Kidney beans are a chili staple. Their firm texture and mild flavor make them perfect for soaking up the spicy sauce. But what if you want to make chili and don’t have any kidney beans? Don’t worry there are plenty of options for substituting kidney beans in chili recipes.

I’ve made chili with all kinds of bean substitutes. Through trial and error I’ve learned which alternatives work best. Here are my top 8 recommendations for substituting kidney beans in chili.

1. Black Beans

Black beans are probably the closest substitute for kidney beans in chili. They have a very similar firm, almost meaty texture that holds up well to simmering. Their flavor is also reasonably mild.

The main difference is black beans have a slightly stronger, earthier taste compared to kidney beans. But that flavor actually complements the spices in chili quite well.

If I’m out of kidney beans, black beans are always my first choice for chili. They provide the same hearty satisfaction while adding a subtle complexity.

2. Pinto Beans

Pinto beans are another excellent option. They are one of the most popular beans used in Mexican cooking, which makes sense since chili has Mexican origins.

Pintos have a creamy beige color and oval shape. Their texture becomes soft and almost mushy when cooked, so they break down more than kidney beans. But this can give your chili a pleasantly thick consistency.

In terms of flavor, pinto beans are nutty and mild like kidney beans If you want a smoother, less chunky chili, pintos are a fantastic substitute

3. Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas)

You might not immediately think of garbanzo beans for chili, but they work surprisingly well. Also called chickpeas, garbanzos have a distinctive rounded shape and ultra-creamy texture.

The trick with garbanzos is to not overcook them. You want them firm enough to retain their shape. This prevents them from disintegrating into the chili.

When cooked properly, garbanzos provide a nice pop of texture. Their nutty, almost buttery flavor also complements the spices. If you want something a little different, garbanzos make an excellent kidney bean swap.

4. Cannellini Beans

Cannellini beans are white kidney beans with a large, irregular oval shape. They have an incredibly smooth, creamy texture when cooked.

Their flavor is also quite mild, making them a great choice for soaking up the robust chili spices. The soft texture means cannellinis will practically melt into the sauce.

So if you’re looking for a chili with rich, thick body, cannellini beans are fantastic. They impart deliciously creamy satisfaction without overpowering the other flavors.

5. Great Northern Beans

Great northern beans are another popular white bean. They become extremely tender and soft when cooked, even more so than cannellinis.

That soft, almost mashed texture makes great northerns an excellent kidney bean substitute in chili. They help create a thick, stew-like consistency.

In terms of flavor, great northerns have a delicate, mild taste that won’t compete with the chili spices. If you want hearty, comforting chili with a smooth texture, try great northern beans.

6. Small Red Beans

Small red beans, as their name suggests, are petite, oval red beans. Despite their small size, they retain their shape well when cooked. The texture is a bit firmer and crunchier than kidney beans.

Flavor-wise, small reds have a woodsy, almost gamey taste. This earthy flavor pairs nicely with chili seasonings. It provides a nice contrast to the spice.

So if you want a pleasant crunch and complexity, grab a bag of small reds. Just be sure to soak and cook them thoroughly, as their tough skins can cause digestive issues if underprepared.

7. Lentils

Believe it or not, protein-packed lentils make a tasty kidney bean substitute in chili. Opt for green or brown lentils, which hold their shape better compared to red lentils.

Cooked lentils have an incredibly satisfying dense, meaty texture. But they don’t get quite as soft as beans. So lentils provide a nice hearty chew in each bite.

In terms of flavor, lentils are earthy with a mild peppery note. That hint of spice complements chili seasonings wonderfully. For a heartier, more nutritious chili, lentils are a smart choice.

8. Skip the Beans Entirely

I know, blasphemy! But traditional chili recipes didn’t always contain beans. Beans were added later to make the dish more substantial.

If you want an old-school, Texas-style chili, just leave out the beans. Focus on flavorful chili-spiced beef and tomatoes simmered to perfection. The rich, hearty sauce is plenty satisfying without beans.

This also allows the flavors of the meat and spices to shine. If you’re looking for something different, try classic no-bean chili. Just be sure to use high-quality meat.

Tips for Substituting Beans in Chili

• Soak and cook dried bean substitutes properly to ensure ideal texture. Undercooked beans can be unpleasantly crunchy.

• Canned beans provide convenience, but soak and cook dried beans from scratch if possible. The flavor and texture are superior.

• Adjust chili cooking time and liquid to account for differences in bean textures. Softer beans require less time.

• Use a combo of beans like black and pinto or cannellini and garbanzo. This adds more visual appeal and textural contrast.

• Puree a portion of the beans once cooked to help thicken chili with smooth, creamy body.

• Add beans toward the end of chili simmering time to prevent overcooking. Lentils only need 10-15 minutes.

Satisfying Chili Without Kidney Beans

With so many hearty, protein-packed legumes to choose from, you don’t need kidney beans to make satisfying chili. Black beans, pinto beans, and garbanzo beans are excellent substitutes texture-wise. For a creamier chili, try cannellini or great northern beans. Small red beans, lentils, or even no beans provide tasty options too.

The most important thing is finding a substitute with a flavor and texture profile that matches your preferences. That way you can enjoy all the rich, savory chili flavor you love, even without kidney beans. Get creative with these substitutes to make your new favorite chili recipe!