Should You Drain Beans For Chili

You should drain beans for chili if you’re using canned beans, because the liquid they sit in is mostly water, salt, and starch that can throw off your chili’s flavor and texture.
 
That said, whether you should drain beans for chili isn’t always a simple yes or no, since some recipes actually call for that starchy liquid to thicken things up.
 
If you’ve ever stood over your sink wondering whether to drain beans for chili or just dump the whole can in, you’re not alone.
 
In this post, we’ll break down when you should drain beans for chili, when you shouldn’t, and how it affects the final bowl.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

Why You Should Drain Beans for Chili

Draining beans for chili is the right move in most cases, and here’s why:
 

1. The Liquid Is Starchy and Salty

The liquid inside a can of beans is called aquafaba, and while it’s useful in some recipes, it’s mostly starch and salt when it comes to chili.
 
If you don’t drain beans for chili, that starchy liquid goes straight into your pot and can make your chili gluey instead of hearty.
 
The salt is another issue, since a single can’s liquid can carry a surprising amount of sodium that throws off your seasoning.
 
That’s the main reason you should drain beans for chili when you’re working with canned beans.
 

2. It Keeps Your Chili’s Flavor Clean

When you drain beans for chili, you’re removing a liquid that tastes vaguely like the can itself.
 
That liquid can mute the spices, tomatoes, and aromatics you’ve spent time building up in the pot.
 
Draining beans for chili keeps the flavor focused on the good stuff instead of watered-down bean brine.
 
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3. Texture Matters in a Good Bowl of Chili

Chili should be thick enough to hold up on a spoon, and that starchy liquid works against you.
 
Draining beans for chili gives you control over how thick or loose the final result turns out.
 
If you’re wondering whether to drain beans for chili when you want a chunkier texture, the answer is almost always yes.
 

When You Shouldn’t Drain Beans for Chili

There are a few situations where you might not want to drain beans for chili, and they’re worth knowing.
 

1. You’re Using the Liquid as a Thickener

Some cooks deliberately skip draining beans for chili because aquafaba adds body to a thin pot of chili.
 
If your chili is looking watery and you don’t have time to simmer it down, that starchy liquid can help.
 
In this case, not draining beans for chili is a practical choice rather than a mistake.
 

2. You’re Working With Low-Sodium Cans

If you bought low-sodium or no-salt-added beans, the liquid is far less of a problem.
 
You can get away with not draining beans for chili here, especially if you plan to adjust the seasoning yourself.
 
That said, the starch is still there, so taste as you go.
 

3. You Rinse Them Instead

Here’s a middle-ground trick: drain beans for chili and then give them a quick rinse under cold water.
 
Rinsing beans for chili washes away even more of the sodium and starch without sacrificing the beans themselves.
 
Studies show rinsing canned beans can cut sodium by around 40 percent, which is a solid reason to do it.
 

How to Drain Beans for Chili the Right Way

Draining beans for chili isn’t complicated, but a couple of small habits make a big difference.
 

1. Use a Colander, Not a Strainer

A fine mesh strainer works, but a colander gives the beans room to drain properly.
 
When you drain beans for chili this way, you avoid a pool of liquid sitting at the bottom of the bowl.
 

2. Rinse and Shake

After you drain beans for chili, rinse them well and give the colander a few good shakes.
 
This removes the last bits of starchy liquid clinging to the beans before they hit the pot.
 

3. Save the Liquid If You Want It

If you’re on the fence about draining beans for chili, pour the liquid into a small bowl instead of down the drain.
 
Then you can add a splash back later if your chili needs thinning.
 
That way, draining beans for chili never costs you flexibility.
 

So, Should You Drain Beans for Chili?

You should drain beans for chili in most cases, since the starchy, salty liquid can dull your flavors and mess with the texture.
 
The exceptions are when you want that liquid as a thickener or you’re using low-sodium cans.
 
Either way, draining beans for chili and giving them a quick rinse is the safest bet for a pot that tastes like chili and not like the inside of a can.
 
Now you know exactly how to handle the next can you open.