Wendy's Chili Seasoning Copycat Recipe Wendy's Chili Seasoning Copycat Recipe

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Hello there! Today, I bring you a golden ticket to Wendy’s Chili Seasoning, which makes it a standout dish among traditional chili recipes. This seasoning is super easy to make, requiring just four ingredients.

How to Make Wendy's Chili Seasoning at Home

So now, you don’t have to run to Wendy’s every now and then because here is the entire chili seasoning recipe made by our very own chef Jasbir. This Wendy’s Chili Seasoning is like a sprinkle of magic that turns the entire dish into something really special.

I love to sprinkle it on my homemade chilis and burgers. Whether you love Wendy’s Chili Seasoning or not, one secret ingredient gives it a unique flavour. It’s corn syrup! It brings a mild sweetness to the seasoning and provides a silky texture.

He also adds cayenne pepper, which makes it special and provides that spicy kick. This seasoning is all about that rich, savoury mixture of ingredients that dances on your taste buds with every bite. Come now, follow my lead as I guide you through this recipe.

What's In The Post

Equipment Required

Storing Jar: I suggest using a glass container to store this seasoning.
Pan: I recommend using a flat-bottom pan to simmer the seasoning.
Wooden Spatula: This comes in handy for mixing the seasoning sauce in the pan.

Wendy’s Chili Seasoning Ingredients & Substitutions

Note: The ingredients that I have mentioned below will help you make five servings. However, you can adjust the quantities of the ingredients according to the number of people you wish to serve.

50ml Corn Syrup: I use maple syrup, tapioca syrup or honey whenever I don’t have corn syrup.
30 ml Vinegar: In the absence of regular vinegar, I suggest champagne vinegar, lime juice, white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar.
1 Tablespoon Cayenne Pepper: When cayenne pepper is not available, I usually substitute paprika, chilli powder, gochugaru, red pepper flakes, or chipotle powder.
1 Tablespoon Gelatin: Agar agar, carrageenan, cornstarch, or xanthan gum are some of the substitutes I recommend when gelatin is not in your pantry.
1 Tablespoon Salt

Preparation And Cooking Time

Preparation Time	Cooking Time	Total Time
5 Minutes	5 Minutes	10 Minutes

How To Make Wendy’s Chili Seasoning At Home

Step 1

Take a pan and add corn syrup to it.

Step 2

Now add some distilled vinegar and cayenne pepper.

Step 3

Whisk it properly for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4

Add some gelatin and salt. Whisk it for 2 to 3 minutes more. Then, let it simmer for 5 to 8 minutes.

Step 5

Your Wendy’s Chili Seasoning sauce is ready to be served.

Expert Tips That I Recommend

I always toast the spices before mixing them in the seasoning. It enhances the flavour making the seasoning more aromatic.
I added minced garlic and a splash of lemon juice to enhance the seasoning.
I also add umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to give the seasoning a satisfying and savoury depth.
If the chili feels too spicy or tangy, I add a small amount of sugar or honey to balance the flavors. This sweetness can mellow out the heat, creating a more rounded taste.

FAQs About Wendy’s Chili Seasoning

Why is this seasoning sauce too thin?

If you use a less thickening agent, gelatin, this seasoning sauce can become thin. To fix this, add more gelatin and simmer the sauce for a longer period of time so that it is fully dissolved and activated.

How can you fix this seasoning if it is too salty?

If your sauce becomes too salty, try adding starchy ingredients like potatoes, which will help absorb some of the salt. You can also dilute the saltiness by adding water or a sweetener like honey.

Why is this seasoning tasting bitter?

Bitterness mainly occurs due to overcooked spices or burnt ingredients. To fix this, try adding a pinch of sugar or honey or acidity like vinegar or lemon juice to help balance the bitterness. You can also try straining out any burnt bits from the sauce.

How can you make this seasoning richer?

You can add butter, cream, olive oil, or a splash of wine to deepen the flavor profile and make it richer.

How can you fix a sauce that is too spicy without losing the flavor?

You can add sweeteners like sugar or honey to balance the spiciness without losing the flavors.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

This seasoning is healthy to consume because it mainly consists of spices that add flavor without many calories. However, it has added sugar and sodium, so it is recommended that you consume it in moderation.

Calories	50 kcal
Carbohydrates	12 g
Protein	1 g
Fat	0.2 g
Saturated Fat	0.03 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.1 g
Monounsaturated Fat	0.03 g
Sodium	1407 mg
Potassium	21 mg
Fibre	0.3 g
Sugar	11 g
Vitamin A	416 IU
Vitamin C	1 mg
Calcium	5 mg
Iron	0.1 mg

This Wendy’s Chili Seasoning sauce recipe aligns well with people on a gluten-free and keto-friendly diet.

Recipe Variations For Different Diets

Paleo: To make a paleo-friendly version of this seasoning sauce, I substitute corn syrup with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar, vinegar with lemon or lime juice, and gelatin with agar-agar or pectin.
Vegan: To make a vegan version of this seasoning sauce, I just replace gelatin with agar-agar, a plant-based thickener. You can also use pectin or carrageenan as the other alternatives.
Low-Sodium: Making this seasoning sauce low in sodium is pretty easy. I just had to ditch the regular salt and use low-sodium salt, pink Himalayan salt, or kosher salt.

Storing This Recipe

Refrigerator: First, I allow the sauce to cool completely to room temperature. Then, I store the sauce in an airtight container, like a glass jar or BPA-free plastic container. I keep the container in the refrigerator, where it stays good for 5-7 days.
Freezing: When I wish to store the sauce for longer, I freeze it. I just pour the sauce into a freezer-safe container and leave a little space at the top for expansion. Then, I keep the containers in the freezer to preserve them for up to 3 months.

What To Serve With This Recipe

I love how this seasoning pairs perfectly well with a number of veg and non-veg dishes. When I want something light, I drizzle it over Grilled Vegetables or toss it with Roasted Potatoes. It is also a fantastic addition to Vegetarian Tacos and Quinoa Salad.

When I’m craving something healthier, I have it with Grilled Chicken, Steak, or Shrimp Skewers. I also sometimes use it as a glaze for BBQ Ribs, dipping sauce for Crispy Fried Chicken, or topping for Fish Tacos.

Printable Version

Wendy’s Chili Seasoning Copycat Recipe

Author : Anjali Singh

Serving : 5

Calories : 50 kcal

Total time : 10

For making the Wendy's Chili Seasoning without any chili, you need water, corn syrup, salt, distilled vinegar, natural flavors, and gelatin.The blend of elements is truly justified with the name Wendy's Chili Seasoning. Moreover, It involves no fuss of cooking or baking.

4 from 42 votes

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Ingredients

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Equipment

▢
Pan
▢
Wooden Spatula
▢
Storing Jar

Instructions

Take a pan and add corn syrup in it.
Now add some distilled vinegar and cayenne pepper.
Whisk it properly for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add some gelatin and salt. Whisk it for 2 to 3 minutes more. Now, let it simmer for 5 to 8 minutes.
Your Wendy's Chili Seasoning sauce is ready to be served.

Video

Notes

I always toast the spices before mixing them in the seasoning. It enhances the flavour making the seasoning more aromatic.
I added minced garlic and a splash of lemon juice to enhance the seasoning.
I also add umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to give the seasoning a satisfying and savoury depth.
If the chili feels too spicy or tangy, I add a small amount of sugar or honey to balance the flavors. This sweetness can mellow out the heat, creating a more rounded taste.

Prep Time : 5

Cook Time : 5

Total Time : 10

Cuisine : American

Course : copycat

Nutrition

Other Wendy’s Recipes That You Can Try

Taco salad with salas and sour cream on the top. — Wendy’s Taco Salad

Conclusion

This Wendy’s Chili Seasoning is a game changer. Its bold flavours make it a must-have in your kitchen, whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a weekend barbecue.

So, why don’t you take your meals to the next level? Try this recipe and let me know how it transforms your favourite dishes.

Wendy’s Chili Seasoning Copycat Recipe

Equipment Required

Wendy’s Chili Seasoning Ingredients & Substitutions

Preparation And Cooking Time