Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning

This Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning is an easy spice blend to whip up and takes just 5 minutes and a handful of ingredients. The perfect spice mix for your next taco night and the best chicken tacos! 

If you know me, you know I like easy meals, and taco night is about as easy as they come. Around here, you'll find us enjoying all kinds - skirt steak tacos, baja shrimp tacos, chicken mole tacos, and even crispy potato tacos. I've found one of the easiest ways to jazz up taco night is by adding a custom spice blend, like this chicken taco seasoning. I do sometimes buy store-bought packets of taco seasoning, but making your own homemade chicken taco seasoning is actually incredibly easy and adds an authentic Mexican flair to your favorite taco recipes. 

I love making a big batch of this seasoning and then storing it in my pantry to use - then it's ready whenever I need it! Whether you're whipping up ground chicken tacos, turkey tacos, or beef tacos, this taco seasoning blend is your ticket to a delicious taco night! (It's also a perfect seasoning for the chicken in my street corn chicken and rice bowls!)

What Is Chicken Taco Seasoning

Chicken taco seasoning is a dry spice blend made from pantry staples, typically chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper, mixed together and used to season chicken for tacos. Unlike a store-bought taco seasoning packet, a homemade blend lets you control the salt level, skip artificial additives, and adjust the heat to your preference. Most homemade blends take about 5 minutes to mix and can be stored for up to 6 months, so making a big batch is worth it.

Why This Recipe Works

There are so many reasons to love this easy chicken taco seasoning.

• Ultimate control. Creating your own taco seasoning at home allows you to have complete control of the ingredients, ensuring no artificial flavors sneak into your dish. 
• Fast and easy. This recipe comes together in 5 minutes. Just grab the spices off your spice cabinet, mix them in a bowl, and voila! You have a delicious blend that tastes amazing with chicken tacos! Add in some quick-pickled onions and a batch of lime crema, and you've got everything you need for a chicken taco dinner!
• Great for batch cooking.  I like to make a double batch (or even a triple batch) of this chicken taco seasoning so that I always have some on hand when I need it. It's one of those staple recipes that you can count on to always deliver an easy, delicious meal. 
• Delicious! This chicken taco seasoning recipe has the best flavor, offering a zesty blend of authentic Mexican seasonings and providing the perfect balance of smoky flavor, mild heat, and Mexican flavors. 
• Versatile. I love this blend on chicken tacos, but it's versatile enough for any taco meat - beef, chicken, or turkey - making it perfect for any taco night.
• Not just for tacos! While this is my go-to for a standard taco seasoning blend, you can use this for any type of Mexican chicken dish you're cooking - chicken and rice, chicken enchiladas, chicken tamales, or even chicken stuffed peppers, to name just a few.

Key Ingredients

Just a few simple ingredients and you'll have the best taco seasoning you can find - so much better than what you'll get at the grocery store! Here's what you'll need:

• Chili powder & smoked paprika. These spices are the backbone of the mix, offering a smoky flavor that's quintessential to Mexican cuisine.
• Ground cumin & Mexican oregano. For that earthy, deep flavor profile typical in Mexican dishes.
• Garlic powder & onion powder. Adds a subtle, aromatic base without overpowering the other flavors.
• Cayenne pepper. Brings a touch of heat, which you can adjust to your spice level preference.
• Sea salt & black pepper. Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the mix. Adjust the salt to taste.

How To Make Chicken Taco Seasoning

You can make your own chicken taco seasoning in just a few easy steps. Here's what you'll do:

Step 1: Add all ingredients to a bowl. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoon chili powder, 3 teaspoon ground cumin, 2 teaspoon sea salt, 2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano.

Step 2: Mix to combine. Mix with a spoon until well combined.

Step 3: Store. Transfer the blend to an airtight container, like a mason jar, and store in a cool, dark place.

Variations And Substitutions

The best part of making your own seasoning is that you get to adjust it to your preferences to make it exactly how you want it! Here are a few ideas. 

• For a milder version. Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper for less heat.
• For extra heat. Add red pepper flakes or increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
• Ground coriander. Adds a lemony, floral note to the mix.
• Regular paprika. Can be used instead of smoked paprika for a less smoky flavor.

Chicken Taco Seasoning For 1 Pound Of Chicken

Use this delicious spice blend in any Mexican chicken recipe! 

Use 2 tablespoons of this chicken taco seasoning per pound of chicken as a starting point. For a bolder taco flavor, use closer to 3 tablespoons per pound.

For diced chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or tenders, drizzle the chicken with a teaspoon or two of olive oil, sprinkle the seasoning over the top, and rub it into the meat before cooking.

For ground chicken or shredded chicken, add the seasoning with 2 to 3 tablespoons of water, broth, or lime juice, then stir until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it simmer for a minute or two so the seasoning has time to blend into the meat.

For a bulk batch, multiply the recipe by 4 or 5 and store it in a labeled spice jar. Use 2 tablespoons per pound of chicken any time you're making tacos, taco bowls, nachos, quesadillas, or salads.

Make Ahead and Storage

This seasoning is designed to be made ahead. A single batch takes 5 minutes and lasts up to 6 months when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Making a big batch (just multiply the recipe by 4 or 5) means you always have it ready for taco night without measuring out spices every time.

Use 2 tablespoons of the bulk blend per pound of chicken.

The seasoning does not need refrigeration. A small mason jar or a standard spice jar works great for storage. (I've even stored it in a zip-top bag with no problem.) Label it with the date so you know when to refresh the batch.

What To Serve With Chicken Tacos

Chicken tacos go great with loads of sides. Try them with:

• Black beans
• Instant pot Mexican rice
• Refried beans
• Simple green salad
• Homemade tortilla chips and spicy guacamole
• Chipotle corn salsa or spicy cherry salsa
• No soak crockpot pinto beans

Frequently Asked Questions

Build Your Taco With These Delicious Toppers!

This simple spice blend is my favorite way to jazz up Taco Tuesday. If you try this Chicken Taco Seasoning, let me know what you think in the comments below! And don't forget to tag me on Instagram so I can see your masterpiece!