Warm Up with These Healthy & Delicious 21 Day Fix Chili Recipes (80 Day Obsession Approved!)

There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of chili to bring warmth and comfort, especially when the weather cools down or during major events like the Super Bowl. But what if that comforting bowl could also be incredibly healthy and perfectly align with your fitness goals? That’s exactly what these 21 Day Fix Chili Recipes offer! Whether you’re a devoted follower of the 21 Day Fix eating plan or tackling the challenging 80 Day Obsession, you’ll find a wide array of options here that are both delicious and compliant.

My household knows the magic of a good chili. Every year, my husband and his friends gather for a chili cook-off on Super Bowl Sunday, and he takes his competition very seriously. Typically, he prefers to handle everything himself to claim all the glory! However, this year, something shifted. He’s absolutely fallen in love with my Beanless Beef Chili, and he’s decided to use it as his base, adding his own creative twist. Honestly, it’s one of the few dishes he genuinely enjoys cooking, and I’m all for it! There’s nothing better than someone else taking the reins in the kitchen, especially when it results in such a fantastic, healthy meal.

So, get ready to dive into a collection of incredible chili recipes that are perfect for game day, a cozy family dinner, or whenever you crave a satisfying, healthy comfort food fix. Most of these recipes are also thoughtfully designed to be friendly for the 80 Day Obsession, making your meal planning even easier. Let’s explore these amazing options!

Why Chili is Perfect for 21 Day Fix & 80 Day Obsession

Chili is a powerhouse of nutrition and versatility, making it an ideal meal for anyone following structured eating plans like the 21 Day Fix or 80 Day Obsession. It’s naturally packed with lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and complex carbohydrates, all essential components for sustained energy, muscle recovery, and overall well-being. The beauty of chili lies in its adaptability; you can easily adjust ingredients to meet specific container counts or macro requirements.

For the 21 Day Fix, chili often combines red (protein), green (vegetables), and yellow (carbs/beans) containers into one delicious bowl, simplifying your meal tracking. For 80 Day Obsession, which focuses heavily on timed nutrition and specific macro ratios, many chili recipes can be tailored by adjusting protein and carb sources. Options like beanless chili are excellent for those aiming for lower-carb meals or following stricter protocols like Whole30 or Paleo, which can often overlap with 80 Day Obsession phases. Plus, chili is fantastic for meal prepping, allowing you to cook a large batch once and enjoy healthy, pre-portioned meals throughout your busy week.

Our Top 21 Day Fix & 80 Day Obsession Chili Recipes

This curated list brings together a variety of chili styles, ensuring there’s something for every palate and dietary preference. From hearty beef to lean turkey, zesty chicken, and wholesome vegetarian options, each recipe is designed with your health and fitness goals in mind.

Hearty Beef Chili Recipes (Beanless Options)

Beef chili offers a rich, satisfying flavor that makes it a perennial favorite. For those following the 21 Day Fix or 80 Day Obsession, opting for lean ground beef ensures you’re getting quality protein without excessive saturated fat. Many of these recipes are also beanless, making them perfect for Whole30, Paleo, and lower-carb eating plans frequently embraced during the 80 Day Obsession program.

21 Day Fix Instant Pot Beanless Beef Chili: This recipe is a true game-changer, especially for 80 Day Obsession followers. Its beanless nature aligns perfectly with Whole30 and Paleo principles, making it a fantastic source of lean protein and vegetables.

Lean and Flavorful Turkey Chili

Turkey chili is a lighter alternative to beef, but it doesn’t compromise on flavor or protein content. Ground turkey is an excellent choice for a healthier chili, providing a lean protein source that’s easy to digest and incredibly versatile. These recipes showcase how turkey can create a wonderfully robust chili.

21 Day Fix Chipotle Pumpkin Turkey Chili | The Foodie and The Fix: A unique and flavorful twist that incorporates pumpkin for added nutrients and a subtle sweetness, balanced by chipotle spice. A great option for seasonal eating!
21 Day Fix Crock Pot Turkey Chili | Carrie Elle: Perfect for busy days, this slow cooker turkey chili allows flavors to meld beautifully. For 80 Day Obsession, consider doubling the meat to boost your protein intake.
21 Day Fix Extreme Turkey Chili | Healthy Fit & Focused: Designed for those on the Extreme program, this chili is packed with flavor and healthy ingredients, ensuring it fits your strict meal plan.
21 Day Fix Turkey Chili | The Garlic Diaries: A straightforward yet incredibly tasty turkey chili that’s perfect for regular rotation in your meal plan.
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili | FITs Simple: Another excellent slow cooker recipe that prioritizes simplicity and healthy ingredients, making healthy eating effortless.
21 Day Fix Instant Pot Turkey Chili | Carrie Elle: Get a delicious turkey chili on the table in a fraction of the time with this Instant Pot friendly recipe, perfect for last-minute healthy meals.
Turkey Sweet Potato Chili | Fit Mom Angela D: Combining the goodness of lean turkey with the sweetness and complex carbs of sweet potato, this chili is both nutritious and satisfying.

Versatile Chicken Chili Creations

Chicken chili offers a lighter, yet equally flavorful, alternative to traditional beef or turkey. It’s incredibly versatile and can be spiced in many ways, from buffalo style to rich mole, making it a fantastic addition to your healthy recipe rotation. These recipes often utilize chicken breast or shredded chicken, providing excellent lean protein.

Buffalo Chicken Chili / 21 Day Fix Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili: If you love the tangy heat of buffalo sauce, these recipes are for you! They are fantastic for 80 Day Obsession, providing a flavorful protein boost. The Instant Pot version makes it even quicker to prepare.
Crock Pot Chili Chicken: An incredibly convenient option, this slow cooker chicken chili is great for 80 Day Obsession. Simply add a serving of brown rice or quinoa to complete your meal and hit your carb target!
Clean Eating Chicken Chili | The Bewitchin’ Kitchen: This recipe emphasizes whole, unprocessed ingredients, making it an excellent choice for clean eating and compliant with stricter programs.
21 Day Fix Mole Chicken Chili | The Foodie and The Fix: For those who enjoy a deeper, richer flavor profile, this mole chicken chili offers a delightful and authentic taste while adhering to 21 Day Fix guidelines.
Roasted Vegetable Chicken Chili with Avocado | The Foodie and The Fix: This recipe not only features lean chicken but also incorporates roasted vegetables for enhanced flavor and nutrients, topped with healthy fats from avocado.

Wholesome Vegetarian Chili (Sweet Potato & Black Bean Options)

Don’t underestimate the power of a good vegetarian chili! These plant-based options are incredibly fulfilling, packed with fiber, and can be rich in protein when they include ingredients like black beans or lentils. They are excellent for varying your protein sources and ensuring you get a wide array of nutrients. When counting containers, remember that beans count as yellow, and sweet potatoes can be yellow or purple, depending on the plan’s specific guidelines.

21 Day Fix Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili (Instant Pot Friendly): This vegetarian chili is truly satisfying and an excellent choice for 80 Day Obsession. The combination of sweet potatoes and black beans provides complex carbohydrates and plant-based protein, and it’s super quick in the Instant Pot.
Black Bean Chili | Passionate Penny Pincher: A simple yet robust black bean chili that’s budget-friendly and delicious, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated.

Other Unique & Approved Chili Options

Beyond the classic beef, turkey, chicken, and vegetarian categories, there are even more innovative chili recipes that fit the 21 Day Fix and 80 Day Obsession lifestyle. Exploring different protein sources and flavor combinations keeps your healthy eating exciting and prevents palate fatigue.

21 Day Fix Approved Slow Cooker Bison Chili | The Fitness Focus: Bison is a fantastic lean red meat alternative, offering a rich flavor and excellent nutritional profile. This slow cooker recipe makes it effortless to prepare.

Tips for Maximizing Your 21 Day Fix & 80 Day Obsession Chili

To ensure your chili truly supports your fitness journey, keep these tips in mind:

Smart Ingredient Choices

Lean Protein: Always opt for lean ground beef (90/10 or higher), ground turkey (93/7 or higher), chicken breast, or plant-based proteins like beans and lentils.
Load Up on Veggies: Chili is an ideal vehicle for increasing your vegetable intake. Don’t hesitate to add extra bell peppers, onions, zucchini, carrots, or spinach. They add fiber, vitamins, and bulk without many calories.
Healthy Fats: If adding toppings, choose wisely. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt (as a sour cream substitute), a slice of avocado, or a sprinkle of a healthy cheese alternative can be great in moderation and counted accurately.
Spice it Right: Utilize a variety of spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper to build flavor without adding extra fat or sugar.

Meal Prep Powerhouse

Batch Cooking: Chili is perfect for making in large quantities. Cook a big pot on Sunday, and you’ll have healthy lunches or dinners ready for several days.
Freezing: Most chili recipes freeze beautifully. Portion out leftovers into individual, freezer-safe containers for quick and easy defrosting on busy weeknights.
Portioning: Use your 21 Day Fix containers to accurately portion out your chili, ensuring you stay on track with your eating plan.

Customizing Your Chili for Specific Programs

80 Day Obsession Adjustments: For many 80 Day Obsession plans, you might need to increase your protein portion. If a recipe calls for one portion of meat, consider doubling it, especially if it’s an A/B or B/C workout day. Pay attention to your assigned carb portions; if the chili has beans, count those as yellow, and add an additional complex carb like brown rice if your plan requires it.
Whole30/Paleo Considerations: Stick to beanless recipes and ensure all other ingredients are compliant (no added sugar, legumes, dairy, or grains).

The Joy of Healthy Comfort Food

Chili is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It brings people together, offers warmth on a cold day, and satisfies that deep craving for comfort food. The best part? With these 21 Day Fix and 80 Day Obsession approved recipes, you can indulge in all that goodness without derailing your health and fitness goals. Each spoonful is packed with flavor, nutrients, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re fueling your body well.

So, whether you’re whipping up a batch for a competitive cook-off, a family dinner, or simply for your weekly meal prep, these healthy chili recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen. Enjoy the process of cooking, savor every bite, and feel great knowing you’re making delicious, health-conscious choices!