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
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.
How can I thicken my chili that is too watery? ›
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.
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 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 fix chili that is too thin? ›
If your chili is too watery, there are a few steps you can take to thicken it: Simmer Longer: Continue cooking the chili uncovered over low heat to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Add Thickeners: Mix a small amount of cornstarch or flour with cold water and add it to the chili. Cook while stirring until it thickens.
How do you make chili a little more watery? ›
Add more water or tomato sauce if it's too thick. Keeping the lid on can keep the steam in resulting in thinner chili. Also, if I cook chili in the crock pot it is usually thinner, as the lid collects the steam rather than it evaporating.
How to thicken up beans without cornstarch? ›
Remove a quarter of the beans from the soup and purée them in a blender or food processor. Add the puréed beans back into the soup to thicken it. You can also use an immersion blender or potato masher to purée a portion of the bean soup.
What to add to chili if it is too thick? ›
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.
What is the best liquid to add to chili? ›
Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.
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.
Use All-Purpose Flour or Cornstarch
"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.
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 to make chili taste more like chili? ›
If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.
How to fix chili with too much water? ›
For Chili That's Too Thin and Thinks It's Soup
- Simmer with the lid off. Did you try this yet? ...
- Add beans or veggies. Thick-cut root veggies will release their natural starches as they cook and help thicken the pot. ...
- Mash it. ...
- Add masa harina or tortillas. ...
- Make a cornstarch slurry.
One of the best ways to make use of tomato paste is to treat it as a natural thickening agent for tomato-based sauces, says Arturo. In addition to helping to alter the consistency of your sauce, this pantry staple will also help to further enhance the rich, savory flavors of tomato sauce.
Does baking soda thicken chili? ›
Use baking soda and salt
There's a secret ingredient that you should be using in your chili to make it wonderfully thick — and it's baking soda. It will also enhance the flavor of whatever you choose as the best type of meat for your chili.
Do you simmer chili with the lid on or off? ›
For quicker-cooking chili like this recipe, don't cover the pot. You want the liquid in the chili to reduce, and leaving the lid off is crucial. If you're simmering the chili for a longer time, partially cover the pot to prevent the liquid from evaporating too quickly.
