Copycat Wendy’s Chili Recipe
57 CommentsUpdated Jan 28, 2026
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If you love the taste of Wendy’s chili, you can now recreate this masterpiece in the comfort of your own kitchen with this Copycat Wendy’s Chili Recipe.
Recipe Highlights
- There’s something about Wendy’s chili that we can all agree is simply irresistibly delicious!
- I’ve tested this one over and over—it’s the closest match you’ll find
- Easy slow cooker version of a fast-food favorite
- Makes a big batch, which is economical
- Made from scratch with no ingredients that can’t be pronounced
Key Ingredients
Gather these easy ingredients to get started!
- Ground beef – Hearty and filling and lots of it
- Diced tomatoes & tomato sauce – Build the rich savory base
- Pinto & kidney beans – Classic combo for texture and protein
- Green chiles, onion, celery & bell pepper – just what the original has in it
- Chili powder & garlic – And just the right amount!
- Apple cider vinegar – A secret ingredient to balance all the flavors.
How to Make Crockpot Wendy’s Chili
- Brown the beef and toss it into the slow cooker.
- Add in all the remaining ingredients and give it a good stir.
- Let it simmer low and slow until everything comes together.
- Grab a bowl and enjoy the hearty goodness!
Cook’s Tips & Variations
Brown the Beef: Don’t be tempted to put the ground beef in the slow cooker without browning it first. It will turn out a sandy texture.
Change the Heat: To add heat use a poblano pepper instead of bell pepper.
Meat Swap: Ground turkey can be used instead of ground beef but the flavor won’t be as decadent.
Stovetop & Instant Pot Directions
Stovetop Instructions:
Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven, then drain the excess fat. Add in the remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Let it cook for about an hour, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld.
Instant Pot Instructions:
Use the sauté method to brown the ground beef, draining off any grease. Add the rest of the ingredients and give everything a good stir. Secure on the lid and cook on Manual/High Pressure for 15 minutes, then let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes before opening the valve.
Featured Comment
“Really enjoyed this chili recipe tonight for dinner! Nice and saucy, just the way I like my chili! Very easy to put together. Nice to come home from running some errands and dinner is ready!“
– Kelly
Wendy’s Chili Recipe
How to Video
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. ground beef
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium sized onion, diced
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 30 oz. diced tomatoes, two 15-oz.cans
- 30 oz. tomato sauce, two 15-oz. cans
- 8 oz. green chilies, two 4-oz. cans
- 15 oz. canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 30 oz. canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup dark chili powder, (regular works fine too)
- sour Cream and/or shredded cheddar for topping, optional
Instructions
- Heat a medium sized nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and brown until no longer pink. Drain the meat to remove excess fat. Transfer the cooked ground beef to a 6 quart slow cooker.
- To the slow cooker, add the rest of the ingredients and stir.
- Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours.
- Serve hot, top with a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheddar. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
My Serving Suggestions
Here are my classic ways to serve and some great ideas to serve leftovers so the chili doesn’t get boring.
- Picture all the classic toppings Wendy’s serves with their chili: cheese, diced onions, saltine crackers, cheese, and a splash of hot sauce.
- Add a touch of sour cream for even more flavor.
- Serve over rice or slow cooker baked potatoes to stretch the recipe out and feed more people.
- For leftovers, you don’t have to serve in a bowl! – Spoon it over hot dogs for irresistible chili dogs, or create loaded nachos or hearty chili cheese burritos. The possibilities are endless!
More Slow Cooker Chili Recipes
If you’re looking for chili with a twist, White Chicken Chili offers a creamy, mild option, while V8 Chili brings bold tomato flavor.
Venison Chili is perfect when you want something hearty and rich with a wild game spin.
For meatless meals, Crockpot Vegetarian Chili delivers all the flavor without the meat, and you can never go wrong with a classic Crockpot Chili on a chilly day.
Hi I can’t wait to try this! What is the approximate serving size (1 or 1.5 cups?) and how many calories in a serving? Thanks!
Hello!!! I am single and do not require nor need servings for 6. I also, like fresh beans over can. Any suggestions??? If so can you provide the recipe.
Hi Sheena, you could freeze it?
You can halve the ingredients and use a 3-4 qt slow cooker for 4 servings. I’m not sure about substituting fresh beans… sorry.
Yes! You can do fresh beans, but it may take longer to cook.
I made this last weekend. My first attempt at making Chili EVER! It turned out wonderful!! My kids went back for seconds even !! LOVED IT!!! Easy to make and delicious !!!
That is so great to hear! Especially great when the kids like it!
Could I use dry beans? If so how much?
Hi Allison. A few years back I heard it is not good to use dry kidney beans in slow cooker recipes. For some reason they don’t get rid of a toxin when cooked in the slow cooker. Here is some info on it: https://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/be-careful-with-red-kidney-beans-in-the-slow-cooker/
Thanks for the great chili recipe ! Does anyone know what ingrediants might be in the “Hot Chili Seasoning” packet that Wendy’s offers for its chili? The Wendy’s seasoning packet adds a welcome spicy kick but only discloses “natural flavors” on the back of the packet itself.
Thanks!
I know the true Wendy’s recipe. There was one thing missing. A small can of chopped chilies. I use hatch from New Mexico. Any will do. The mild ones, yout can add more heat, if desired.
What a great copy kat recipe, I love Wendys Chili! Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and hope to see you again real soon!
Miz Helen
What a fantastic recipe! We thoroughly enjoyed it! Thank you so much for attending Weekend Social Blog Hop and Link Party #13 ! Don’t forget the requirements of being featured . We hope to see you there Friday at 9 PM to kick off week 14! We can hardly wait to see what you surprise us with!!
Heidy L. McCallum of The McCallum’s Shamrock Patch
Sarah, this looks sooo good, and YES, I love me a bowl of Wendy’s Chili! 😉 This was most-viewed at Treasure Box Tuesday this week, and will be featured at this week’s party! Yay! So be sure to bring enough for everyone… 😀 PINNED!
I’m always looking for a new chili recipe to try out and I’m so glad I found yours!