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

If you're looking for a simple and crowd-pleasing weeknight family meal or a centerpiece to your fall game day menu that's sure to score points then you've got to whip up a big pot of chili! There are so many delicious varieties of chili to make: from veggie chili, chicken, good ole' beef and even pumpkin chili! You can make a batch of chili and pile it onto chipotle hot dogs, or even stuff your favorite chili recipe into zucchini boats for dinner. Chili is so versatile, it can easily be made on the stove top, in an Instant Pot, or even in the slow cooker!

If you've ever made a big pot of chili on a cold day then you might have wondered the best way to thicken it up if its looking a bit too soupy. 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. Read on for some tips on how to thicken chili.

How do you thicken chili?

The key to a thick chili is to not start with too much liquid. The less liquid you have to start with, the less you will have to mess with the chili later to thicken it up.

If you do end up with a chili that is too soupy though there are a few easy fixes: Ree Drummond's favorite is to use some masa harina, which gives the chili a nice corn flavor and texture (try it in Ree's chipotle chicken chili).

If you don't have masa harina on hand you can use flour, cornmeal, cornstarch, or puree a can of beans.

Just start with a tablespoon of the flour, cornmeal, masa harina, or cornstarch whisked with a little water, add to your chili and simmer 10 more minutes or so. If it isn't as thick as you'd like, repeat and simmer 10 more minutes. If you're using pureed beans, puree a cup of cooked beans (or canned), then stir into the chili and continue simmering uncovered for 15 minutes.

Does simmering chili make it thicker?

Yes! The longer you simmer chili with the lid off of the pot the thicker it will get. The excess liquid will turn into steam and help reduce the chili down to a nice, thick consistency.

How can I thicken my chili without cornstarch?

Cornstarch isn't the only way to thicken chili. You can also use flour, cornmeal, or masa harina as a cornstarch substitute. Start with a tablespoon whisked with a little water, add to your chili and simmer 10 more minutes or so, then a cup of your favorite pureed beans and stir them right in, simmer for another 15 minutes or so, and this will naturally thicken the chili.