Making your own Chicken Taco Seasoning is so easy! It takes less than 5 minutes and you can store it in your pantry for a whole year. It’s so convenient!
The main benefit of homemade spice blends is that you can control the ingredients and flavor profile exactly the way you like it.
Below I share all the details on how to make it, plus substitution ideas and storage recommendations.
Making your chicken taco seasoning at home may sound unnecessary because…you can just buy it from the store, right? Well…
I love making my own seasoning because I can control the ingredients and flavor profile. Additionally, you can be confident that there are no strange preservatives or ingredients.
Plus, you probably already have all the spices you need to make your own spice mix at home. It takes less than 5 minutes to make AND will last you a whole year. It comes in handy! It’s the same reason I like to make my burger seasoning at home every summer for grilling season.
This recipe is very versatile, perfect for not just simple chicken tacos but also other Mexican-inspired dishes such as chicken quesadillas, chicken fajita bowls, enchiladas, burritos, or even a simple grilled chicken. It’s also a great seasoning for my favorite baked chicken taquitos or Mexican chicken and rice.
Why we love this recipe:
- Super easy! It takes less than 5 minutes to make even a big batch of this chicken taco seasoning.
- Control over ingredients: Adjust the ratio of each spice to taste, or make it low-sodium if needed. Rest assured, no weird ingredients or preservatives here.
- Versatility: Although we often use it for chicken, this seasoning works wonderfully on any protein or even fajita veggies.
- Make ahead: When stored properly, it will last you for a whole year. It’s super convenient to have a ready-to-use seasoning mix!
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Chicken Taco Seasoning vs Regular Seasoning
The number 1 question I get asked about this recipe is – what’s the difference between this chicken taco seasoning and regular taco seasoning?
The answer is quite simple: Chicken taco seasoning tends to be on the milder side.
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but regular taco seasoning tends to have bolder and spicier flavors from more chili powder and other spices. This is great for proteins like beef, but can overpower leaner proteins like chicken.
This recipe was tested several times to be just right. It adds great Mexican-inspired flavors to poultry without being too overpowering, and you can adjust the flavor profile to taste.
Despite this recipe being “chicken” taco seasoning, you can use it on any protein or to season your fajita veggies. Try it on my Ground Beef Taco Salad or Chili Lime Shrimp Taco Cups!
Ingredient Notes
These are the spices I used to make my chicken taco seasoning:
- Chili powder: This adds a mild heat and forms the backbone of our seasoning.
- Ground cumin: Known for its slightly earthy and fragrant flavors, cumin enhances the overall depth. It’s a common spice used in a variety of Mexican dishes.
- Smoked paprika: This adds a sweet and smoky note and rich color.
- Garlic powder: The savory taste of garlic powder complements the other spices and brings balance.
- Dried oregano: For those fragrant, herby tones.
- Kosher salt: I’d recommend using Kosher salt rather than table salt.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and that much needed peppery taste.
Step-by-Step Tutorial
Ready in under 5 minutes. It’s so simple and will last a whole year in your pantry. Here’s a quick tutorial.
Step 1 | Combine all ingredients
Simply take all the spices in the recipe card and mix them together in a bowl. This will ensure that every ingredient is evenly distributed.
Step 2 | Seal and store
Transfer the seasoning mix to an airtight container, such as a mason jar or spice container. This will prevent any moisture from seeping in and prolong the shelf life of your seasoning.
Step 3 | Use as needed
When it’s time to cook, simply sprinkle the seasoning over your chicken or any protein to taste. Usually, I use ½ to ¾ teaspoon of seasoning per chicken breast.
Try These Recipes with the Seasoning
We love making super simple chicken tacos with this seasoning blend. Whenever we’re craving tacos, I just reach for my pre-made chicken taco seasoning blend and use it on pan-seared chicken breasts. Then, I build the tacos with some of my favorite toppings, such as guacamole and Mexican slaw…and ta-da, dinner is done!
Serve with a side of restaurant-style Mexican rice or Mexican street corn salad.
Here are more recipes to make with this chicken taco seasoning:
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to swap out any ingredient based on your preferences or dietary restrictions:
- Add some heat: Try cayenne powder, ancho chili powder, or crushed red pepper to taste.
- Other spices to add: Coriander, Mexican oregano, onion powder.
- For a lower sodium option, cut the amount of salt by 30 percent or to taste.
- Some people think cumin is a strong and overpowering spice (I think it’s great!), so adjust this spice to taste if needed.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Make sure it’s kept in an airtight spice container or mason jar to prevent moisture from getting in and to keep the spices fresh. Store in a dark, dry, and cool place, such as your pantry or spice cabinet.
How long to store: Store for up to 1 year. I’d recommend labeling your container so you don’t forget. After the 1 year mark, the spice blend may turn a bit stale and lose some of its flavor.
Recipe FAQs
For each chicken breast, I tend to use about ¾ teaspoon of seasoning. For ground chicken, start with 1-2 tablespoons per pound of chicken and adjust to your taste, adding a splash of water for moisture.
Chicken taco seasoning is usually milder than regular taco seasoning, which is most commonly used in beef.
Store in an airtight container, such as a mason jar or spice container. Keep in it a dry and cool place, such as your pantry or spice cabinet.
One year when stored properly. Remember to label the expiration date.
Absolutely, this seasoning is versatile and can be used with other meats like beef, pork, or even fish.
Tips for Success
- Before storing in a sealed container, mix the spices well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Adjust the recipe quantity proportionally as needed. This recipe makes about ⅓ cup of seasoning. I often make a triple batch and store it in my pantry to use later.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container, such as a mason jar or spice container. Keep in it a dry and cool place. When stored properly, it will last for 1 year.
- To extend the shelf life of this spice blend, start with recently bought or new sealed spices from your store.
- Use on any protein, not just chicken. Try seafood, beef, pork, or even vegetables (great on fajita vegetables!).
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Chicken Taco Seasoning
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon dried oregano
- 3 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix all the ingredients until evenly combine. This recipe makes about ⅓ cup.
- Transfer to a spice container or mason jar and seal. Store for up to 1 year in a dark, cool, and dry place.
- Use as needed on seared, grilled, shredded chicken or any protein.
Notes
- To extend the shelf life of this spice blend, start with recently bought or new sealed spices from your store.
- Make ahead and storage: Store in an airtight container, such as a mason jar or spice container. Keep in it a dry and cool place, such as your pantry.
- Regular oregano: If you can find it, use Mexican oregano.
- Add some heat: Try cayenne pepper powder, ancho chili powder, or crushed red pepper to taste.
- Other spices to add: Coriander, Mexican oregano, onion powder.
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