20 Award-Winning Soups, Stews, And Chilis
Welcome to a celebration of culinary champions! These 20 soups, stews, and chilis have not only warmed hearts but have also claimed top honors in various contests.
Infused with bold flavors and rich ingredients, each recipe offers a unique twist that earned its place in the winner’s circle. From hearty stews to spicy chilis, these dishes are sure to become favorites you’ll want to recreate time and again.
Let’s explore these irresistible bowls of warmth!
1. White Chicken Chili
Tender shredded chicken blends with white beans, green chiles, and creamy broth in this crowd-pleasing twist on chili night. A dash of cumin brings cozy depth.
Finished with fresh cilantro and lime, it’s both zesty and mellow. This creamy chili took first at more than one county fair.
2. Beef And Barley Stew
Savory chunks of beef slow-simmer with hearty barley, carrots, and celery in a rich, broth-based gravy. Thyme and bay leaf infuse deep, earthy notes.
Warm and filling without feeling heavy, it’s a longtime favorite at regional stew competitions. Comfort in every spoonful.
3. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Silky smooth and naturally sweet, this autumn-hued soup gets its richness from slow-roasted squash and a touch of cream. A swirl of nutmeg adds warmth.
Often crowned the best seasonal soup, its velvety texture and golden color make it a hit with judges and home cooks alike.
4. Three-Bean Vegetarian Chili
Black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans join forces in a tomato-rich base bursting with spice and bell pepper. Chili powder and smoked paprika do the heavy lifting.
This meatless wonder stands tall at chili contests for its bold taste and satisfying texture. Even carnivores ask for seconds.
5. Chicken Tortilla Soup
A bright, brothy blend of shredded chicken, tomatoes, corn, and chiles topped with crisp tortilla strips and avocado slices. Lime and cilantro light the whole thing up.
Often praised for its balance of spice and freshness, it’s a Tex-Mex favorite that keeps winning blue ribbons for its flavor fireworks.
6. Slow-Cooked Brunswick Stew
Pulled pork, corn, lima beans, and tomatoes meld together over low heat into a thick, smoky Southern classic. Molasses gives it subtle sweetness.
Deeply rooted in tradition and loaded with character, this stew dominates slow-cooker cook-offs and state fair showdowns.
7. Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
Creamy coconut milk and lemongrass form the fragrant base, layered with tender chicken, mushrooms, lime juice, and chili heat. Galangal adds a citrusy bite.
This exotic soup has swept fusion-food competitions for its bold, balanced flavor. Each spoonful feels like a trip to Bangkok.
8. Smoky Black Bean Chili
Charred peppers and cumin bring serious depth to black beans cooked low and slow in a tomato base. Chipotle gives it that smoky backbone.
A sleeper hit on the chili circuit, it wins hearts with its rich flavor and protein-packed simplicity. Vegetarian, but bold enough to compete with the best.
9. Creamy Potato Leek Soup
Soft leeks and Yukon Gold potatoes blend into a smooth, pale green soup laced with garlic and thyme. A splash of cream rounds it out.
A staple in French kitchens and blue-ribbon booths alike, it’s humble, delicate, and quietly luxurious with each warm spoonful.
10. Cajun Sausage And Chicken Gumbo
Dark roux forms the soul of this bayou favorite, brimming with spicy andouille, shredded chicken, okra, and bell peppers. It simmers until flavors deepen.
Winners in gumbo contests know it’s all in the roux—and this version delivers bold Louisiana soul with every steamy bowl.
11. Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Everything you love about the classic baked spud, turned into a spoonable masterpiece. Bacon, cheddar, and sour cream star in a creamy potato base.
This comfort-food giant wins family cook-offs and diner chili days alike. It’s indulgent, filling, and impossible to resist.
12. Firehouse Beef Chili
Ground beef, beans, and tomatoes simmer with jalapeños and smoky spices in this firehouse classic. It’s bold, beefy, and just the right kind of hot.
A staple at firefighter cook-offs, this chili wins points for its simplicity, intensity, and crave-worthy heat.
13. Creamy Wild Rice and Turkey Soup
Nutty wild rice, diced turkey, and celery float in a rich, savory cream broth laced with sage. It’s post-holiday magic.
Awarded best leftover makeover more than once, this Midwestern classic is hearty and soothing with a whisper of Thanksgiving nostalgia.
14. Italian Wedding Soup
Tiny meatballs bob alongside orzo and greens in a delicate broth that feels both festive and nurturing. Parmesan adds a salty edge.
Beloved by both Nonnas and judges, this soup lands top spots at heritage food contests thanks to its comforting flavor and simple elegance.
15. Sweet Potato And Corn Chowder
Roasted sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness, while corn adds crunch in a spiced, creamy chowder base. A hint of cinnamon lingers softly.
Often winning fall harvest cook-offs, this golden-hued bowl shines with cozy sweetness and satisfying texture.
16. Green Chile Pork Stew
Slow-cooked pork shoulder simmers with Hatch green chiles, potatoes, and tomatillos for a spicy, tangy Southwestern stew. It’s got depth and fire.
A staple at New Mexico state fairs, this bold, green bowl wins for both its flavor and its fearless kick.
17. Tomato Basil Bisque
Vine-ripened tomatoes simmer with garlic, onions, and cream until silky smooth, then finished with ribbons of fresh basil. It’s simple, but elevated.
The soup of choice for grilled cheese pairing champions, it consistently tops tomato soup taste tests for its velvety richness and fresh bite.
18. Lamb And Lentil Stew
Tender lamb chunks mingle with lentils, carrots, and spices in a tomato-kissed broth that’s earthy and deeply savory. Cinnamon and cumin add warmth.
Award-winning in Mediterranean cook-offs, this stew delivers rustic charm and soul-soothing complexity with every bite.
19. Hungarian Goulash Soup
Paprika-scented broth cradles beef, onions, and potatoes in this Central European staple. It’s smoky, rich, and just a little peppery.
A staple on winter competition tables, its comforting spice and hearty texture make it a perennial prizewinner.
20. Crab And Corn Chowder
Sweet crab meat and corn kernels float in a creamy broth, enriched with butter, scallions, and a dash of Old Bay. Potatoes make it thick and dreamy.
A showstopper at seafood festivals, this coastal favorite captures the ocean’s sweetness with every spoonful. A true taste of summer luxury.
