There's nothing better than a hearty bowl of chili. Here's what to do if you accidentally made soup instead!
4 Simple Ways to Thicken Your Chili
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
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
Cincinnati ChiliCinnamon and cocoa give a rich brown color to hearty Cincinnati chili. This dish will warm you up on a cold day. —Edith Joyce, Parkman, Ohio
This warm and inviting dish is one of the most unique chili recipes out there—it's served atop a pile of spaghetti!
Spicy Fajita ChiliYou’ll want to serve this with rolls or cornbread to soak up every delicious drop. Like more heat? Just use spicier versions of V8 juice and chili beans.—Cathy Bell, Joplin, Missouri
This 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 ChiliI eliminated beans from my standard chili recipe and added peanut butter and peanuts just for fun. Wow, was it amazing! I tried it on my family and everyone loved it. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
This 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 ChiliThis recipe turned my husband into a quinoa lover. I made it the day he got good news on a new job, and we'll always remember how excited we were as we ate this beautiful meal. —Claire Gallam, Alexandria, Virginia
If 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. We like it with various combinations of sour cream, green onions, cheese and salsa on top. —Emmajean Anderson, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Store-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 ChiliSince our two daughters did not like beans in their chili, I adapted a recipe to suit our whole family's tastes. We all agree that mushrooms are an appealing alternative and go very well with the ground beef and sausage.
—Marjol Burr
Catawba, Ohio
If 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 TurkeyOur turkey sweet potato chili recipe is a wonderful variation on chili and contains no beef or tomatoes. The sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals and the turkey is a welcome alternative to ground beef.
This 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 cup of chili is always a pleasant way to warm up on a cold day. This one has a combination of budget-friendly chuck steak and brats in a spicy broth. I like to serve it with a dollop of sour cream. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
A 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 to satisfy big, hearty appetites? Look no further than this Tex-Mex recipe with beef stew meat, plenty of beans and tasty spices. —Eric Hayes, Antioch, California
Need 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 ChiliMy mom found the inspiration for this chili in a slow-cooker cookbook. After a few updates, all of us love it (even those of us who steer clear of beans). We think it's even better served over rice. —Amelia Gormley, Ephrata, Pennsylvania
This black bean chili is rich and hearty. It's perfect for chilly evenings and we guarantee your family members will agree.
White Turkey ChiliHere's proof that chili doesn't have to be tomato-red. This white turkey chili makes delicious use of leftover turkey meat.
Are 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.
Thai-Style Chicken ChiliI love this Asian take on the classic one-pot meal. This Thai chili recipe is quick, easy, nutritious and delicious. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
If you're looking for an out-of-the-box dish to serve for weeknights, try this Asian-inspired chili.
Chili Macaroni and CheeseThis chili mac and cheese combines hearty, spicy chili with mac and cheese. It's a comfort food mashup!
What 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 CrowdChili for a crowd is exactly what you need for game day, potlucks and other fun gatherings. Hearty, meaty and filled with smoky, sweet and umami flavors, it's a real crowd-pleaser.
This 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.
Butternut Squash ChiliOur contest-winning butternut squash chili adds nutrient-rich squash to a classic beef-and-bean chili for an impressive flavor combination that will warm up even the coldest days. Who knew chili could be even more delicious and nutritious?
While butternut squash isn't typically used in chili, we love the added nutrition. Add butternut squash to chili for a tasty, filling, energy-packed dish your whole family will love.
Game-Stopper ChiliThis hearty chili with sausage, beef, beans and barley is perfect for the halftime food rush. People actually cheer when they see me coming with my slow cooker! —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
This 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 ChiliTypical chilis require hours of cooking, but this turkey and black bean chili recipe can be made in a quick 30 minutes. There's still plenty of flavor, though, thanks to an all-star list of spices and nourishing, tasty ingredients.
This 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 ChiliAt our house, we just love a good comforting, hearty, tomato-based chili with bold flavors! This unique chili is loaded with veggies and flavor. You can also prepare the recipe in the slow cooker. Just add ingredients to the crock and cook over high heat for about 4 hours. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Everyone loves a good comforting, hearty, tomato-based chili with bold flavors! This recipe is chock full of veggies and flavor.
Healthy Turkey ChiliWhen you're craving down-home comfort food—but not all of the fat—turn to this turkey chili recipe. Ground turkey recipes like this one are packed with tons of flavor. Here's how to make it at home.
This 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 ChiliCreamy, dreamy and packed with spices and seasoning, this white chili recipe will be your new favorite for cozy nights and game-day gatherings.
This 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 ChiliThis hearty and flavorful crock pot pork chili is a set-it-and-forget-it weeknight hero.
Tender pork adds extra heartiness to this slow-cooked chili. You can use pork tenderloin, boneless pork roast or boneless pork chops.
Zippy Vegetarian ChiliHominy and garbanzo beans are interesting additions to this zippy chili recipe that uses canned goods from the cupboard. I often serve it with cornbread or flour tortillas for a speedy meal. It's economical, too. —Karen Hunt, Bellvue, Colorado
Hominy and garbanzo beans are fun additions to this zippy chili recipe that uses canned goods from your pantry. We recommend serving this particular chili with cornbread on the side. Delicious!
Contest-Winning Pepperoni Pizza ChiliPizza and chili together—what could be better? Fill folks up at halftime when you set out bowls of this chili. —Jennifer Gelormino, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pizza 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 ChiliMy husband and I love this chili because it smells so good as it simmers in the slow cooker all day. I can't think of a better way to use up leftover brats. He can't think of a better way to eat them! —Katrina Krumm, Apple Valley, Minnesota
This beer brat chili is a fun and unique twist! The brats add a wonderful savory flavor to the dish.
White Chicken ChiliOur white chicken chili recipe is a flavorful twist on traditional red-tinged chili. It's an easy one-pot meal that delivers tender chicken and creamy white beans in a rich, savory broth.
This 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 ChiliBring out your largest saucepan, because this spicy chili packs some big flavors. One pot is all you need, though, to spoon ample servings of a thick, meaty stew that will make your guests’ eyes water for all the right reasons.
Chicken Chili with Black BeansBecause it looks different than traditional chili, my family was a little hesitant to try this dish at first. Thanks to the full, hearty flavor, it's become a real favorite around our house. I like to serve it with warm cornbread. —Jeanette Urbom, Louisburg, Kansas
Thanks to the full, hearty flavor, this chili recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite. It's best served with warm cornbread.
Spicy White ChiliI thought the original version of this dish was fine. But my son can't get enough spice, so I added green chiles and other seasonings until I'd created a quick and easy chili he's wild about. —Carlene Bailey, Bradenton, Florida
The 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 VerdePork slowly stews with jalapenos, onion, green enchilada sauce and spices in this flavor-packed Mexican dish. It's wonderful on its own or stuffed in a warm tortilla with sour cream, grated cheese or olives on the side. —Kimberly Burke, Chico, California
Say 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!
Spiced Apple ChiliNothing says fall like chili and apples. I use smoked paprika to give this slightly sweet chili a smoky kick. —Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, Minnesota
Nothing says fall like chili and apples. But have you ever had them together? The smoked paprika in this recipe gives this slightly sweet chili a smoky kick.
Chicken & Bean ChiliChili Time is any time you want to make a hungry crowd happy. This creamy chili is a must at my soup party every year. —Theresa Baehr, Williamsburg, Michigan
This chicken and bean chili is a favorite for meat lovers. It's a must for potlucks any time of year.
Zippy Pork ChiliIn addition to eating this chili the traditional way (with a spoon!), my family likes to scoop bites onto tortilla chips. The leftovers are delicious rolled in tortillas and warmed up. It's so comforting to have a pot simmering when cold Kansas winds are blowing. —Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas
This comforting chili recipe is great served over a bed of rice, but it's also fantastic scooped up in tortilla chips.
Mexican Chicken ChiliCorn and black beans give this satisfying chili a Mexican flair that the whole family will love. Adjust the pepper if you have small children or are looking for a little less zip. —Stephanie Rabbitt-Schapp, Cincinnati, Ohio
Corn 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.
Slow-Cooked Chunky ChiliThanks to multiple meats, a generous helping of beans and the classic chili trifecta of tomatoes, onions and peppers, this slow-cooker beef and sausage chili is tender, filling and oh-so tasty.
Pork sausage, ground beef and plenty of beans make this chili a marvelous meal. Feel free to add more vegetables like corn and carrots.
Ground Beef ChiliEveryone who tastes my beef chili recipe says that it is restaurant-quality. It's especially good with homemade cornbread. I have always loved to cook, and I enjoy developing original recipes like this one. —Shannon Wright, Erie, Pennsylvania
This beef chili may be even better than anything you could get at a restaurant. It's especially good with homemade cornbread.
Easy White Chicken ChiliEasy white chicken chili comes together with hearty beans, ground chicken and a creamy broth. Dried herbs and chopped green chiles are all you need to season this comforting dish.
Chicken 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 is the secret ingredient that makes this Mexican taco chili recipe so amazing that guests will wonder how you made it. To make things even better, the chili practically cooks itself in a slow cooker once you've browned the beef.
Ranch 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 DumplingsMy family enjoys this delicious recipe—it's like a spicy meatball stew with dumplings!—Sarah Yoder, Middlebury, Indiana
This is a fun take on a classic. This chili tastes like a hearty meatball stew with incredibly addictive dumplings.
Quinoa Turkey ChiliThis heart-healthy turkey quinoa chili is not only tasty, it's a vitamin and protein powerhouse! —Sharon Giljum, San Diego, California
This healthy turkey quinoa chili is not only tasty, it's packed with vitamins and protein that will keep you feeling satisfied and energized.
Firehouse ChiliWhen a recipe intended to serve a group of hungry people passes the firehouse test, you know it's worth making. Hearty, zesty, spicy and downright delicious, this firehouse chili will be your go-to when you need something simmering on the stove for friends and family to fill bowls at their leisure.
This firehouse chili is hearty and satisfying. If you need to feed a crowd, look no further than this recipe.
Spicy Pork Chili Verde
This chili is brimming with poblano and sweet red peppers for a kick. We recommend serving it with sour cream, shredded cheese and tortilla chips.
Black Bean, Chorizo & Sweet Potato ChiliChili is one of my all-time favorite dishes. This recipe takes chili to the next level by changing up the flavors and adding a surprise--sweet potatoes. —Julie Merriman, Cold Brook, New York
This 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.
Creamy Slow-Cooker White Chicken ChiliMy friend Caroline Gray and I came up with this creamy slow-cooker white chicken chili. It's unusual because it calls for Alfredo sauce. —Cindi Mitchell, St. Marys, Kansas
This creamy slow-cooker white chicken chili is extra rich thanks to the Alfredo sauce.
Pork ChiliOur slow-cooker pork chili is packed with boneless pork, beans and peppers. After a slow-simmer, this southwestern stew comes out spoon-tender.
Slow-Cooker ChiliSlow-cooker chili is meaty, saucy and full of spice. Make it for a crowd and still have plenty left over for the next day (or for the freezer).
White Bean Chicken ChiliMy sister shared this white bean chicken chili recipe with me. I usually double it and add one extra can of beans, then serve with cheddar biscuits or warmed tortillas. The jalapeno adds just enough heat to notice but not too much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New Mexico
This chicken chili is loaded with white beans and flavor. The jalapenos adds a nice kick without it being overly hot.
White Bean Turkey ChiliLooking for a hearty but healthy chili for your crew? Well, look no further, Dorothy Muenzer serves this robust meal to her Perry, New York gang and they keep coming back more. Chock-full of ground turkey, white kidney beans and diced tomatoes, it's so full of flavor, your family won't even miss the ground beef!
Attention turkey lovers! This chili is chock-full of ground turkey, white kidney beans and diced tomatoes. It's so full of flavor, you won't even miss having beef.
Green Chile Chicken ChiliThis green chicken chili recipe is loaded with tender shredded chicken and hearty navy beans. The spice level can be adjusted by adding extra chiles or finishing the dish with cooling sour cream.
Shredded chicken and hot green chilis turn this chili into a masterpiece. Shredded cheese and sour cream will help combat the spice.
Kids’ Favorite ChiliThis mild kid-friendly chili is a comforting and satisfying dish that even picky eaters will love, and you can make it in just 30 minutes thanks to a few shortcut ingredients from the pantry.
Kids will love this version of sweet chili. Plus, it's easy to make and adults will be running back for seconds too.
Chunky Chipotle Pork ChiliMy leftover pulled pork chili recipe is a busy cook's dream. Make it ahead and reheat later—it's even better the second day. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
What more could you want on a cool evening for dinner? This chili is packed with a smoky flavor thanks to the chipotle pork.
Lime Chicken ChiliLime juice gives this chili a zesty twist, while canned tomatoes and beans make preparation a snap. Try serving bowls with toasted tortilla strips. —Diane Randazzo, Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania
Lime juice gives this chili a zesty twist, while canned tomatoes and beans make this easy and mess free. Top with tortilla strips for an extra crunch.
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