Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning is made by combining a perfect blend of common spices you probably already have on hand. It comes together in under a minute with no added preservatives or fillers. You will never buy seasoning mix from the store again!
Once you try our homemade recipe, you'll never go back to store-bought packets! It is easy, cost effective, and it tastes better too. Plus, when you make it yourself, you’re in control of the ingredients.
It is such a cinch to throw together, makes ultra flavorful and satisfying chicken recipe for dinner. You get to control the salt and spice level without any fillers, preservatives or ingredients we can’t even pronounce.
A packet of taco seasoning is about 3 tablespoons or 1 ounce. This recipe makes slightly lesser than that but is perfect for cooking a pound of ground chicken. You can also add more or less depending on the flavor you’re looking for.
This recipe has a been a reader favorite for years. My favorite way to use this is for making air fryer chicken tacos or ground chicken tacos. But don’t forget that it can also be used a million other ways as well! It works great as a spice rub for seafood or veggies especially during grilling season.
Ralph Shane says "I don't normally leave replies but I wanted to let you know, this seasoning blend it outstanding. Well balanced and rich in the center. As a professional chef I loved it.
Sarah Joyce says "This is our favorite taco seasoning for chicken! The kids love it and so do the adults! Thank you!"
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Why is homemade better?
Why make chicken taco seasoning at home when you could just buy a packet at the grocery store? Here are a few reasons to convince you:
- Customizable - DIY seasoning allows you to easily customize to suit your taste. You get to control the ingredient amounts, which is especially helpful if you're watching your sodium intake. Reduce the salt or heat if you’d like. Don't like coriander? Leave it out! Like things extra spicy? Add more cayenne.
- Quick and Easy - It takes less than one minute to make, using ingredients that you likely have in your pantry already.
- Cost effective - You get a lot more bang for your buck when you're using your own ingredients.
- Stores well - Go ahead and make a big batch. It stores well in the pantry for a few months.
- Perfect to cook one pound - Our favorite part about this recipe is that it is the perfect measurement to cook up a 1 pound of chicken, but it’s also super easy to double or triple.
Ingredients
Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.
You probably already have all the spices in your pantry right now to whip up this super easy blend:
- Chili powder - Adds some heat, color and southwestern flavor. The color and flavor can vary between brands since it is a blend of a few different varieties of dried chiles.
- Paprika - You can use sweet or smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- Cumin powder - It adds earthiness, aroma and is a key ingredient in authentic Mexican cooking.
- Coriander powder - This might be an unusual ingredient for taco seasoning, but it makes a tasty addition especially when used with chicken.
- Onion powder - Adds subtle onion notes and compliments the garlic flavor.
- Oregano - Feel free to skip if you don't have a jar in your spice draw. It's not going to affect the taste as much! Tip: Mexican oregano is not the same as regular oregano. It is actually part of the verbena family, and is bright with floral and citrus notes with a hint of anise. Whereas Italian oregano is slightly sweet with bitter and peppery notes, and is part of the mint family.
- Cayenne - Adds a hint of heat but skip if you like it mild or use red pepper flakes instead.
Pro Tip: Don't use old or expired spices. Spices tend to lose their potency over time especially ground spices. Check for freshness before using in the recipe - they should have a nice aroma and also make sure to check the expiration dates.
Variations
- Reduce or skip salt based on your dietary needs.
- Make it mild and skip cayenne pepper powder.
- Increase the heat by adding more cayenne and red pepper flakes.
- Use smoked paprika instead.
How to make?
Once you see how easy it is to make your own taco seasoning, you’ll always want the homemade version. The process is quick, so easy and you can easily double or triple the recipe.
You can find full printable recipe below, but here is a quick overview of the procedure along with step-by-step photos.
- Grab all the spices you need from your pantry. Measure a teaspoon each of chili powder, paprika and coriander powder.
- Add ½ teaspoon each of garlic, onion, cumin, black pepper powders and dried Mexican oregano into the bowl.
3. Add ½ teaspoon to one teaspoon of salt.
4. Stir all ingredients together until thoroughly combined. Use is your favorite ground chicken recipes or on potatoes.
How to use?
Once you get used to this DIY blend, you will never want to go back to store-bought packets again. You’ll find yourself using it everyday to spice up a meal. The flavorful combination of spices works great on almost everything.
Think beyond taco dishes and use it season chickpeas, shrimp, tilapia, sautéed veggies, eggs, potatoes or chicken pasta recipes. One recipe makes about 2 tablespoons or equivalent to 1 packet. It is also the perfect amount to season one pound of meat.
Storage
It will last 6 months stored in a cool, dry place like your pantry. I usually make a triple batch so it’s ready to go whenever I need a little taco mix!
Tip: Use a small kitchen funnel to help you transfer the chicken taco seasoning to the jar without spilling.
Recipe FAQs
Seasoning packets vary by brand, but most are about 1 ounce by weight or 3 tablespoons. Generally 2 tablespoons of homemade seasoning is equal to 1 packet of store bought blend since there is no cornstarch or additives used when making at home.
Use about 2 tablespoons for every pound of meat. You can use more or less depending on your preference. Brown ground chicken along with the seasoning until cooked, spoon into charred corn tortillas or use to make chicken burrito bowls.
They contain a lot of the same ingredients and really can be used interchangeably! Regular seasoning usually contains more cumin and chili powder whereas taco seasoning for chicken is made using less cumin and with the addition of ground coriander which makes a tasty blend especially when used for poultry.
More taco recipes to try:
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Chicken Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ to 1 teaspoon salt, use as per your taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper powder
- ½ teaspoon Mexican oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper powder
Instructions
- Stir all ingredients together, use right away or store in air tight jar for later use.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information, based on third-party calculations, should be seen as estimates, not guarantees, as various factors like product types, brands, processing methods, and more can alter the nutritional content in recipes.
Did you make this recipe? I’d love your feedback! Please let me know by leaving a comment, a star rating or review below.
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All contents and images are my original work, unless and otherwise mentioned. Please do not use my recipes or images without linking back to www.kitchenathoskins.com. If you wish to republish a recipe, please rewrite in your own words and don’t forget to include a link back to the original recipe.
Deepika|TheLoveOfCakes
I love Mexican food too! And this is a great recipe to have on hand..Homemade seasoning is always more flavorful than store bought ones!
Maria Doss
Thank you Deepika:)
Kelly @ Kelly Lynns Sweets and Treats
I think I have all these spices in my pantry already! I love that you can make your own taco seasoning, so it’s specific to what you like. Spicy please!!
Maria Doss
Right? And, I make mine SPICY!! Thanks Kelly:)
Ralph Shane
I don't normally leave replies but I wanted to let you know, this seasoning blend it outstanding. Well balanced and rich in the center. As a professional chef I loved it.
Maria Doss
Aww... that is so kind. Thank you so much, so glad that you loved it:)
Sarah Joyce
This is our favorite taco seasoning for chicken! The kids love it and so do the adults! Thank you!
Marianna Fleming
Perfect, thank you, so much better than buying the little store packets with those unwanted additives.
Tracy
These ingredients sound wonderful. Can't wait to try this recipe. How much of each ingredient do you use? Thank you!
Tracy
Sorry, when this first appeared on my screen for some reasons the measurements did not appear. I see them now so my earlier question regarding measurements can be ignored. Sorry about that.
Louise
I thought this was delicious! The only alteration I will make next time is I will cut the salt down quite a bit. I found that the salt was the first thing I tasted.
Maria Doss
Sounds good to me:)
Jenne Murphy
If I don't have mexican oregano, do I just leave it out, or try to substitute something different?
Maria Doss
Just leave it out and go ahead with the rest:)
Tony
Regular oregano works just fine
jasmin
@Jenne Murphy, it taste just as good with regular oregano!!
Peter Perry
First time I've cooked with Taco spice. Used it on a Keto Mexican chicken thigh recipe. It was truly wonderfully delicious!!!
Tony
My favorite Mexican seasoning. My wife is sensitive to the preservatives in the packets and this is the perfect alternative
Maria Doss
That sounds wonderful:)
Reena Bansal
They were great. Will make again
Elise
Had to come back to leave a review. After our grocery store stopped carrying McCormick Chicken taco seasoning I panicked as it was a staple. I looked up online how to make CHICKEN taco seasoning and came across this. It was so good and so much better than McCormick! We add 1.5-2lbs of boneless chicken thighs to the crock pot. Then we add 1/2 cup of water, a minced garlic clove, and a can of total diced tomatoes. Cook on high for 4 hours and then shred. Serve with flour tortillas, Monterey Jack cheese, white diced onion, diced tomato, shredded lettuce, and serve refried beans and Mexican style rice on the side. Don’t forget the guacamole. Best. Dinner. Ever.
Elise
And I meant to add in addition to this seasoning. And I meant Rotel Diced tomatoes, 10 oz can.
Rochelle Bjornson
Can I substitute dried cilantro leaves for the coriander?
Maria Doss
Hi Rochelle, Ground coriander is one of the main ingredient in this recipe. Dried cilantro might not work exactly the same way, however it might also not be a bad substitute, Maria
Rochelle Bjornson
Thank you. I'm going to give it a try since I have that and not the coriander
Emily Williams
I love this taco seasoning and I use it almost everytime I'm cooking chicken, it may be a taco mix but it is a wonderful all round seasoning.
Dominick
Coriander Powder. OK, I'll try it. Best Chicken Taco Seasoning I've found. Tested today w/ 1lb. chicken breast. Perfect!
Maria Doss
Glad you enjoyed it, Maria
Patricia
Since I discovered this recipe, it is the only recipe I use when I make chicken tacos. Delicious!
Maria Doss
Happy to hear, Have a fabulous week hun - Maria
arel
I tried this recipe, and it was really good, but I have questions I want to ask; how can I reach you?
Maria Doss
Glad to hear. You can write here or reach out to me at kitchenathoskins@gmail.com or Instagram - Maria