Articular cartilage (AC) defects lack the ability to self-repair due to their avascular nature and the declined mitotic ability of mature chondrocytes. To date, cartilage tissue engineering using implanted scaffolds containing cells or growth factors is the most promising defect repair method. Scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering have been comprehensively researched. As a promising scaffold biomaterial for AC defect repair, the properties of chitosan are summarized in this review. Strategies to composite chitosan with other materials, such as polymers (including collagen, gelatin, alginate, silk fibroin, poly-caprolactone, and poly-lactic acid) and bioceramics (including calcium phosphate, calcium polyphosphate, and hydroxyapatite) are presented. Methods to manufacture three-dimensional porous structures to support cell attachment and nutriment exchange have also been included. Properties of chitosan/polymer and chitosan/bioceramic composite scaffolds for articular cartilage defect repair are reviewed.