This Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning is an easy way to make your next Taco Tuesday special! Skip the store-bought packets and create your own blend of spices. Not only is this homemade seasoning delicious, but it's healthy too. Plus, you can customize it to suit your tastes!
A better way to season tacos
Homemade taco seasoning gives you complete control over the flavor, heat level, and ingredients. There's no need for preservatives, anti-caking agents, or mystery ingredients-just a simple blend of spices you probably already have in your pantry. Once you start making your own seasoning mixes, you'll wonder why you ever bought those little packets from the store.
Watch how to make this seasoning
Click on the image to watch this fun video and see me make this recipe from start to finish with extra tips! (Video opens in a new tab).
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Equipment
- 1 Small Jar
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoon sea salt
- liberal grinding of black pepper optional
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients, mix well, and store in airtight container.
- Use 2-3 tablespoons per pound of beef, chicken or vegetables. With ¼ cup water.
Notes
Nutrition
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Ingredients
This simple seasoning blend comes together with a handful of pantry staples. The chili powder provides the classic taco flavor, cumin adds warmth, and oregano, garlic, and onion powder round everything out with savory flavor.
For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card.
Easy ways to customize this spice mix
One of the advantages of making your own mix is how easy it is to customize. Add chipotle powder for a smoky kick, stir in cayenne for extra heat, or reduce the red pepper flakes for a milder blend. You can even lower the salt if you're watching sodium intake.
How to make chicken taco seasoning
Making homemade taco seasoning couldn't be easier. Measure all of the spices into a small bowl and whisk until evenly combined. Transfer the mixture to an airtight jar or spice container and store in a cool, dark place until you're ready to use it.
For seasoning chicken, ground beef, turkey, or vegetables, use 2 to 3 tablespoons of seasoning per pound along with about ¼ cup water.
FAQ's
Absolutely. This recipe doubles or triples easily, making it convenient to keep a larger supply on hand for busy weeknight dinners.
When stored in an airtight container away from heat and sunlight, homemade taco seasoning stays fresh for up to 6 months.
A standard packet contains about 2 tablespoons of seasoning, making this recipe an easy substitute.
Deb's top tip
Use fresh spices. Ground spices lose potency over time, so fresher spices will give you the boldest flavor.
Way to use this spice mix
This seasoning blend works far beyond tacos. Sprinkle it over chicken breasts or thighs before cooking, stir it into ground beef for taco night, season shrimp tacos, or mix it into black beans and pinto beans for an easy side dish. It's also a great addition to taco salads, burrito bowls, soups, and casseroles whenever you want bold Tex-Mex flavor.
More homemade seasoning mixes
Once you see how easy it is to make your own spice blends, you'll want to stock your pantry with more favorites. My homemade Montreal Steak Seasoning is terrific for grilling, the homemade Old Bay Seasoning is handy for seafood recipes, and Authentic Fajita Seasoning adds bold flavor to chicken, steak, and vegetables.
Mix Up a Batch Today
Once you start making your own taco seasoning, it's hard to go back to the packets! This simple blend comes together in minutes, stores well, and makes it easy to add bold flavor to tacos, casseroles, soups, and more. Give it a try and let me know how you use it in the comments!
Mary Snelling says
Deb,
If using with your taco dip what is the measurement when the recipe calls for a packet?
Debra Clark says
Most packets are an ounce, or just under an ounce. I use two tablespoons for one pound of meat. Great question Mary, I will add this to the blog post. Thanks for asking!
Lois says
Making your own seasoning really add a touch to any dish you use it with. You can adjust some ingredients to your liking if needed. So good.