Best Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning
Take taco night to the next level with this homemade chicken taco seasoning. This versatile Mexican spice mix is a must-have in your spice cabinet and it’s one of my go-to spice blends for busy weeknights. Move over Old El Paso!
Related recipes
For more easy homemade seasonings, check out the following recipes:
5 benefits of homemade spice mixes
- Select ingredients: Making your own taco seasoning allows you to choose high-quality ingredients and skip preservatives, potato starch, and artificial flavors often found in a packet of taco seasoning from the grocery store.
- Versatile: This homemade seasoning blend works well with various meats, vegetables, and Mexican dishes including burritos, fajitas, and nachos.
- Blend to taste: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your personal preference, especially when it comes to the heat of the mix.
- Cost-effective: Creating your own seasoning mix is not only fresher but also more budget-friendly compared to store-bought packets of chicken taco seasoning such as Old El Paso.
- Big batch: Make a double batch or even triple batch to save time later on. Store in airtight containers in a cool and dark place for retain freshness.
Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients to create this authentic chicken taco seasoning.
Cumin: Ground cumin is the key spice of regular taco seasoning and gives you those warming flavors you find in Mexican cuisine.
Paprika: You can use smoked or regular paprika powder (sweet).
Chili & red pepper: For mild heat, simply reduce the amount of chili powder and red pepper flakes, or increase them for a hotter blend. This spice mix recipe is mild to medium in heat.
Oregano: Dried oregano adds herbal notes to the homemade taco seasoning mix. You can use Mexican oregano for a more authentic taste.
Onion & garlic: Onion powder and garlic powder add extra flavor and depth to this spice blend.
Salt & pepper: Sea or kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper round out the flavors. You can omit them if you prefer to add them separately to your taco dishes.
7 delicious ways to use chicken taco seasoning
For the best chicken tacos, use approximately 2 tablespoons of the seasoning per pound of meat.
- Versatile taco seasoning for Mexican chicken, beef, shrimp, pulled pork, or turkey tacos.
- Spice rub for skinless chicken breasts, cooked on the BBQ or in a large skillet on the stove.
- Slow cooker taco casserole with ground turkey taco meat and black beans, topped with sour cream.
- Mix with olive oil and lime juice for an easy marinade for boneless skinless chicken thighs.
- Crockpot taco soup made with ground beef served with fried taco shells, corn tortillas, or flour tortillas. Perfect for taco Tuesday during winter!
- Sprinkle it on grilled vegetables or taco salads for a smoky flavor.
- Mix into a small bowl of refried beans for a flavorful Mexican side dish.
Tips
- Fresh ingredients: Make sure your herbs and spices are fresh and fragrant to start with.
- Control the heat: For a milder version, reduce red pepper flakes and chili powder. For extra heat, increase them.
- Storage: Keep the seasoning mix in an airtight container or mason jar to maintain freshness.
FAQ
When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, it can last for up to three months.
Yes, it is.
Typically no. They can be used interchangeably.
Best Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika powder
- 2 tsp ground chili powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tsp dried oregano Mexican oregano optional
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp ground cumin , 2 tsp dried oregano, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tbsp smoked paprika powder, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp ground chili powder, 1 tsp ground black pepper, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes.1 tbsp ground cumin, 2 tsp dried oregano, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tbsp smoked paprika powder, 2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 2 tsp ground chili powder
- Thoroughly combine the spices with a spoon or small whisk.
- Transfer the spice blend into a sterilized, lidded jar and use as directed in your favorite chicken taco recipe.
- Use approximately 2 tablespoons of the seasoning per pound of chicken, other meat, or vegetables.
