Whether you're craving comfort food on a winter night or hosting a game-day party, you can't go wrong with chili. It's hearty, delicious, and endlessly customizable. And while the dish is relatively easy to make, there are times when you might end up with a soupy and thin result.
Luckily, there are several ways to thicken chili and reduce the excess liquid, as proven by these expert-approved tips and tricks.
Simmer Longer
One of the easiest ways to thicken chili is to simply increase the cooking time. Simmer your dish for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, uncovered, stirring it occasionally, says Traci Weintraub, chef and founder of Gracefully Fed, a meal delivery service and restaurant in Los Angeles. Simmering it for longer will also help intensify and blend the flavors, she adds.
Add Beans
If your chili contains beans, use a fork to mash them against the side of the pot. This will add body to your chili, according to food stylist and recipe developer Riley Wofford. "Mashing releases the starch [in] the beans, and it only takes a minute or two to start working," she says.
If your chili is currently bean-free, consider adding some to thicken things up. Just be sure to properly drain the beans, as extra liquid from canned versions will only thin your chili further, says Weintraub. Not a fan of these legumes? Consider adding lentils, which have a similar effect, she says.
Use All-Purpose Flour or Cornstarch
All-purpose flour and cornstarch are useful for thickening chili, as well as sauces, soups, and stews. However, you'll want to avoid adding these ingredients directly to your recipe, as this will result in clumps. Instead, create a slurry and add it slowly to help the thickener fully incorporate. "Transfer some warm liquid [from the chili] to a separate bowl. Whisk in the flour or cornstarch, then slowly stir it back in the pot," advises Wofford. Bring the mixture back to a boil, which will "activate" the ingredient, instantly thickening the dish.
Whether you turn to flour or cornstarch, Wofford suggests using a small amount to start. You can always add another round of slurry if the chili is still too thin.
Add More Vegetables
You can never go wrong with additional vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, or mushrooms. In addition to making your chili recipe chunkier and heartier, the vegetables will release starches as they cook, helping thicken the liquid. Weintraub is partial to diced bell peppers. "They add flavor, but don't get lost in the mix, as onions [or] garlic might," she says.
Mix in Cornmeal
Another easy way to thicken chili is to add 1 to 2 tablespoons of cornmeal. According to Wofford, the ingredient will soak up the hot liquid, creating a creamy texture (like cooked polenta). Cornmeal will also add a pleasant corn flavor, which pairs well with common chili ingredients like bell peppers, tomatoes, and chili powder.
FAQs
Using Cornmeal to Thicken Chili
Cornmeal is one of our go-to thickening agents for chili. Unlike all-purpose flour, this Southern pantry staple adds a subtle earthy flavor to the chili in addition to thickening it up. You can use white or yellow cornmeal that is fine to medium-grain.
What gives chili its thickness? ›
Using Cornmeal to Thicken Chili
Cornmeal is one of our go-to thickening agents for chili. Unlike all-purpose flour, this Southern pantry staple adds a subtle earthy flavor to the chili in addition to thickening it up. You can use white or yellow cornmeal that is fine to medium-grain.
What thickens chili without cornstarch? ›
Cornmeal: Add a tablespoon of cornmeal or masa harina while stirring continuously. Mashed Beans: Mash a portion of the beans and stir them into the chili to thicken it. Crushed Tortilla Chips: Crushed tortilla chips can also be added as a thickening agent.
What can I add to chili to make it more soupy? ›
In addition, broth, beer, and/ or water is usually added to produce the desired consistency in the pot of chili. I usually add one or two cups of beef broth. If you put tomatoes in the stew, this will also provide plenty of liquid.
How do you thicken leftover chili? ›
8 Easy Ways to Thicken Chili
- Use a Potato Masher. All you have to do is take a potato masher and smash some (but not all) of the chili around. ...
- Add Cornmeal. ...
- Add Tortillas. ...
- Add Beans or Veggies. ...
- Uncover and Simmer. ...
- Make a Slurry with Masa Harina. ...
- Make a Slurry with Flour. ...
- Make a Slurry with Cornstarch.
Simmer Longer
One of the easiest ways to thicken chili is to simply increase the cooking time. Simmer your dish for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, uncovered, stirring it occasionally, says Traci Weintraub, chef and founder of Gracefully Fed, a meal delivery service and restaurant in Los Angeles.
What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›
Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.
How do you thicken chili without carbs? ›
A low-carb thickener for chili could be xanthan gum or glucomannan powder. Both of these are low-carb, keto-friendly thickeners that can be used in small amounts to thicken chili without adding carbs.
How to add volume to chili? ›
Add beans or veggies.
Thick-cut root veggies will release their natural starches as they cook and help thicken the pot. Sweet potatoes, winter squash, and a regular potato all work. Adding more beans helps too. Thick, refried beans can do wonders for a thin chili.
When to add beans to chili? ›
You know the saying, “save the best for last?” To keep your beans nice and plump, add them about 20 minutes before you finish cooking. This will give them plenty of time to impart that perfectly seasoned chili flavor to your recipe without overcooking.
Once your stew is prepared and you're ready to thicken it up, mix in about 1/8 cup of instant mashed potatoes and stir well. Depending on your desired amount of liquid, add more instant mashed potatoes incrementally, making sure to not go overboard.
What is the best ingredient to thicken chili? ›
The good news is there are lots of easy ways to thicken up your chili with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry— flour, cornmeal, pureed beans, cornstarch, or even crushed tortilla chips will help do the job, along with some good old extra simmering time.
What do I do if my chili is too watery? ›
Mix in a scoop of cornstarch, all-purpose flour, or oats.
For 1 tablespoon of flour, use 2 tablespoons of water. No slurry is required for the absorbent oats; simply stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons. In all cases, allow the chili to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes more, and you should notice it thicken up.
What is the secret to making good chili? ›
Rumi Spice's top tips for making chili:
- Brown the Meat.
- Don't Forget Vegetables.
- Elevate with Extra Flavor.
- Only Add Flavorful Liquids.
- Opt for Dried Beans.
- Season Early and Often.
- Add Some Acidity at the End.
- Top It Off.
How to Thicken Chili
- Simmer down. ...
- Stir in some finely ground cornmeal or masa harina. ...
- Mix in a scoop of cornstarch, all-purpose flour, or oats. ...
- Pile on the vegetables. ...
- Try more tomato paste. ...
- Mash some beans. ...
- Crumble up some corn chips.
When your chili is too thick, it's easy to thin it out a bit. Just add some liquid. You can add beef, chicken, or veggie broth, or you can add a can of tomato sauce. You could add water, too, but it will dilute the flavor of the chili.
How to thicken up chili in a slow cooker? ›
Don't add flour, add a cornstarch slurry. 3 parts cornstarch to 2 parts water, stir to combine, then dump into chili and stir in. How do you thicken a crock pot dish without flour? The addition of some small diced potatoes to your recipe should do the trick.
How to thicken up beans without cornstarch? ›
Add flour to melted butter over medium-low heat, and cook the mixture until it's light brown. Whisk the hot liquid into the roux; use two ounces of roux for every cup of liquid. This method is excellent for creamy bean soups.
