4 Simple Ways to Thicken Your Chili
Updated: Feb. 07, 2024
There's nothing better than a hearty bowl of chili. Here's what to do if you accidentally made soup instead!
Mmm… chili! It’s the ultimate cold-weather comfort food. But what if your soul-warming masterpiece ends up with a thin and soup-like consistency? Don’t panic. Here are some tricks to thicken your chili for the perfect winter meal.
Psst… Does your state have an iconic chili recipe? Find out here.
How to Thicken Chili
1. Cook Your Chili Uncovered
If you want to keep things simple, take the lid off the pot. Simmer chili uncovered for 20-30 minutes to help reduce the liquid and encourage the mixture to thicken up.
2. Add a Cup of Beans
When in doubt, add more beans. Use a potato masher to mash up some black beans or pinto beans. That will allow them to release their natural starches, which will help thicken the liquid. Be sure to even out the recipe with a couple extra pinches of spice (chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper, etc.) to maintain the flavor.
Here are more genius ingredients to add to your chili.
3. Add Masa Harina
For extra richness, add a tablespoon of masa harina, a specialty corn flour. Keep in mind that this will slightly alter the taste and texture of your chili to be a bit cornbread-ish, but it’ll still be hearty and delicious.
4. Add Corn Chips or Tortilla Chips
A handful of corn chips or tortilla chips will help absorb excess liquid and give some texture to your chili. Crush up a few chips, dump them into the pot and let the chili simmer for about 10 minutes so all of the can ingredients mingle.
This Hearty Taco Chili recipe calls for corn chips to top things off. Don’t be afraid to add more for extra crunch!
The Best Chili Recipes of All Time
Spicy Fajita ChiliThis spicy chili is perfect with a dollop of sour cream. If you want to add even more of a kick, use a spicier V8!
Smoky Peanut Butter ChiliThis is a special kind of chili without any beans! The peanuts and peanut butter make this dish hearty and full of crunchy texture.
Slow-Cooker Quinoa ChiliIf you're wary about quinoa or aren't quite used to it yet, make this yummy quinoa chili! It's just as delicious and equally nutritious.
White Chili with a KickStore-bought rotisserie chicken makes this spicy chili easy, but you could also cook your own. It's even better with sour cream, shredded cheese and some hot sauce.
Meaty Mushroom ChiliIf you aren't a fan of beans, you can still make a delicious chili. The mushrooms add a wonderful earthy taste to the dish.
Sweet Potato Chili with TurkeyThis sweet potato chili is packed with flavor. Ground turkey is a lighter alternative to beef and sweet potato puree sneaks in some vitamin A.
Steak & Beer ChiliA bowl of steaming hot chili is always a pleasant way to warm up on a cold day. This one has a combination of chuck steak and brats in a spicy broth.
Tex-Mex ChiliNeed a hot meal to look forward to for dinner? Look no further than this Tex-Mex recipe with meat, plenty of beans and tasty spices.
Effortless Black Bean ChiliThis black bean chili is rich and hearty. It's perfect for chilly evenings and we guarantee your family members will agree.
White Turkey ChiliAre you over red chili? Here's proof that chili doesn't have to be red. This creamy and appealing-looking soup is just as good (if not better) than your classic chili recipe.
Chili Macaroni and CheeseWhat could be tastier on a cold winter day than chili or mac and cheese? Put them together and you have a creamy and cheesy dish that will warm you up in no time.
Chili for a CrowdThis chili is perfect when you have to feed a large crowd, whether it's for a party or another special occasion. This chili will be eaten up in no time, we promise.
Game-Stopper ChiliThis hearty chili with sausage, beef, beans and barley is perfect for a big gathering. Veggie fans and meat lovers will adore this dish.
Black Bean Turkey ChiliThis easy chili recipe is full of flavor thanks to the black beans and chiles. Top with sour cream if it's too hot for you.
Chicken Butternut ChiliEveryone loves a good comforting, hearty, tomato-based chili with bold flavors! This recipe is chock full of veggies and flavor.
Healthy Turkey ChiliThis healthy turkey chili recipe is thicker and more robust than your typical healthy chili. This will surely be a family favorite, especially for the cooler months.
Creamy White ChiliThis chili is creamy, rich and hard to resist. It's the perfect meal for when you want something nutritious and filling.
Slow-Cooker Spicy Pork ChiliTender pork adds extra heartiness to this slow-cooked chili. You can use pork tenderloin, boneless pork roast or boneless pork chops.
Contest-Winning Pepperoni Pizza ChiliPizza and chili together—what could be better? This contest-winning chili will be loved by kids and adults alike. Prepare for your whole family to get seconds (or thirds).
Beer Brat ChiliThis beer brat chili is a fun and unique twist! The brats add a wonderful savory flavor to the dish.
White Chicken ChiliThis is the best chicken white chili we've ever tried! The green chiles add a wonderful trace of heat with every bite you take.
Spicy Touchdown ChiliWhat is a better pairing than football and chili? Watch your favorite team while enjoying this classic chili recipe that everyone will gobble up in no time.
Chicken Chili with Black BeansThanks to the full, hearty flavor, this chili recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite. It's best served with warm cornbread.
Spicy White ChiliThe green chiles and other seasonings makes this chili spicy and vibrant. If you want even more heat, you can't go wrong with a few drops of your favorite hot sauce.
Pork Chile VerdeSay hello to your new favorite fall dish. In this chili, pork is slowly stewed with jalapenos, onion, green enchilada sauce and spices. It's wonderful on its own or stuffed in a warm tortilla with sour cream. Don't forget your hot sauce!
Chicken & Bean ChiliThis chicken and bean chili is a favorite for meat lovers. It's a must for potlucks any time of year.
Mexican Chicken ChiliCorn and black beans give this hearty chili a Mexican flair the whole family will love. If you want it be less spicy, use less cayenne pepper seasoning.
Easy White Chicken ChiliChicken and white beans add a new twist on the regular bowl of red. It’s soothing comfort food that is perfect for a rainy day.
Hearty Taco ChiliRanch dressing mix and taco seasoning give extra special flavor to this dish. We won't blame you if you go back for seconds.
Meatball Chili with DumplingsThis is a fun take on a classic. This chili tastes like a hearty meatball stew with incredibly addictive dumplings.
Quinoa Turkey ChiliThis healthy turkey quinoa chili is not only tasty, it's packed with vitamins and protein that will keep you feeling satisfied and energized.
Firehouse ChiliThis firehouse chili is hearty and satisfying. If you need to feed a crowd, look no further than this recipe.
Black Bean, Chorizo & Sweet Potato ChiliThis recipe takes chili to the next level by changing up the flavors and adding a surprise—sweet potatoes. The addition of chorizo and black beans adds a southwestern twist.
Quick Pork ChiliIf you want to whip up a quick and easy chili, this is the recipe for you. The pork in here is also a nice switch up from traditional beef.
Santa Fe ChiliThis hearty chili is full of protein! With black beans, kidney beans and pinto beans, you will be entranced by all of the textures and flavors.
Green Chile Chicken ChiliShredded chicken and hot green chilis turn this chili into a masterpiece. Shredded cheese and sour cream will help combat the spice.
Chunky Chipotle Pork ChiliWhat more could you want on a cool evening for dinner? This chili is packed with a smoky flavor thanks to the chipotle pork.
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Originally Published: January 10, 2019
