In the time it takes to measure a few tablespoons, you can make the best Chicken Taco Seasoning you’ve ever tasted. It’s perfect for chicken tacos, and it also elevates grilled, roasted, or air-fried chicken. Homemade seasoning blends make a noticeable difference because you control the freshness and balance of the spices.
This simple spice blend is an inexpensive, flavorful alternative to store-bought packets. Make a big batch to keep on hand for busy weeknights — it seasons taco meat, shredded chicken, diced chicken, and more. It’s also great on ground turkey or ground beef when you want big flavor without too much heat.
Use this mix on chicken breasts, boneless skinless thighs, ground chicken, taco salads, and shells. Because homemade blends rely on fresh spices, you’ll notice the difference right away.
It only takes a few moments to measure the spices and whisk them together. Store the blend in an airtight container, such as a clean mason jar, and you’ll have a ready-to-use seasoning that saves time and boosts flavor.
Chicken Taco Seasoning Recipe
Fresh spices are the key to this recipe, so use recently purchased bottles when possible. Make sure you choose the right types of chili powder: American chili powder is a milder, blended product that includes several chiles, herbs, and spices and is usually salted. Single-source chili powders like ancho or chipotle are stronger and more pepper-forward.
This recipe is designed to be milder, so it uses American chili powder. If you prefer more heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add cayenne to taste.
Ground cumin and paprika are common pantry staples, and I recommend granulated garlic and granulated onion rather than the powdered forms. Granulated versions are easier to control flavor-wise, less harsh, and they disperse more evenly through sauces and spice mixes. They also resist clumping and usually last longer in storage. If you must use garlic powder or onion powder, halve the amount called for, since powders are more concentrated.
Because chicken releases more liquid during cooking and can dry out, this blend includes a small amount of cornstarch (or potato starch) to help capture moisture and thicken juices slightly during cooking. Either starch works fine—use what you have on hand.
This large-batch seasoning will flavor up to 4 pounds of chicken. Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, it will keep for up to 6 months.
Salt Free Chicken Taco Seasoning
You can easily make a salt-free version by using salt-free chili powder and omitting the salt. It’s a great option for anyone limiting sodium but still wanting a flavorful blend.
Where do I buy fresh spices?
Fresh spices can be sourced locally from bulk food stores, specialty shops, or from online retailers. Stocking your spice cabinet with fresh herbs and spices noticeably improves home-cooked meals.
Stock fresh chili powder, ground cumin, paprika (sweet or hot), oregano, granulated garlic, granulated onion, ground coriander, crushed red pepper or cayenne, cornstarch or potato starch, coarse ground black pepper, and kosher salt if desired. Fresh spices make a real difference in the final dish.
Chicken Taco Seasoning
Whisk all ingredients together and store in an airtight container. Use 2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of meat. Store in a cool, dark cabinet for up to 6 months.
Chicken Taco Seasoning
Rebecca Lindamood
Equipment
- 1 whisk
- 1 airtight container (8 ounces or larger)
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon sweet or hot paprika
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt optional
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons granulated onion
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch or potato starch
- ¾ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper or more to taste
- ¾ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients together and store in an airtight container in a cabinet for up to 6 months. Use 2 tablespoons per pound of meat.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Calculate nutrition using the actual ingredients you use if needed.
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