Wendy’s Copycat Chili Recipe

This Wendy’s Chili recipe is a perfect replica – it’s full of flavour thanks to green chilies, chili powder, cumin and two types of beans.

Not to be THAT food blogger (promise I’ll keep this short 🤣) but I have such fond memories my of gramma and I going to get chili at Wendy’s when I was a kid.

Not sure if that’s because it was one of the cheapest things on the menu or if she REALLY liked it, but anytime I make this chili, I’m reminded of her. ❤️

Maybe you have your own fond memories of Wendy’s chili and want to make it healthier at home!

Why you’ll love this recipe

• The BEST copycat: This chili tastes exactly like the kind you’d get at Wendy’s and is packed with flavour.
• Easy to make: You can make it on the stovetop, crockpot or Instant Pot.
• Freezer-friendly: Freeze it up to 3 months for a last minute dinner.

Ingredients and substitutions

• Extra-lean ground beef – use ground turkey or chicken to make it lighter, or sirloin chunks to make it heartier.
• Yellow onion – red onion or shallots would also work.
• Celery – leave this out if you don’t have any on hand.
• Green pepper – any colour bell pepper can be used.
• Canned green chilies – substitute for diced fresh or pickled jalapenos.
• Worcestershire sauce – you can leave this out, but it adds great flavour to the chili!
• Chili powder – use a blend of ground cumin, paprika and cayenne pepper instead.
• Sugar – brown sugar, honey or maple syrup would all work.
• Cumin – coriander is the best substitute here.
• Onion powder – you can substitute this for garlic powder in a pinch.
• Paprika – cayenne will work, but it has more of a kick.
• Garlic – freshly minced garlic is best but jarred minced garlic can be used too.
• Kidney and pinto beans – black beans, white beans, chickpeas or lentils would all be good.
• Crushed tomatoes – substitute for canned diced tomatoes or stewed tomatoes instead.
• Beef broth – you can use chicken or vegetable broth, but the flavour will be slightly different.

How to make Wendy’s chili

Step 1: Assemble ingredients.

Gather all the ingredients.

Step 2: Brown the grown beef.

Brown the ground beef in a large pot.

Step 3: Add the veggies.

Sauté the onions, celery and green pepper until softened.

Step 4: Mix in the seasonings.

Stir in the spices and sauté until fragrant.

Step 5: Add remaining ingredients then simmer.

Stir in remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Simmer for 30 mins.

Step 6: Add your toppings.

Add on your favourite toppings and serve.

Frequently asked questions

Is Wendy’s chili healthy?

Without additional toppings, there are 255 calories per serving. In comparison, one small serving of the restaurant’s recipe has 240 calories, and a large serving has 330 calories. My serving size is likely on the larger size with higher protein. Plus, it doesn’t contain any preservatives or chemicals!

Can I make it in the crockpot or the Instant Pot?

To make this chili in the crockpot, sauté the ground beef then add it to the pot with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. To make it in the Instant Pot, brown the ground beef, then add the veggies and sauté until softened. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes then do a quick release of the pressure.

How do I thicken the chili?

You can mash some of the beans or let the chili simmer longer to reduce excess liquid.

Storing and reheating

Storing: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for 5 days.

Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight.

Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave for 1-2 mins, then add your toppings. If reheating from frozen, microwave for 6-7 mins, stirring halfway through.

Repurposing leftovers: Use the chili to make chili cheese fries, taco salad, loaded baked potatoes or chili mac and cheese.

What to serve with this chili recipe

While the chili’s pretty filling on its own, here are some ideas of what you can serve with it!

• Some tasty sweet potato fries
• A nice side salad like this one
• A delicious cornbread would make a great addition

Meal prep tools

• Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on storing the leftovers.
• I get all my grass-fed ground beef from Butcher Box, conveniently delivered to me frozen.
• Freeze this recipe in Souper Cubes for up to 3 months.