simple, quick recipe with Oklahoma BBQ flair, this turkey-based chili will fit the bill. The ingredients are simple, and you get so much flavor from the hickory smoke barbecue sauce. Turkey is also a leaner choice than the sausage and beef found in most chili recipes, so you can indulge in this dish without worrying about your waistline.

Alright residents at Springs at May Lakes and Springs at Memorial, it's time to try these chili recipes! Be sure to report back and let us know what you think. Leave your comments below, and feel free to offer tips for other readers interested in making chili.