Wendy's-Inspired Chili: A Home Cook's Copycat

Craving Wendy's Chili? Get my easy copycat recipe! A hearty, flavorful blend of beef, beans & spices – just like the original. Perfect for a chilly night! #wendyschili

May 25, 2025
By Sandra.

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Okay, let's get this wendy's chili recipe party started! It's like a warm hug on a cold day. Who doesn't love a good, hearty bowl of chilli soup ?

Craving Wendy's? Let's Make a Copycat Chili!

Ever find yourself craving that distinct wendy's chilli flavour? honestly, me too! this copycat chili recipe gets you ridiculously close.

You know, it captures that savory magic we all secretly love. it's about to become your new weeknight hero!

This recipe is inspired by that oh-so-familiar flavor. think classic american comfort food. it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

This recipe yields 6-8 servings. it's ready in a little over two hours. perfect for feeding the family.

Why This Chili is a Winner, Winner, Chili Dinner!

This chili isn't just delicious; it's packed with protein and fiber. seriously, it's way better than those pre-made soups! picture this: a blustery evening.

Warm wendys chili in your favorite bowl. netflix on, and total bliss! this homemade chili recipe is special because it lets you control the ingredients.

You can adjust the spice level to your taste. that is a big win in my book!.

Now, let's dive into what you'll need. The heart of this chili lies in its simplicity. So let's move to ingredient list!

Alright, let's talk ingredients and gear for making the best chili recipe you've ever tasted. we're diving deep into a wendy's chili recipe dupe that'll knock your socks off.

Trust me, this is a hug in a bowl. you know?

Wendy's-Inspired Chili: A Home Cook's Copycat Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:02 Hrs

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• ½ pound (225g) ground Italian sausage (optional, for extra flavour depth)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (14.5 ounce/411g) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce/425g) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce/170g) can tomato paste
• 1 (15 ounce/425g) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce/425g) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups (475ml) beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup dehydrated onion flakes (optional)

Instructions:

• Brown ground beef and Italian sausage (if using) in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
• Add chopped onion and bell peppers to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, kidney beans, pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, and dehydrated onion flakes.
• Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 2 hours, or longer for even deeper flavour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed (salt, pepper, cayenne pepper).
• Ladle into bowls and serve with your favourite toppings.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350-400

Fat:15-20g

Fiber:8-10g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Main Ingredients: The Heart of Our Chilli

For the meat, you will need 1 pound (450g) of ground beef. aim for an 80/20 blend – it’s got enough fat for flavour but won't leave you swimming in grease.

Quality beef = quality chilli. also, get ½ pound (225g) of italian sausage. honestly, this is optional but adds a massive depth of flavour.

Next up, the veggies. chop 1 medium yellow onion and 1 green and 1 red bell pepper . mince 2 cloves of garlic .

Veggies give our chilli soup body. you'll also need two 14.5oz (411g) cans of diced tomatoes and one 15oz (425g) can of tomato sauce.

A small 6oz (170g) can of tomato paste adds richness. don't forget those beans! grab one 15oz (425g) can each of dark red kidney beans and pinto beans, drained and rinsed.

Seasoning Notes: Secret Spice Blends

Okay, spices are where the magic happens. you'll need 2 tablespoons of chili powder – not too hot, not too mild.

Then there's 1 teaspoon of ground cumin. it gives that earthy warmth. add ½ teaspoon of dried oregano and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a kick.

Spice it up if you’re feeling brave!

Also, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper are important. my secret weapon? a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.

It brightens the whole thing up. finally, think about including 1/4 cup of dehydrated onion flakes for depth.

Substitutions? no worries! if you're out of cumin, try a dash of smoked paprika. want it sweeter? a drizzle of molasses does wonders.

You could try some honey roasted sweet potatoes if you prefer to add a sweeter angle to the chili.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

For equipment, we're not talking fancy stuff. you'll need a large dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. this is key for even cooking.

A cutting board and chef’s knife for prepping those veggies are essential.

You'll also need measuring cups and spoons for the spices. finally, grab a wooden spoon or spatula. it helps to stir.

Don’t worry about fancy gadgets. this homemade chili recipe is all about good food and good times. what equipment i'm missing from my kitchen? hum.

.. a better can opener!

This copycat chili is going to become your go-to. you'll be the star of every potluck! remember, the secret to the best chili is love, a little bit of spice, and not being afraid to experiment.

Now get cooking! this is the wendys chilli you've been searching for. i hope you enjoy this wendys chili recipe .

Alright, let's get down to business and talk about making some seriously good chili! we're diving deep into the wonderful world of the wendy's chili recipe copycat.

Honestly, who doesn't love that comforting bowl of goodness?

Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place . it’s a fancy french term. it basically means getting everything prepped and ready to go.

Chop your onions, peppers, and garlic. measure out your spices. open those cans of beans and tomatoes. trust me, this saves so much time.

If you are considering honey roasted sweet potatoes , make sure you add the ingredients to the shopping list!

For some time-saving organization, i like to use little bowls for each ingredient. makes me feel like a real chef! and a quick safety reminder: watch those fingers when you're chopping! we don't want any accidental chili ingredients.

Step-by-Step: Chili Con Carne Perfection

Here's the lowdown on making Best Chili . This Homemade Chili Recipe is a doddle, so don't you worry.

1. Brown the ground beef in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drain off the excess grease. Nobody wants greasy chili .
2. Add the onions and bell peppers. Sauté until they're soft, about 5 minutes. Then, chuck in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Oh my gosh, the smells!
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, kidney beans, pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and beef broth.
4. Bring the Chilli Soup to a simmer. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 2 hours . The longer it simmers, the better it tastes.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. More cayenne if you want a kick! Add dehydrated onion flakes.

Serve the Wendys Chilli into bowls and enjoy with your favourite toppings.

Pro Tips: Secrets to the Best Chili Recipe

Want to take your chili from good to best chili ? here are a few tricks. don't rush the simmering process.

This is crucial for flavour development. common mistake to avoid? not browning the beef properly. that sear adds so much depth.

Want to make ahead? absolutely! chili is even better the next day. just store it in the fridge. this will make your wendy's chili better than before.

Alright, let's talk about making our awesome wendy's chili recipe even better . i've been cooking this copycat chili for ages, and i've learned a few tricks along the way.

Honestly, sometimes it turns out even better than wendy's chili itself!

Recipe Notes for the Best Chili Recipe Ever!

Let's dive into some finer details for your homemade chili recipe . think of these as my tried-and-true secrets. like that time i accidentally used maple syrup instead of vinegar.

Trust me, you want to know these things before you start.

Serving it Up Right

Presentation matters, doesn't it?

• Plating and Presentation Ideas: Okay, skip the paper bowls. Ladle that beautiful chili soup into rustic stoneware bowls. Top with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheddar, and some chopped green onions. A few tortilla chips sticking out? Chef's kiss! If you want it real extra put it in a sourdough bread bowl like your a real san franciscan.
• Complementary Sides or Beverages: Cornbread is a must. Seriously. Or even better, Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes . A cold beer works, too. Or, you know, a nice cuppa if that's your thing.

Storing Like a Pro

Leftovers are the best, am I right?

• Refrigeration Guidelines: Cool completely, then pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It's good for like, 3-4 days. Mark your calendar!
• Freezing Options (if applicable): Chili freezes beautifully! Use freezer-safe bags or containers. It'll last for months, honestly. Like a little taste of summer in winter!
• Reheating Instructions: Microwave is fine in a pinch. But simmering on the stovetop is the way . It brings all those flavors back to life. Plus, it fills your house with that amazing wendys chilli smell again!

Remixing Your Chili Masterpiece

Fancy a twist?

• 1-2 Dietary Adaptations: For a vegetarian version, swap out the beef for plant-based mince. Honestly, it tastes amazing. Or, skip the beans for a low-carb version.
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the autumn, chuck in some roasted butternut squash. Really enhances the chilli soup experience. Trust me.

Nutrition: The Lowdown

Let's keep it simple.

• Simplified Nutrition Information: It's got protein, it's got fiber, and it's got veggies. It's pretty darn good for you. Especially on a cold day.
• Key Health Benefits: Beans are awesome for your gut. The spices can boost your metabolism, allegedly. Plus, it just makes you feel good, yeah?

So there you have it! some extra tips to make your wendy's chili recipe truly spectacular. don't be afraid to experiment.

Get in the kitchen and have some fun. you've got this! i am confident it will be the best chili you ever made!