Chicken Taco Seasoning
Skip the store-bought packets and make your own Chicken Taco Seasoning at home in minutes. This quick pantry staple is bold, smoky, budget-friendly, and perfect for tacos, nachos, burritos, and more.
Busy weeknights call for easy wins, so I suggest making taco seasoning for chicken when you have a little more time (not when the kids are whinging that they’re hungry!)
It comes together fast, costs less than store-bought seasoning mix packets, and gives you full control over the flavor. You can make it mild, smoky, spicy, or extra bold depending on your family’s tastes. Once you make this homemade chicken taco seasoning, you may never go back to the packets again.
Ingredients
This homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning works beautifully with chicken breasts, shredded chicken, ground chicken, and even pork.
- Chili Powder: This gives the seasoning mix its classic taco flavor and rich color. Use mild chili powder for a family-friendly version, or use a spicy blend for extra heat.
- Onion Powder: Adds a savory flavor without needing fresh onions.
- Garlic Powder: Brings bold flavor and helps round out the spice mix.
- Mexican Oregano: Optional, but I highly recommend it. Mexican Oregano adds a slightly citrusy flavor that goes perfectly with Tex-Mex dishes. If you don’t have it, regular oregano works.
- Ground Cumin: This is the quintessential spice that makes tacos taste like tacos. It adds a warm and earthy flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: For a little smoky flavor. It also gives the seasoning a beautiful, deep color.
- Sea Salt: Helps balance the seasoning mix and enhances the other ingredients.
- Black Pepper: Adds a little bite and balances the smoky spices.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: This is optional, and personally, I don’t use it. Red pepper flakes bring heat. I leave it out because my daughter and I like a milder seasoning blend. If your family loves extra spicy tacos and nachos, go for it!
Ang’s Recipe Tips
- Check the dates on your individual seasonings before you begin.
- Double or triple the recipe so you always have taco seasoning ready for busy nights. It’s also a nice little homemade gift for friends or coworkers.
- Finish your chicken taco dishes with a bright, fresh flavor, like lime juice, to really let the seasoning pop.
Storage
Store your spice mix in an airtight jar in a cool pantry for up to 6 months for the best flavor. (These are my favorite airtight containers.)
Serving Suggestions
This homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning works in so many easy dinners.
Chicken Tacos: This one is obvious, right? Season shredded chicken or diced chicken breasts and pile them into flour tortillas with cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, and lime juice. Try it in my BBQ chicken tacos.
Fajitas: Toss sliced chicken and peppers with olive oil and seasoning mix, then cook in a hot skillet until charred and tender. (You’ll love my sheet pan fajita recipe!)
Burritos With Ground Chicken: Brown ground chicken, stir in the seasoning, then load into burritos with rice, cheese, and black beans.
Nachos: Sprinkle seasoned chicken over tortilla chips with cheese and bake until melty and bubbly. Serve with guacamole on the side. Try it with chicken totchos, too!
Chicken and Black Beans Enchiladas: Mix seasoned shredded chicken with black beans and cheese, then roll into tortillas and bake with enchilada sauce. It’s awesome in these crockpot chicken enchiladas, too.
Soups and Casseroles: Stir this seasoning into chicken tortilla soup, chicken taco casserole, or creamy Tex-Mex skillet meals. It’s also great in my Southwest chicken soup.
Not ready to make this seasoning recipe yet?
You’re going to want to add this recipe to your meal plan! When you do make it, please come back, leave a comment, and leave me a 5-star rating below!
Chicken Taco Seasoning
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 1/2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and mix to combine.1 tablespoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano, 1/2 tablespoons ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Notes
How to Use Chicken Taco Seasoning
Use about 2 to 3 tablespoons of seasoning mix per pound of chicken or pork.Similar Recipes
Check out these recipes, and find more homemade seasoning mixes.
