This homemade chicken taco seasoning is the perfect blend of spices to elevate your tacos. It’s simple to make with pantry staples, more affordable than store-bought options, and free from any unnecessary additives. Whether you’re grilling, sautéing, or making tacos, this seasoning mix is versatile and packed with flavor. Let’s dive into how to make it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just a few minutes with spices you likely already have.
- Healthier Than Store-Bought: No preservatives, and you can control the salt and spice levels.
- Customizable: Make it spicier or milder based on your preferences.
- Versatile: Perfect for tacos, fajitas, grilled chicken, and even roasted vegetables.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients for Chicken Taco Seasoning
- How to Make Chicken Taco Seasoning
- Substitutions and Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQ
- Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Taco Seasoning
- Storage and Leftovers
- Pairings and Related Recipes
- Equipment Used and Kitchen Essentials
- Nutritional Information
- Chicken Taco Seasoning
Ingredients for Chicken Taco Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Chicken Taco Seasoning
Instructions:
Step 1:
Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl until evenly combined.
Step 2:
Store the spice mix in an airtight container or a leftover spice jar. It will keep well for up to 6 months in a cool, dry place.
Substitutions and Variations
- Low Sodium: Replace the chicken bouillon powder with a low-sodium or salt-free alternative to reduce the salt content.
- Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you prefer more heat.
- Smokier Flavor: You can increase the smoked paprika to 2 tablespoons for a deeper, smokier flavor.
- Oregano Substitute: If you don’t have oregano, dried thyme or basil can be used as a replacement.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken taco seasoning isn’t just limited to tacos! Here are a few ideas to try:
- Tacos: Season your chicken, cook, and serve in soft tortillas with your favorite toppings.
- Grilled Chicken: Use the seasoning as a dry rub for grilled chicken breasts or thighs.
- Fajitas: Perfect for seasoning fajita chicken, peppers, and onions.
- Roasted Vegetables: Sprinkle this seasoning on roasted veggies for an extra kick of flavor.
FAQ
Absolutely! While it’s designed for chicken, this seasoning works wonderfully on beef, pork, and even turkey tacos.
When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, this seasoning will last up to 6 months while retaining its flavor.
Chicken taco seasoning typically has a slightly milder profile and may include chicken bouillon powder for added depth. Regular taco seasoning may focus more on beef flavors and can be spicier.
Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Taco Seasoning
- Toast Spices: For even more flavor, briefly toast the spices in a dry skillet before mixing them together.
- Double or Triple the Recipe: Make a larger batch and store it for quick, flavorful meals throughout the month.
- Adjust to Taste: Taste as you go—if you prefer a spicier blend, add more black pepper or cayenne.
Storage and Leftovers
- Store your chicken taco seasoning in an airtight container, such as a spice jar or small mason jar, in a cool, dry place.
- Shelf Life: It will last up to 6 months while maintaining optimal flavor.
Pairings and Related Recipes
Here are some dishes that pair perfectly with this chicken taco seasoning:
- Instant Pot Chicken Tacos Use this seasoning in your pressure cooker for quick and juicy chicken tacos.
- Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs Coat chicken thighs with this seasoning for an easy air fryer dinner.
- Spicy Chili Crunch Cucumber Salad This spicy, crunchy salad makes a great side dish to balance out the flavors of your tacos.
Equipment Used and Kitchen Essentials
I always try to list the items that I use when making a recipe. I do receive a small commission on these items at NO COST TO YOU. I really appreciate the support.
McCormick Culinary Dark Chili Powder
Unpretentious Smoked Paprika
Amazon Brand – Happy Belly Ground Cumin
McCormick Onion Powder
McCormick Garlic Powder
McCormick Oregano Leaves
365 by Whole Foods Market, Salt Sea Crystals Fine
Knorr Broth Mix, Chicken
McCormick Pure Ground Black Pepper
Simple Houseware Spice Jars 4 Ounce Square Bottles w/labels
Nutritional Information
(Per serving)
- Calories: 12
- Carbs: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 240mg
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon. Chili powder.
- 1 tablespoon. Smoked paprika.
- 1 tablespoon Ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon onion powder.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Store spice mix in an airtight container or left over spice jar.
