Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix (Easy Recipe) - Bowl Me Over (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Debra Clark · 1 Comment

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This Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning is an easy way to make your next Taco Tuesday special! Skip the store-bought packets and create your own blend of spices. Not only is this homemade seasoning delicious, but it's healthy too. Plus, you can customize it to suit your tastes!

Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix (Easy Recipe) - Bowl Me Over (1)
Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Equipment
  • FAQ's
  • Where to use taco seasoning
  • Deb's tips
  • Variations
  • Storage
  • More homemade seasoning mixes
  • Video
  • Serve Chicken Taco Seasoning with
  • Homemade Taco Seasoning

Why you'll love this recipe

✔️Making your own seasonings is a great way add more flavor to your next taco night.

✔️ This homemade taco seasoning is made with pantry staples, so you can whip up a batch quickly.

✔️Adding your own spices will make the flavor more unique and custom-tailored to your tastes.

Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix (Easy Recipe) - Bowl Me Over (2)

Ingredients

For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  • chili powder
  • ground cumin
  • red pepper flakes
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • dried oregano
  • paprika
  • sea salt
  • black pepper
Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix (Easy Recipe) - Bowl Me Over (3)

Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!

  • Combine all ingredients, mix well, and store in an airtight container.

Equipment

  • small bowl
  • airtight container or mason jar

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FAQ's

What is the difference between taco seasoning and chicken taco seasoning?

There is really no difference between the two. Both of the seasoning can be used interchangeably.

Can I use this seasoning for other dishes?

Yes, you can use this recipe as a general taco seasoning for any kind of taco filling or even as an all-purpose Mexican-seasoning.

How much homemade taco seasoning should I use to season one pound of ground beef?

You will need two or three tablespoons of seasoning per pound of meat. Start with two and add more to adjust the seasoning to your tastebuds.

Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix (Easy Recipe) - Bowl Me Over (4)

Where to use taco seasoning

  • taco salad casserole
  • boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast
  • shrimp tacos
  • ground beef taco meat (it's not limited to chicken!)
  • season black beans or pinto beans

Deb's tips

  • You can use this taco seasoning recipe with ground chicken, chicken breasts, ground turkey or even ground beef.
  • Add a smoky flavor to this simple recipe by using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
  • You should have these spices on hand in your spice cabinet however if you don't have one on hand, you can easily find the missing ingredient in the spice aisle of your local grocery store.
  • The best part of this homemade chicken taco seasoning recipe is that you can add more or less the spices to control the heat and spice level to suit your family's tastebuds.

Variations

  • Add more heat to this recipe by adding chipotle powder or cayenne pepper.
  • If you want to reduce the heat of this taco seasoning you can reduce the cumin, and leave the red pepper flakes out altogether.

Storage

Storage - Always store your own spice blends in an airtight container in a cool dark place for up to 6 months. Because it stores so well I like to whip up a big batch so that I always have this taco seasoning mix on hand when I need it.

Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix (Easy Recipe) - Bowl Me Over (5)

More homemade seasoning mixes

  • If you want another recipe to help you skip the store-bought seasoning, then check out this Montreal Steak Seasoning recipe. It's a great way to add flavor to your family grill nights.
  • Are you a fan of seafood? If so, then next time you ready to cook with Old Bay Seasoning use this homemade recipe to make it at home and skip the store.
  • Do you love mexican recipes? Well, then you are going to want to whip a batch of this Authentic Fajita Seasoning to keep on hand for when the craving strikes.

Video

Click on the image to watch this fun video and see me make this recipe from start to finish with extra tips! (Video opens in a new tab).

Click here to watch the full video on YouTube.

Serve Chicken Taco Seasoning with

  • If you are in the market for a new Chicken Taco recipe to make with this seasoning blend, then check out this list of Chicken Taco Casserole recipes. You are guaranteed to find a meal that your entire family will love.
  • One of my favorite recipes to make with this homemade seasoning is this Ground Beef Taco Dip. It's creamy, easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser at game day parties.
  • Next time you want a taco-inspired meal that your whole family will love, then check out this Taco Spaghetti Pasta Casserole. It's creamy, cheesy and bursting with taco flavor.

Hey if you want to catch all my videos, be sure to subscribe to myYouTube Channel. You'll be notified each time I share a new video!

If you love this recipe please leave a⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!

Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix (Easy Recipe) - Bowl Me Over (6)

5 from 3 votes

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Taco Seasoning is super easy to make, tastes 100 times better than the seasoning in the packet and saves you money! Plus you can customize to your taste - spicy, mild - whatever you enjoy. So why not make it yourself?

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time0 minutes mins

Total Time5 minutes mins

Course: Seasoning

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 14kcal

Author: Deb Clark

Cost: $5

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoon sea salt
  • liberal grinding of black pepper optional

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Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients, mix well, and store in airtight container.

  • Use 2-3 tablespoons per pound of beef, chicken or vegetables. With ¼ cup water.

Nutrition

Calories: 14kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Sodium: 823mg | Potassium: 77mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 1015IU | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1.3mg

Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @BowlMeOver or tag #BowlMeOver!

More Salad Dressings and Sauce Recipes

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  • Cilantro Garlic Sauce Recipe
  • Montreal Steak Seasoning Recipe

About Debra Clark

Hey I'm Deb Clark, and I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over! We live in the sleepy little town Scappoose, Oregon. And I admit it... I love food! Join me in this foodie journey (even if you've never cooked before!) I will help you learn to be confident in the kitchen! Want to learn more? Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram,Twitterand YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lois

    Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix (Easy Recipe) - Bowl Me Over (11)
    Making your own seasoning really add a touch to any dish you use it with. You can adjust some ingredients to your liking if needed. So good.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix (Easy Recipe) - Bowl Me Over (2024)

FAQs

What is taco seasoning mix made of? ›

Most taco seasoning mixes contain salt, warming spices (such as paprika, oregano, and chili), onion powder, and garlic powder. This top-rated recipe is made with chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.

What happens if you don't add water to taco seasoning? ›

The heat then activates the cornstarch, thickening the mixture. Without it, the meat would be very dry and crumbly, and it could spill out of your taco shell instead of holding together, an issue you've probably noticed if you make your own taco seasoning blend.

What is a substitute for Mexican seasoning? ›

1 teaspoon chili powder (add more if you like) 1 teaspoon garlic powder. 1 teaspoon onion powder (or 2 teaspoons crushed dried fried onions) ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.

What's the difference between Mexican seasoning and taco seasoning? ›

Ultimately, the difference between these two comes down to the composition of spices. Taco seasoning is usually milder than Mexican seasoning. Mexican seasoning contains ancho powder and chipotle chile pepper, both of which give it a little more of a kick.

How much taco seasoning for 1 pound of meat? ›

To use: Use about 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning for every 1 pound of meat. Use more or less depending on your preference. Brown meat and drain the fat. Add your taco seasoning along with about 1/2 cup of water.

Why do you add water to taco seasoning? ›

Should you add water to taco seasoning? Yes. Water is what gives it a saucy quality and keeps the meat from being too dry and crumbly.

Can you use taco seasoning without cooking? ›

Use taco seasoning to boost yogurt or sour cream dip.

Sour cream or yogurt languishing in the fridge instantly becomes taco dip when sprinkled with a bit of taco seasoning. It works well as a dip or sauce for tacos or nachos, or as a topping for baked potatoes.

Can I use milk instead of water with taco seasoning? ›

But instead, we're going to use our fifth ingredient, milk. Using milk instead of water helps to play on the natural creaminess you'd expect from ranch which adds a really nice mouthfeel to the taco meat. Once we add the seasonings and milk to the cooked chicken, we'll let it all simmer together to become one.

How do you thicken taco seasoning? ›

For a Thicker Seasoning Sauce: Add 2 tablespoons flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, or 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder to the seasoning blend. Once the meat is browned, add the seasoning and water, stir and bring to a boil.

Can you use taco seasoning on chicken instead of beef? ›

Taco seasoning is a blend of spices commonly used to flavor Mexican-style dishes, including tacos made with different types of meat like ground beef or ground chicken. The same taco seasoning blend can generally be used for both ground beef and ground chicken.

Do you add taco seasoning before or after cooking chicken? ›

1 Heat oil in large skillet on medium heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes or until no longer pink. 2 Stir in in Seasoning Mix and water.

Do I need to drain ground chicken? ›

Ground chicken doesn't need to be drained of its liquid unless the recipe requires calls for it, so don't let those flavourful juices go down the drain.

Can you replace taco seasoning with chili seasoning? ›

It would be a different tasting but fair exchange. Chili seasoning is usually salt, chili powder or flakes, cumin, perhaps dried cilantro, parsley and onion powder. Taco seasoning is not as spicy as chili seasoning so you'll need to perk it up to your taste.

Can you use chili seasoning mix instead of taco seasoning mix? ›

In two words…not much! Both contain the same seasonings, but in different proportions. Chili seasoning mix contains a higher concentration of chili powder and a packet of taco seasoning usually contains a higher amount of cumin. That's about the only major difference!

Can I substitute fajita seasoning for taco seasoning? ›

Fajita seasoning and taco seasoning are very similar, but they are not the same. Taco seasoning typically has more oregano and chili powder than fajita seasoning. With that being said, however, you can use fajita seasoning and taco seasoning interchangeably in recipes, it may just warrant a slightly different flavor.

Can I use chili seasoning if I don't have taco seasoning? ›

The primary difference between the two is that chili seasoning will have a higher concentration of chili powder and paprika. Taco seasoning will most likely have a higher amount of cumin. When in a pinch, you can use these two spices interchangeably with only a subtle difference in taste. What is this?

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