What Is the Best Bean Combination for Chili?

You can add just about any kind of bean to chili, and adding more than one kind can give your chili a more complex flavor and texture that really take it up a notch. Kidney beans and black beans are probably the most popular bean combination for chili, since their flavors complement each other nicely and they’re different sizes. But why stop at two beans? Throw kidney, black, and pinto beans into your pot and you’ll have a three-bean chili packed with flavor and protein.

Of course, you can use any beans you like in your chili. Cannellini beans work well, and so do great northern beans. Even chickpeas can work, if you really like them. The best bean combination for your chili can vary depending on the taste buds of whoever’s eating it. So go ahead and experiment: You just might hit on a killer combination!