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

By: Melissa Coleman Last Updated: Oct 14, 2023 This post may contain affiliate links.

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.

Copycat Wendy's Chili Recipe in a white bowl on a blue background



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



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)



Combine all ingredients.



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 use a 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. 



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.



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.



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


It goes perfectly with this chili dish.

If you are looking for a great copycat recipe for the Boston Market Cornbread then look no further. This one is moist and delicious!



Here are some useful tools for making this Wendy's Copycat Chili Recipe.

  • Cooks Standard Stainless Steel Stockpot with Lid, 12-QT
  • Instant Pot 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker & Slow Cooker
  • Set of 2 Rustic Farmhouse Country Stoneware Distressed Soup and Side Bowls With Handles
  • Spring Chef Magnetic Measuring Spoons Set, Dual Sided, Stainless Steel, Fits in Spice Jars
  • J.A. HENCKELS INTERNATIONAL Classic Hollow Edge Santoku Knife
  • The Pampered Chef Mix N Chop
  • KitchenAid Nylon Ladle
  • 12 oz Paper Cups - Great for carrying chili for lunch



Even more delicious fall and winter recipes you don't want to miss!

  • Old Fashioned Beef Stew in a Crock Pot
  • Best Fall Soup Recipes
  • Creamy Pumpkin Soup
  • Instant Pot Soup Recipes
  • Cheesy Potato Soup
  • White Chicken Chili Dip
  • Chicken and Dumplings
  • Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Chowder



Want to print or save the best chili recipe?

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
Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
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 use a crockpot (my preference), 6-8 hours on the low setting.
Want even more?Follow @todayscreativeideas

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    4.70 from 46 votes (46 ratings without comment)

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  1. Angela says

    January 11, 2025 at 5:39 pm

    Hello
    When using crock pot do I Brown the hamburger frist?

    Reply
    • Melissa Coleman says

      January 13, 2025 at 10:49 am

      yes, you should always brown your hamburger first

      Reply
  2. Kendra says

    April 30, 2020 at 11:07 pm

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

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      May 01, 2020 at 3:14 pm

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

      Reply
  3. Beverly says

    January 23, 2020 at 11:00 am

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

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      January 23, 2020 at 2:40 pm

      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

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This chili is the perfect thing to make on these cold nights. Wendy's chili is one of my favorites and this copycat version is spot on.
If you are looking for a great chili recipe then look no further. This Wendy's copycat version is spot on with their taste. You won't regret it! #ChiliRecipe #WendysChili #CopycatRecipes

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