Whip up this easy homemade Taco Seasoning for Chicken recipe in minutes with spices you already have! Perfect for tacos, nachos, and more, this versatile blend is free of fillers and full of bold flavor.
Say goodbye to store-bought taco seasoning! This super easy homemade Taco Seasoning for Chicken recipe is about to become your secret weapon for quick and flavorful dinners. It takes just minutes to make with simple spices you probably already have in your pantry, and it’s free of fillers, preservatives, and anything you can’t pronounce. Plus, you can mix up a big batch to keep on hand for weeknight meals.
What’s great about this seasoning is its versatility. Use it to spice up raw chicken breasts, thighs, or ground chicken, or give new life to leftover shredded chicken. Toss it on for classic tacos, layer it on nachos, sprinkle it into soups, or even season a chicken taco pizza. The possibilities are endless, and this homemade blend delivers bold, customizable flavors you’ll love in every bite.
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Why Make Taco Seasoning for Chicken at Home
- Flavor Boost: Homemade seasoning is fresher and bolder than prepackaged options.
- No Fillers or Preservatives: Store-bought mixes often contain unnecessary additives. Homemade is pure flavor.
- Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the heat to suit your family’s preferences.
- Cost-Effective: You can make a big batch for less than the cost of a single packet.
- Always on Hand: Never run out—just whip up more from pantry staples!
- Control Over Ingredients: Avoid allergens, reduce sodium, or cater to specific diets.
- Versatility: Use it on chicken, beef, veggies, and more—it’s not just for tacos!
Simple Ingredients
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These are the seasonings and spices that I used, but you can customize this anyway you want!
- Chili Powder
- Ground Cumin
- Smoked Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Salt
- Optional: Cayenne Pepper – If you are using the recipe amounts below, then start with ¼ teaspoon. If you want it spicier, add ¼ teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired heat!
See recipe card for quantities.
Storing Your Taco Seasoning for Chicken Recipe
You can store your taco seasoning blend in spice jar in a cool, dry pantry. There are many options, but I recommend a clear glass jar with an airtight lid. Glass is non-porous and won’t absorb moisture. This helps prevent the seasoning from clumping and and preserves the flavor and aroma. Also, clear glass allows you to see what is in the jar.
The blend will last for 1-2 years, but you will love it so much that you will use it up way before then!
How to use Taco Seasoning for Chicken
There are so many ways that you can use this seasoning blend.
Simply add it to precooked and shredded chicken with a splash of water. Warm through in a pot or frying pan.
Then add the shredded chicken to Tacos or how about Taquitos! You can add it to Enchiladas, nachos, burritos, burrito bowls, salads, or a Soup!
You can also rub the seasoning on raw chicken and then cook in a pan with olive oil.
Once cooked, you can add it to pasta, salads, sandwiches, or a Mexican Rice Skillet!
Taco Seasoning for Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Ground Cumin
- 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon OPTIONAL: Cayenne Pepper use more if you want spicier
Instructions
- Measure the seasonings and add to a small mixing bowl – Paprika, Cumin, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt. Stir to combine and store in an airtight container in a cool dry place.
Toni Prisk says
You said you used Cayenne Peeper in your recipe, but it is not listed. Do you just use 1 Tbsp like the rest?
Carrie Tyler says
Hi Toni, Thank you so much for pointing that out! Cayenne is optional as many don’t want the heat/spice.
I have updated the post to include this…
Start with 1/4 teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper. If you want it spicier, add 1/4 teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired heat!