Best Ever Instant Pot Wendy’s Chili Copycat Recipe

Making copycat Wendy’s Chili in an Instant Pot, is fabulous, not only can you make Wendy’s Chili in the Instant Pot, it takes a fraction of the time! This recipe is truly amazing!

Serve your favorite chili with Air Fryer Jiffy Cornbread, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, and Air Fryer Tater Tots!

Wendy’s Chili Copycat Recipe Instant Pot is amazing!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Quick Cooking: The Instant Pot reduces cooking time, allowing you to enjoy hearty chili in less than an hour.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is budget-friendly and easy to prepare.
• Comforting Flavor: It captures the classic flavors of Wendy’s chili, making it a cozy meal perfect for chilly evenings.
• Versatile Serving: Enjoy it as a standalone dish, or pair it with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

I love making soups, stews, and chilis in my Instant Pot, and this recipe is no different. Soon, you will fall in love with making them, too! 

Some of my favorites that I want to share with you are INSTANT POT CHICKEN POT PIE SOUP, INSTANT POT COPYCAT PANERA’S BROCCOLI AND CHEDDAR SOUP, INSTANT POT CURRIED PUMPKIN SOUP, and INSTANT POT NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER.

Wendy’s Chili Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: The meaty base of our chili, it provides a rich and hearty flavor that’s signature to Wendy’s classic recipe.
• Large Onion: These aromatic vegetables enhance the depth of the dish.
• Green Bell Pepper: Adding a hint of freshness and a slight crunch.
• Celery: Adds unique crunch and a subtle earthy flavor.
• Kidney Beans & Pinto Beans: Brings a delightful texture. Other options are ranch style beans, chili beans, or dark red kidney beans.
• Diced Tomatoes: Infuse the chili with a tangy sweetness.
• Tomato Sauce: Offering a smooth consistency and depth.
• Chili Powder: Adds a mild kick, essential for that authentic chili flavor.
• Cumin: Adds an extra layer of depth, making the chili even more flavorful.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper
• Serving: Serve with saltine crackers or corn bread, or corn chips.

How To Make Copycat Wendy’s Chili Instant Pot

Step One: Turn your pressure cooker to the ‘Sauté’ mode. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Break up the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step Two: Add chopped onion, green pepper, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes or until the onions become translucent.

Step Three: Pour a little water or broth into the pot, scraping the bottom with a spatula or wooden spoon to remove any browned bits. This helps prevent a burn notice.

Step Four: Stir in kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, and tomato sauce. Then, add the chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and other spices. Pour in the remaining beef broth or water.

Step Five: Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to ‘Sealing’ (ensure the vent is closed), and cook time on ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ high pressure for 20 minutes.

Step Six: Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to ‘Venting’ for a quick release of any remaining pressure.

Step Seven: If the chili is too thin, switch the pressure cooker back to Saute and let it simmer until you achieve your desired consistency. Dish the chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped onions.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is for Instant Pot Wendy’s Chili with beans, you can easily adapt it to make Instant Pot Wendy’s Chili without beans. Simply omit the beans and adjust the liquid accordingly to ensure a hearty consistency. Enjoy the rich flavors and spices that make this chili a favorite, even without the beans!

Instant Pot Wendy’s Chili Recipe Tips

• Brown the Meat Well:  Take the time to thoroughly brown the ground beef using the sauté function of your Instant Pot before adding the rest of the ingredients.
• Deglaze the Pot: After browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables, pour a little beef broth into the pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom.
• Adjust Liquid for Desired Thickness: If you prefer a thicker chili, slightly reduce the amount of broth.
• Rest Before Serving:  Let the chili sit for a few minutes after cooking and stirring.
• Customize to Your Taste:  While the recipe aims to replicate Wendy’s classic flavor, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
• Enhance with Toppings:  Serve the chili with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or cilantro. Toppings can add flavor and texture, making the dish even more enjoyable.

Instant Pot Wendy’s Chili Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen ground beef to make chili in the Instant Pot? Yes, you can start with frozen ground beef, but you’ll need to add some time to the sauté process to thaw and brown it properly.

How can I make my chili spicier or milder: Adjust the heat by varying the chili powder or adding diced jalapeños for more spice.

Can I double the recipe in my Instant Pot? Yes, you can double the recipe as long as you don’t exceed the maximum fill line of your electric pressure cooker.

What if my chili is too thin after cooking? If it is too thin, use the sauté function to simmer and reduce it to your desired thickness.

How long can I store leftover chili? Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container or freezer safe container, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?: Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used, but they may produce more liquid than canned.

How To Make Instant Pot Chili In Slow Cooker

To make Instant Pot chili in a slow cooker, start by sautéing your meat and vegetables in a pan, then transfer them to the slow cooker. Add your remaining ingredients, set the cooker to low for 6-8 hours, and enjoy a hearty meal that’s ready when you are!

More Instant Pot Recipes

• INSTANT POT BEEF STEW
• INSTANT POT COPYCAT PANERA’S BROCCOLI AND CHEDDAR SOUP
• EASY INSTANT POT CURRIED PUMPKIN SOUP
• INSTANT POT NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER
• INSTANT POT CHICKEN POT PIE SOUP
• EASY INSTANT POT FRENCH ONION SOUP
• INSTANT POT CREAM OF BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP
• INSTANT POT BROCCOLI AND CHEDDAR CHEESE SOUP