Here's How to Thicken Chili for a Comforting Meal (2024)

FAQs

What is the best thickener for 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.

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.

Add cornstarch or all-purpose flour: Cornstarch and all-purpose flour are common thickening agents that you might already have on hand in your pantry. Adding flour directly into the chili will create lumps. Instead, make a slurry by mixing one tablespoon of cold water with one tablespoon of cornstarch.

Whether it's a zesty white chicken chili for your tailgate menu or a slow cooker chili on a blustery winter day, all chili dishes traditionally have a hearty texture. Unlike soups, which are brothy, or even bisques, which are creamy but thinner, chili is meant to have more solid ingredients than liquids, like a stew.

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.

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.

Upon further research, there are many chili recipes that call for peanut butter with plenty of rave reviews, and it stems from familiar logic. Much like how certain savory Tex-Mex recipes include ingredients such as cocoa or cinnamon, peanut butter offers a unique balance to the spices and heat used in chili.

"This recipe gives you the choice of ground meats or cubed meats For the ground meat type, after browning the ground beef, just drain it, toss the stick of butter in, and continue on with the recipe. The butter makes the chili, believe me.

Because cornstarch is pure starch, it has twice the thickening power of flour, which is only part starch. Thus, twice as much flour is needed to achieve the same thickening as cornstarch. To thicken sauces, cornstarch is combined with cold water first, which is called a slurry.

Beans are a healthy way to thicken soups. Adding refried beans to a soup can yield a thicker and richer tasting soup, making it a perfect way to thicken a chili.

What is the key to thick chili? ›

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.

The Best Way to Cook Chili:

The low and slow cooking process melds the flavors of the chili seasoning into every bite and the beef becomes so tender, juicy, and irresistible. You can slow cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.

Another great thickening agent is dairy, whether heavy cream, milk, sour cream, or even shredded cheese. You'll want to incorporate these ingredients on low heat. With the heavy cream or milk, you'll add that to your whole pot of chili before serving.

Using Xanthan Gum as a Thickening Agent

Generally, for thin sauces, a ratio of 0.1% to 0.3% works best. For thicker sauces, a ratio of 0.3% to 1% is commonly used. The more xanthan gum powder added, the thicker your sauce will be.

Begin by heating 2 tablespoons oil or fat in a saucepan over medium heat until a pinch of flour sprinkled into the oil just begins to bubble. Then, whisk in 3-1/2 tablespoons of flour to form a thick paste the consistency of cake frosting. Continue whisking as the roux gently bubbles and cooks to the shade desired.

Add a spoonful of potato flakes at the end of cooking time, and it will thicken things right up.