How to make chili like Wendy's - Copycat Wendy's Chili Recipe (2024)

By: Melissa Coleman Last Updated: This post may contain affiliate links.

How to make chili like Wendy's - Copycat Wendy's Chili Recipe (1)

This Wendy's Chili recipe is an easy-to-follow, spot-on, copycat version for any Wendy's chili lover to make at home.

A great dish to curl up with by the fire for dinner.

How to make chili like Wendy's - Copycat Wendy's Chili Recipe (2)

I am a Goldilocks kind of chili lover.

I want mine not to thick but not too watery either.

This copycat Wendy's chili recipe is just right and a no-brainer. It's delish!

Also, did you know it is gluten-free?

I love Wendy's chili, but to be honest, when I want chili I'm usually wanting to be at home where I am cuddled under the blankets while eating it.

That is why I love this chili recipe.

I can make it at home without having to get out of my pajamas, that is assuming I have all the ingredients.

Speaking of ingredients here is what you will need and how to make a batch for yourself.

What ingredients are in Wendy's Chili recipe?

  • 2 lbs Hamburger
  • 2 cans of tomato sauce (15oz cans)
  • 2 cans of kidney beans (w/ liquid)
  • 2 cans of pinto beans (w/ liquid)
  • 1 cup diced onion (medium-sized)
  • ½ cup diced green chili (1-2 chilies)
  • ¼ cup diced celery (1 stalk)
  • 3 medium tomatoes (chopped)
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons pepper
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 cups of water
How to make chili like Wendy's - Copycat Wendy's Chili Recipe (3)

Yes, there are several ingredients and seasonings in this chili, but you can put this recipe together in no time.

You won’t be disappointed when you make a delicious bowl of this amazing just like Wendy's chili from scratch.

How does Wendy's make their chili?

Brown beef & drain (chop into pea-size bits)

How to make chili like Wendy's - Copycat Wendy's Chili Recipe (4)
How to make chili like Wendy's - Copycat Wendy's Chili Recipe (5)

If you are using a regular pot bring it to a simmer over low heat and cook for approximately 2-3 hours, stirring every 15 minutes.

You can also usea crockpot (my preference), for 6-8 hours on the low setting.

Great served with all your favorite toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and oyster crackers.

How to make chili like Wendy's - Copycat Wendy's Chili Recipe (6)

This copycat Wendy's chili recipe is a great recipe to prep the night before.

Allow it to simmer on low in the crockpot while you’re at work, school, etc.

Just in time for dinner, you will have an amazing, hearty meal ready to go.

How to make chili like Wendy's - Copycat Wendy's Chili Recipe (7)

This copycat chili may have several ingredients but truthfully it is a simple go-to for many families and the flavor is familiar and inviting.

It makes you want to go have a bowlful right now.

Plus you can make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick easy meal later on in the month.

How to make chili like Wendy's - Copycat Wendy's Chili Recipe (8)

When we make chili we also love to have this Copycat Boston Market Cornbread.

It goesperfectlywith this chili dish.

How to make chili like Wendy's - Copycat Wendy's Chili Recipe (9)

Want to print or save the best chili recipe?

How to make chili like Wendy's - Copycat Wendy's Chili Recipe (10)

Wendy's Chili Recipe

Melissa Coleman

This Copycat Wendy's Chili recipe is perfect for any Wendy's chili lover. A great dish to curl up by the fire for dinner.

4.70 from 46 votes

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Dish Recipes

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Hamburger
  • 2 cans tomato sauce 15oz cans
  • 2 cans kidney beans w/ liquid
  • 2 cans pinto beans w/ liquid
  • 1 cup diced onion medium sized
  • ½ cup diced green chili 1-2 chilies
  • ¼ cup diced celery 1 stalk
  • 3 medium tomatoes chopped
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons pepper
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  • Brown beef & drain (chop into pea-size bits)

  • Combine all ingredients.

  • If you are using a regular pot bring to a simmer over low heat and cook approximately 2-3 hours, stirring every 15 minutes.You can also usea crockpot (my preference), 6-8 hours on the low setting.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply

  1. Kendra says

    My family loved this Chili. It does taste like Wendy’s. This is my new go to chili recipe.

    Reply

    • Melissa says

      So glad they loved it. It is our go-to recipe as well.

      Reply

  2. Beverly says

    Can or should you use Red Chili Kidney Beans?? Chili Pinto Beans, if they even have such??

    Reply

    • Melissa says

      Beverly, I believe Bush's beans make chili beans that are kidney and pinto. I have never used these, but I am sure they would work out fine. Just keep in mind it could change the "Wendys" taste just slightly.

      Reply

How to make chili like Wendy's - Copycat Wendy's Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the ingredients of Wendy's chili? ›

Chili Concentrate: Chili Sauce (Water, Tomato Juice, Tomatoes, Calcium Chloride, Seasoning (Sugar, Salt, Corn Starch, Dried Chilies, Spices, Flavor Enhancer [Dextrose, Salt, Yeast Extract, Silicon Dioxide, Modified Corn Starch], Citric Acid, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, Xanthan gum), Beans (Pink Beans, Red ...

What makes Wendy's chili taste so good? ›

Wendy's chili is made with a blend of beef and spices that create its unique flavor. The beef is slow-cooked and blended with a mix of chili spices, including chili pepper, cumin, garlic, and onion.

What is the secret to amazing chili? ›

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

What is the sand in Wendy's chili? ›

One key ingredient to Wendy's chili is an anti-caking agent called silicon dioxide. Street name: sand or glass powder.

What brand is Wendy's chili? ›

Conagra Brands, Inc.

Why do you put vinegar in chili? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

Is Wendy's chili made fresh everyday? ›

Made fresh every day

We prep from scratch every day—slicing our tomatoes by hand, preparing our house-made chili and cooking our bacon to ensure quality and freshness in every order.

How to make chili taste like chili? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight. Warming spice blends, like Garam Masala, Ras el Hanout or Baharat are another simple and delicious way to add layered flavors to this simple one-pot meal.

Does Wendy's sell their chili in a can? ›

We Should. We Could. We Canned.

Enjoy the classic taste of Wendy's® famous chili from the comfort of your own home.

Does beef broth make chili taste better? ›

Beef Broth: Provides liquid and enhances the beefy flavor of the chili. Crushed Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Adds a rich tomato flavor and contributes to the chili's thick texture. Molasses: Offers a touch of sweetness to balance the heat and spices.

What ingredient will change your chili forever? ›

Over the years, I've dabbled with a variety of spices and ingredients in my own version, trying to achieve a deeper flavor. I've tried everything from hot sauce to chipotle in adobo, but there's one ingredient that I now always add, and it gives my chili the richest, deepest flavor: cocoa powder.

How to make chili taste homemade? ›

Make your own spice blend

Although canned chili will already have some seasonings, fresh herbs and spices will add bolder flavor. You can upgrade your chili using ingredients you likely already have on your spice rack, such as chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

What happens when you add sugar to chili? ›

Why is sugar used in this chili recipe? Sugar is used to cut the acidity of the tomatoes used in my homemade chili recipe. Using a small amount of sugar balances the flavors which in turn creates a smoother and richer taste overall.

What does Wendy's use as fillers in their meat? ›

Our signature square hamburger patties have no fillers or additives because we know the beef is what matters when it comes to making the best hamburger in the game.

What gives chili its distinct flavor? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What is chili magic? ›

Bush's Chili Magic Campfire Style chili starter brings tender pinto beans together with smoky chipotle and green bell peppers for quick, unforgettable chili any night of the week.

Why do you put butter in chili? ›

Butter smooths out the bitterness and adds its unique richness, making you take another bite without quite knowing why. A dash of sugar and vinegar gives a sweet-sour flavor that also makes the sauce rounder and more satisfying.

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