Homemade chicken taco seasoning

Why I love this chicken taco seasoning recipe

• Homemade seasonings are super easy to make and a lot cheaper!
• You have more control over the flavor and spiciness of your chicken tacos.
• Adjust the amount of each seasoning to create your perfect blend!
• Double or triple the recipe to serve your needs, or make a few batches and store the mix in your pantry for later!
• You only need a few simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand.

Ingredient notes

Chili powder: Chili powder adds a lot of flavor to the chicken taco seasoning. Please note that I use American chili powder, which is a mixture of spices, rather than European chili powder, which consists only of ground chili peppers.

Onion powder: I enjoy the sweet flavor of onions in my tacos, but I'm not a big fan of adding them raw. That's why I always use onion powder in the mix. However, onion powder can be a bit overpowering, so if you don't like it, feel free to leave it out or use half the amount.

Black pepper: Black pepper adds a woody flavor and a bit of spiciness to the blend. If you prefer a sharper mix, you can use white pepper or add extra chili flakes.

Salt: I know I always tell you to leave out the salt and add it while cooking, but in this mix, I prefer to include it from the start. This approach makes preparing my tacos simpler and less stressful. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't taste the cooked meat to determine if it needs more seasoning.

Chili flakes: These ingredients are optional, but if you're like me and enjoy extra heat in your chicken tacos, they are essential for a great flavor mix! I recommend experimenting with different amounts until you find your perfect balance of heat.

How to make taco seasoning for chicken

Making homemade seasonings is very easy! Just add all the ingredients to a small bowl or jar and mix until everything is well combined. I recommend using a small funnel when transferring the chicken taco seasoning to the empty jars. This will make storing the seasoning simple and ensure that all the spices end up in the jar instead of on your counter.

How to use homemade seasoning for chicken tacos

To use this chicken taco seasoning, start by adding two tablespoons of seasoning, three tablespoons of vegetable oil, and 1 pound of diced chicken to a bowl. Mix everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. For the best flavor, let the mixture marinate in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. If you're short on time, a minimum of 30 minutes will also work before you prepare your tacos.

When making chicken tacos, I prefer using chicken breast because it's easier to cut into strips. However, this seasoning mix can be used on any part of the chicken, such as boneless chicken thighs, or even to add flavor to a whole chicken!

Frequently asked questions

Storage

Homemade seasoning for chicken tacos can be stored in your pantry for up to a year! However, it is essential to store the seasoning in a glass container or jar with a lid and in a dark, cool, and dry place. I like to use old spice jars or small mason jars to store my seasonings.