Easy Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning Recipe
Published Jul 01, 2024 Updated Oct 23, 2024
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An easy homemade chicken taco seasoning blend that takes easy kitchen staples and turns them into a delicious spice blend! It’s better than store-bought packets and super easy to make at home! This seasoning also makes the perfect homemade gift
This recipe was originally posted on January 12th, 2023, and has been updated as of July 1st, 2024.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Recipe Great
I’ve been creating so many spice blends lately and I just couldn’t leave out my absolute favorite blend of them all: Taco seasoning! If you’ve ever looked at the back of a packet of taco seasoning, you know they are filled with strange ingredients that aren’t spices. Or they’re way too salty! With my Chicken Taco Seasoning, you get control of the ingredients! It’s made with easy spices and spices alone– no artificial flavors or ingredients here! You are going to love it.
This easy, homemade chicken taco seasoning uses simple ingredients to create an amazing, flavorful spice blend! Even better, there are no added junk or weird preservatives that come in taco seasoning packets. Just real spices that turn bland chicken into flavor-packed in no time!
Use this homemade seasoning blend for more than just tacos. Make Mexican-inspired dishes like chicken fajitas, enchiladas, taco salads, and more! Plus, you can make the best chicken tacos for Taco Tuesday (or any day!).
If you love homemade seasonings, try my amazing ranch seasoning!
Ingredient Notes
This spice blend is a combination of the following spices you probably already have in your kitchen!
- Chili Powder
- Ground Cumin
- Sea Salt
- Ground Black Pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Oregano
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a wide-mouth mason jar. Shake to combine. Store in the pantry for the lifespan of the spices. About 7-8 months.
- Use 2 1/2-3 tablespoons per pound depending on how much spice and flavor you like. I always add 3 or a little more with 1/3 cup broth or 1 8 oz can of tomato sauce per 1 lb. of meat.
Mac’s Pro Tip
Expert Tips
- Make a Big Batch: If you want to make a lot so you always have some on hand, see the instructions in the recipe card to make a big batch!
- Make a Small Batch: If you have just one 1 taco seasoning packet worth, make the small batch in the recipe card below.
- Spice Level: You can customize the spice level based on your preferences. Omit the red pepper flakes for a milder spice level. If very sensitive to spice, cut the chili powder in half. If you want to add extra spice, add a little cayenne pepper!
- Make Ahead: This recipe is perfect for making ahead. Make the big batch so you always have some on hand when you need it. It stores well in an airtight container or mason jar in your spice cabinet.
- Give as a Gift: I love giving homemade spice blends as gifts. Get mini mason jars, fill them with chicken taco seasoning, and tie them with a bow for a cute and easy gift.
Ways To Use This Spice Blend
- Homemade Gift: Make a big batch and mix together. Add to small jars with a jute twine bow.
- 2 1/2-3 tablespoons of the big batch replace 1 store-bought taco packet.
- The small batch recipe replaces 1 store-bought taco packet.
- Use to season any chicken, turkey, or even beef!
- Make chicken tacos, enchiladas, chicken nachos, chicken fajitas, and more.
Storage Tips
- If you make the big batch, store your leftover seasoning in a mason jar with the lid tightly closed in a cool dark place like your spice cabinet. Use it when you need taco seasoning!
How to Make Easy Chicken Tacos
To make easy chicken tacos follow these steps.
- Cut 1lb of boneless skinless chicken breasts into cubes. Alternatively, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs if preferred.
- Place your cubed chicken in a zip-top bag with olive oil, lime juice, and 2.5 tablespoons of seasoning. Shake to coat.
- Over medium heat, saute your seasoned chicken in olive oil.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and add to warmed corn tortillas or flour tortillas.
- Top with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, cilantro, tomato, and lettuce, and serve with a side of rice, black beans, or refried beans!
How to Make Easy Beef Tacos
You can even use this seasoning for beef tacos! Here are the steps.
- Saute 1lb of ground beef over medium heat.
- Once cooked, drain the fat and return to low heat.
- Sprinkle in 1 packet (2.5 tablespoons) of taco seasoning with 1/3 cup of water or broth.
- Let simmer for 5-10 minutes adding more water if needed.
- Remove from heat and serve over your favorite tortillas with toppings!
Homemade Gift Jars
This seasoning also makes the perfect homemade holiday or teacher gift. Make a big batch and add it to small jars with a ribbon.
Recipe FAQs
The main difference is the spice level. Typically, chicken tacos are more of a mild spice level. But they can be used interchangeably! Use this seasoning for ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, or even shredded chicken!
Yes! It’s super easy to use with any meat! You could even saute veggies with this seasoning to give them a fun kick. Check out my simple beef taco recipe in the tips above.
Try These Taco-Inspired Recipes…
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Easy Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
BIG BATCH (Makes about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1/4 cup cumin
- 1 tablespoon fine salt (2 tbsp if using kosher salt)
- 1/2 tablespoon finely ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons paprika (use smoked paprika for a smokier flavor)
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 3 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- OPTIONAL 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes for spice
Small Batch (Enough for 2-2 1/2 lbs ground turkey/beef)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoons oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoons pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes OPTIONAL
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a wide-mouth mason jar. Shake to combine. Store in the pantry for the lifespan of the spices. About 7-8 months.
- Use 2 1/2-3 tablespoons per pound depending on how much spice and flavor you like. I always add 3 or a little more with 1/4 cup broth or 1 8 oz can of tomato sauce per 1 lb. of meat.
Notes
Expert Tips
- Make a Big Batch: If you want to make a lot so you always have some on hand, see the instructions in the recipe card to make a big batch!
- Make a Small Batch: If you have just one 1 taco seasoning packet worth, make the small batch in the recipe card above.
- Spice Level: You can customize the spice level based on your preferences. Omit the red pepper flakes for a milder spice level. If very sensitive to spice, cut the chili powder in half. If you want to add extra spice, add a little cayenne pepper!
- Make Ahead: This recipe is perfect for making ahead. Make the big batch so you always have some on hand when you need it. It stores well in an airtight container or mason jar in your spice cabinet.
- Give as a Gift: I love giving homemade spice blends as gifts. Get mini mason jars, fill them with chicken taco seasoning, and tie them with a bow for a cute and easy gift.
Serving Tips: Ways To Use This Spice Blend
- 2 1/2-3 tablespoons of the big batch will replace 1 store-bought taco packet.
- The small batch recipe replaces 1 store-bought taco packet.
- Use to season any chicken, turkey, or even beef!
- Make chicken tacos, enchiladas, chicken nachos, chicken fajitas, and more.
Easy Chicken Tacos: To make easy chicken tacos follow these steps!
- Cut 1lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into cubes.
- Place your cubed chicken in a zip-top bag with olive oil, lime juice, and 2.5 tablespoons of seasoning. Shake to coat.
- Over medium heat, sauté your seasoned chicken in olive oil.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and add to warmed corn tortillas
- Top with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, cilantro, tomato, lettuce, and more!
Easy Beef Tacos: You can even use this seasoning for beef tacos! Here are the steps.
- Saute 1lb of ground beef over medium heat.
- Once cooked, drain the fat and return to low heat.
- Sprinkle in 1 packet (2.5 tablespoons) of taco seasoning with 1/3 cup of water or broth.
- Let simmer for 5-10 minutes adding more water if needed.
- Remove from heat and serve over your favorite tortillas with toppings!
Storage Tips
- If you make the big batch, store your leftover seasoning in a mason jar with the lid tightly closed in a cool, dark, dry place like your spice cabinet. Use it when you need taco seasoning!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
