Draining your kidney beans can be a good idea if you're looking for a thicker, more intense chili. By getting rid of some of that excess liquid, you can help your chili simmer down to a rich, velvety goodness that's just perfect for topping with cheese, sour cream, or whatever your heart desires. But, is it really worth losing all that extra flavor?
On the other hand, not draining your kidney beans can be a great way to add moisture and flavor to your chili. Think about it like a big ol' stew - you want all those flavors to meld together, right? By keeping the liquid, you can create a delicious, brothy chili that's just perfect for a cold winter's night. But, will it be too watery?