Feeling like a warm, comforting meal? I’ve put together a collection of my go-to chili recipes that are perfect for any occasion. These hearty dishes are simple to make and always hit the spot, whether it’s a chilly evening or just a craving for something satisfying.
I know you’ll find a new favorite among these three great chili ideas. From a lighter chicken option to a rich beef recipe, and even a famous fast-food copycat, there’s a chili here for everyone. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Warm & Comforting Chicken Chili Recipe
- 2. Rich & Flavorful Chocolate Chili Dish
- 3. Easy Copycat Wendy’s Chili Recipe at Home
Warm & Comforting Chicken Chili Recipe
This chicken chili is a lighter option for a hearty meal. It’s packed with flavor and comes together easily for a quick dinner.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Chicken Chili
- Ground Chicken: Use lean ground chicken for a lighter chili. Cook it well until it’s no longer pink before you add other items.
- White Beans: Cannellini or great northern beans add a creamy texture and absorb the chili broth well, making each spoonful delicious.
What You Need for Chicken Chili
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 40 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make Chicken Chili
Step 1: Prep & Sauté
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any extra fat. Stir in the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until they are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Simmer & Serve
Add the diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 25-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend well.
📝 Final Note
Top your chicken chili with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for extra brightness. It tastes even better the next day!
Rich & Flavorful Chocolate Chili Dish
Don’t let the name scare you! This chocolate chili uses a touch of cocoa to deepen the flavor profile, creating a truly unique and delicious meal. It’s a wonderful addition to your chili rotation.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Chocolate Chili
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Just a small amount of cocoa enhances the depth of the chili without making it taste sweet. It helps to make the color richer too.
- Beef Broth: Using beef broth instead of water creates a much more robust and beefy base for your chili, making the overall flavor stronger.
What You Need for Chocolate Chili
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 50 minutes🍽️ Yields: 8 servings
How to Make Chocolate Chili
Step 1: Cook Meat & Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until it is fully browned. Break it apart as it cooks, then drain any excess fat. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3-5 minutes until they become soft.
Step 2: Combine & Cook
Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything well to combine. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30-45 minutes. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors will be.
📝 Final Note
A sprinkle of grated sharp cheddar cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt makes this chocolate chili even more enjoyable. It’s a great meal to make ahead!
Easy Copycat Wendy’s Chili Recipe at Home
Love the chili from Wendy’s? Now you can make a version of it right in your own kitchen! This recipe tastes very similar to the fast-food favorite, perfect for a cozy night in.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Copycat Wendy’s Chili
- Leftover Ground Beef Crumbles: To get that authentic Wendy’s texture, use finely crumbled ground beef. If you have leftover cooked ground beef, it works perfectly here.
- Tomato Sauce Base: A combination of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes provides the right balance for the slightly thinner, familiar chili base.
What You Need for Copycat Wendy’s Chili
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 0.5 cup water (if needed for consistency)
⏱️ Time: 45 minutes🍽️ Yields: 7 servings
How to Make Copycat Wendy’s Chili
Step 1: Build the Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until it’s fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat very well. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the pot and cook until they are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Simmer to Perfection
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add 0.5 cup of water if you prefer a slightly thinner chili, or if it seems too thick. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
📝 Final Note
Serve your copycat Wendy’s chili with a side of saltine crackers, just like you would get at the restaurant. It also stores well in the fridge for several days.