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.Â

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.Â
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.Â
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.
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.Â
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
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 IUÂ |
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
Ingredients
- 50 ml Corn Syrup
- 30 ml Vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Gelatin
- 1 Tablespoon Salt
Equipment
- Pan
- Wooden Spatula
- Storing Jar
Instructions
Video
Notes
- I always toast the spices before mixing them in the seasoning. It enhances the flavour making the seasoning more aromatic.Â
- I added minced garlic and a splash of lemon juice to enhance the seasoning.Â
- 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.
Nutrition
Other Wendy’s Recipes That You Can Try
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.
I love the flavor of the chili can’t get enough.