This chicken taco seasoning is made with spices straight from your pantry and is free of preservatives. Keep this mixture on hand for all of your Tex-Mex favorites, like tacos, fajitas, burritos, and more.
I use this weekly to make chicken taco meat which can be used as a base for many other recipes, like these chicken taco salad bowls.
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Chicken taco seasoning is one of the easiest things to make with ingredients already in your pantry. Skip the store-bought packets containing additives, preservatives, and high amounts of sodium. Homemade seasoning eliminates these unnecessary ingredients and is less expensive.
Stir this mixture together when needed, or make a larger batch and store it in your spice cabinet. Then, use it to add bold flavor to casseroles, veggies, sauces, and salads, like this Doritos taco salad with Catalina dressing.
Why This Recipe Works
- Fresh is best! Skip the store-bought packets and use spices from your pantry.
- Customize the flavor to your liking. Add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or swap in smoked paprika or chipotle chili powder to add smokiness.
- Quick and easy. Just mix, stir, and store in a spice jar.
- There are no preservatives, and you can control the amount of salt.
- Much less expensive than store-bought packets.
- Not just for chicken! This seasoning mix can be used with beef, turkey, steak, shrimp, or veggies.
Ingredient Notes
- Chili powder: Use your go-to blend - mild or spicy - both taste great. Chipotle chili powder can also be used.
- Sweet or smoked paprika: Use the variety you have on hand in your pantry. I use sweet paprika, but smoked paprika adds a nice depth of smoky flavor.
- Oregano: I recommend using dried oregano since it keeps better at room temperature when storing a large batch of this seasoning in your pantry.
- Salt - I use Kosher salt. If you are using fine table salt, start with half the amount.
See the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.
How to Make Chicken Taco Seasoning
Combine the spices and mix well. Transfer the mixture to a glass jar and store it in a cool, dry cabinet for up to 6 months.
Ways to Use Chicken Taco Seasoning
- Make a marinade by mixing this seasoning with two tablespoons of olive oil. Toss with one pound of boneless, skinless chicken.
- Use this spice blend in any recipe that calls for a taco seasoning packet.
- Add bold flavor to roasted potatoes or vegetables.
- Add spice to meatloaf or meatballs.
- Use this to season cream cheese taco dip.
- Use as a rub on steak or chicken for tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and more.
Recipe FAQs
Skinless, boneless chicken is best. Both chicken breasts and thighs can be used based on your preference. Ground chicken can also be used.
Taco and fajita seasonings are very similar. Taco seasoning generally has more chili powder, while fajita seasoning has more cumin.
Homemade seasoning doesn't contain any additives or preservatives. Store-bought seasoning is also usually high in sodium. Homemade seasoning can also be customized to personal taste.
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📖 Recipe Card
Chicken Taco Seasoning
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add the ingredients to a small bowl. Stir. Store in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific ingredients used.
Abbey McDermott says
I make this seasoning weekly for everything taco-related from chicken and beef to veggies. So easy and customizable!