15 Fast Food Chilis That Got Reviewed: Here’s The Ranking

Not every fast food chili is a winner. Some are thick and bold with real meat and spice, while others taste like salty soup.

Reviewers tried them all—from greasy spoons to burger joints—to see which bowls really bring the heat.

Here’s how 15 fast food chilis stack up, starting with the forgettable and ending with the fan favorites.

15. Dairy Queen

It’s watery, underspiced, and oddly sweet for something labeled chili. Ground beef gets lost in a sea of bland tomato broth.

Even the texture leans more toward canned soup than slow-cooked stew. Reviewers call it “forgettable” at best—and they’re being generous.

14. Sonic Drive-In

Touted as a hot dog topping, Sonic’s chili feels like an afterthought. Thin and greasy with too much salt, not enough depth.

Lacking beans and body, it doesn’t stand well on its own. Many reviews suggest skipping the bowl and sticking to burgers.

13. Krystal

Meant for sliders, Krystal’s chili has a strange tang that split opinions. The texture is gritty, and spice is almost nonexistent.

Some folks like it for the nostalgia factor, but most agree it doesn’t hold up in a bowl. It’s better as a topping—barely.

12. Steak ‘N Shake

Thicker than most, but that’s where the praise ends. The flavor lands somewhere between canned beans and cafeteria leftovers.

Grease pools fast, and the meat tastes overcooked. It’s filling, but not satisfying, especially for chili fans expecting richness.

11. Culver’s

This chili tries to balance Midwest heartiness with fast food speed, but ends up bland. Beans dominate, and the beef takes a backseat.

There’s a whisper of cumin and chili powder, but not enough to leave an impression. It’s not bad—just forgettable.

10. Wienerschnitzel

Better as a chili dog addition than a standalone meal. The flavor is meaty but flat, and the consistency leans toward oily.

Reviewers often call it “nostalgic gas station chili.” Fun in a pinch, but not worth seeking out on its own.

9. A&W

There’s a nice peppery kick, but it fades too fast. The meat is better than expected, but the broth feels thin and soupy.

Onions and spices peek through, though they don’t linger. It’s mid-tier chili that benefits most from an icy root beer on the side.

8. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

This one’s got solid flavor but too much grease. The texture is decent, and the beef chunks offer a satisfying bite.

Seasonings lean smoky-sweet rather than spicy. It’s not a standout, but it gets the job done for a quick chili fix.

7. Cook Out

More homemade than most, Cook Out’s chili boasts beef-forward flavor and decent seasoning. Still, the consistency can be wildly inconsistent.

Some bowls are chunky and rich, others watery and dull. Reviewers are divided, but most agree it’s good when they get a “fresh” batch.

6. Hardee’s

A dark horse favorite. This chili’s got body, beans, and a respectable amount of spice. The balance of ingredients feels intentional.

It’s not too salty, and the texture holds up even when cooled. It may not win awards, but it earned its mid-top spot.

5. Whataburger

Bold seasoning and slow-simmered taste set this one apart. It’s dense, savory, and heavy on the ground beef.

Hints of chili powder and paprika come through with every bite. Many fans say it rivals homemade versions—and they’re not wrong.

4. Braum’s

Meaty, thick, and well-seasoned, Braum’s chili surprised a lot of reviewers. You’ll find a good mix of beans and beef here.

The texture is hearty without being gummy, and the spice builds slowly. A strong contender for those wanting warmth and flavor.

3. Checkers & Rally’s

Big portions, bold spice, and a smoky tomato base make this a standout. It’s the kind of chili that clings to fries.

Chunky beef and real heat give it personality. While it can verge on salty, the intensity makes it memorable.

2. Portillo’s

Loaded with flavor, Portillo’s chili feels closer to something from a mom-and-pop diner. Real chunks of meat and vegetables shine.

The broth is rich, with just enough fat to carry the spice. Reviewers loved how fresh it tasted, especially compared to the usual fast food fare.

1. Wendy’s

Still the reigning champ. Wendy’s chili is hearty, balanced, and consistent from location to location. You can actually taste the slow cook.

Beans, beef, and tomatoes mingle in perfect ratio, with just enough heat to keep things interesting. Reviewers nearly always place it at the top—and for good reason.