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    Ambitious Foodie » Recipes » Quick & Easy

    Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning Recipe (BEST Recipe!)

    Published: October 16, 2024 · Modified: March 13, 2025 By Imsen. This post may contain affiliate links. See the Privacy Policy at the bottom of this page.

    Jump to Recipe

    This Homemade chicken taco seasoning will quickly become your favourite Mexican spice combination since it's so simple and tasty! You may keep it in your pantry for a whole year. It's quite practical! For your next taco night, use this seasoning for meats, seafood, vegetables, soups, and stews.

    seasoning for chicken tacos in a bowl on countertop.

    I adore creating my spice because I have complete control over the ingredients and flavour profile. You may also be sure there aren't any odd substances or preservatives.

    Additionally, you likely already have all the spices you need to prepare your spice blend. It will last you a year and takes five minutes to create.

    Since it is so adaptable, you may use this recipe to season ground beef, ground turkey, and ground chicken.

    closeup of spices for chicken taco seasoning in a dish.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This recipe:
    • Main Ingredients
    • How to Make Chicken Taco Seasoning
    • Variations And Substitutions
    • How to Use This Mexican Chicken Seasoning Mix
    • What type of Chicken is best for Chicken Tacos?
    • Storage
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Try These Easy Dishes!
    • Recipe
    • Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning Recipe (BEST Recipe!)
    • 💬 Comments

    Why You'll Love This recipe:

    You will love this spice for chicken tacos. This spice combination is going to be your new favourite for the following reasons:

    • Very simple! Even a large quantity of this chicken taco seasoning may be prepared in less than five minutes.
    • Control over ingredients: If necessary, reduce the salt content or adjust the proportions of each spice to taste. Don't worry; there aren't any strange substances or preservatives here.
    • Versatility: This flavour is excellent on any protein, even fajita vegetables, even though we often use it on chicken.
    • Make ahead: It will last you a whole year if you store it correctly. Having a spice mix ready to use is quite convenient!
    • Cost-effective: Using your ingredients gives you much more value for your money.
    • Stores well, so feel free to create a large quantity. For several months, it has been kept nicely in the pantry.
    • Perfect for cooking one pound: Our favourite thing about this recipe is that it's just the right amount to cook one pound of chicken, but it's also very simple to double or triple.

    Main Ingredients

    Here's a list of the items you'll need for the greatest Chicken Taco Seasoning:

    spices for chicken taco seasoning on countertop, labeled.
    • Smoked Paprika: This provides rich colour and a sweet, smokey fragrance. For a smokey taste, use smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika.
    • Chilli Powder: This serves as the foundation of our seasoning and provides a subtle heat.
    • Ground Cumin adds a hearty, earthy taste and facilitates digestion. Cumin, which is noted for its aromatic and somewhat earthy qualities, adds depth to the whole. It's a typical spice found in many Mexican recipes.
    • Onion Powder: It gives the mixture a spicy, sweet richness. flavorful but understated.
    • Garlic Powder: Garlic powder's delicious flavour adds harmony and balance to the other spices. Instead of a mixture with salt, I'm using garlic powder made from pure garlic granules. You should cut back on the salt if yours has any.
    • Dried Oregano: You may use Mexican or Mediterranean oregano in this recipe. Mexican oregano, my favourite, is lemony with subtle liquorice overtones, whereas Mediterranean oregano is strong and spicy. For those herbaceous, aromatic notes.
    • Black Pepper: gives that much-needed peppery flavor and a touch of fire.
    • Fine Sea Salt: The amount of salt may be readily adjusted to suit your tastes. My listed amount is only a recommendation.

    How to Make Chicken Taco Seasoning

    Making the greatest taco seasoning using a cheap, tangy combination of real Mexican ingredients just requires one simple step.

    1. In a mason jar or small bowl, combine the seasoning ingredients. and whisk to incorporate.
    1. Move to a mason jar or spice container and cover. Keep in a dry, cold, and dark location for up to a year.
    chicken taco spices in small mason jar.
    1. Use to make a tasty marinade or to season chicken breasts, then savor!

    Variations And Substitutions

    You are welcome to change any ingredient to suit your dietary needs or preferences:

    • Turn up the heat: To flavour, try crushed red pepper, ancho chilli powder, or cayenne powder.
    • Add spices like onion powder, Mexican oregano, and coriander.
    • A lower sodium option: Reduce the salt by 30% or to taste for a lower sodium option.
    • Adjust the amount of cumin: If necessary, adjust the amount to taste. Some people find it a strong and overwhelming spice, but it's fantastic.
    • Depending on your dietary requirements, cut back on or avoid salt.
    • Add additional cayenne and red pepper flakes to the chicken taco seasoning to make it hotter.
    • Paprika: Regular paprika can be substituted with sweet or smoked paprika.

    How to Use This Mexican Chicken Seasoning Mix

    • Tacos: For a tasty, simple chicken taco, liberally sprinkle it over your chicken, whether it's ground chicken, skinless chicken breast, thighs, or rotisserie chicken for shredded chicken tacos. It is the ideal addition to Baked Chicken Tacos. Additionally, it creates a delectable marinade for grilled, skinless, boneless chicken thighs, such as those used in Mexican street tacos.
    • Nachos: This mix of spices is ideal for seasoning chicken for nachos.
    • Taco Salads: Use this seasoning combination on your ground turkey or chicken to make the greatest taco salads. Include black beans, lettuce, tomato, cheese, lime juice, and a splash of olive oil.
    • Add some spiciness to your chicken for fajitas: Add it to chicken breasts and pan-sear or grill them until they are perfectly moist.
    • Grilled Dishes: Don't be afraid to use these taco seasonings on other proteins; they also make a great Mexican chicken rub. Rub a smokey, spicy edge on your steak, poultry, or vegetables before grilling.

    What type of Chicken is best for Chicken Tacos?

    I'm a huge fan of chicken tacos. They make such a tasty and quick lunch that can be easily tweaked. ChoChopped-upon breast or ground chicken are my two favori-favourite of chickens to use for tacos.

    The advantages of ground chicken stem from its incredibly simple cooking method. Because ground beef is split up into little bits and is, therefore, quite easy to check to see if it is done, most people are familiar with how to prepare it.

    I prefer to season thinly cut chicken breasts with the spice blend below, cook them, allow them to rest so that all the liquids stay within, and then shred them up for a fancier taco. This is my favourite technique for cooking meat for tacos since it produces such juicy, wonderful results.

    Storage

    • The spice mixture should be kept in an airtight container, such as a mason jar or something comparable.
    • Because plastic might give the dried spices a disagreeable taste, choose containers made of non-plastic materials.
    • Keep out of direct sunshine and dampness for up to six months, and save in the pantry.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are good uses for taco seasoning mixes?

    This is the situation. You can use taco seasoning for more than simply tacos and taco chicken recipes. Not only does it go well with meat and taco shells, but it also works well with your other favorite quesadilla, burrito, and nacho recipes, as well as in taco bowls, taco salads, and any other dish where you want to incorporate some Mexican flavor and taste.

    How important is cumin in taco seasoning?

    It's crucial. To tacos, cumin is like peanut butter to jelly. Tacos get their famous, beloved taste from cumin.

    How much seasoning do I need?

    I usually use around ¾ teaspoon of spice per chicken breast. Add a splash of water for moisture and adjust the amount to your liking, starting with 1-2 tablespoons per pound of ground chicken.

    What’s the difference between taco seasoning and chicken taco seasoning?

    They truly may be used interchangeably since they are so similar! Despite having many of the same components, chicken taco seasoning is often a little milder since chicken readily absorbs the taste of the spice.

    If you tried this Homemade chicken taco seasoning or any other recipe on my website, please feel free to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. And remember to tag me on Instagram!

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    Recipe

    Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning Recipe (BEST Recipe!)

    This Homemade chicken taco seasoning will quickly become your favourite Mexican spice combination since it's so simple and tasty! You may keep it in your pantry for a whole year. It's quite practical! For your next taco night, use this seasoning for meats, seafood, vegetables, soups, and stews.
    5 from 26 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Course: seasoning, spice mix, spices
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1 cup
    Calories: 62kcal
    Author: Imsen
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    INGREDIENTS

    • 1 tablespoon chili powder
    • 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • In a mason jar or small bowl, combine the seasoning ingredients. and whisk to incorporate.
    • Move to a mason jar or spice container and cover. Keep in a dry, cold, and dark location for up to a year.
    • Use to make a tasty marinade or to season chicken breasts, then savor!

    NOTES

    • If taco seasoning is kept in a dry, cold place, it can last up to six months.
    • The kind of chili powder found in Europe is somewhat different from that found in America. The American version is a blend of spices with very little dried ground chile powder. Just dried and powdered chilies make up European chili powder. This would be far too spicy if you made it with the European type of chili powder.
    • This recipe's salt content actually depends on your own taste. I usually add a good bit more, but a good place to start is ¼ teaspoon and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
     

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 62kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1303mg | Potassium: 342mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3630IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 4mg
    Keyword chicken tacos, spice blend, taco spice
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Follow @ambitiousfoodieblog on Instagram, take a shot, and tag it #ambitiousfoodieblog! I love to see what you are making!

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    Comments

      5 from 26 votes

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Amanda Bennett says

      March 06, 2023 at 12:12 pm

      5 stars
      Yum, homemade seasoning is where it's at! 🙌 I really appreciate the detailed instructions; it makes it seem so approachable. Can't wait to impress my friends with these tacos!

      Reply
    2. Destiny Black says

      March 28, 2023 at 3:14 am

      5 stars
      This looks super easy and delicious! 😍 I love that it works with any meat; versatility is key in my kitchen. Thanks for sharing such an awesome recipe!

      Reply
    3. Giselle Rivera says

      April 11, 2023 at 11:27 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, I love that this seasoning works for so many dishes! It sounds delicious on chicken tacos, but I can totally see it jazzing up burritos and enchiladas too. Yum!

      Reply
    4. Allison Cooper says

      June 28, 2023 at 10:17 am

      5 stars
      I’m all about taco night too! 🎉 The idea of making a big batch of seasoning is genius—no more last-minute runs to the store. I’ll definitely be trying this recipe for my next taco feast!

      Reply
    5. Felicity Parker says

      July 23, 2023 at 11:47 am

      5 stars
      Oh wow, the idea of making a large batch is brilliant! I’m always scrambling at dinner time, so having this ready to go will make life so much easier. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
    6. Laila James says

      July 31, 2023 at 4:23 pm

      Yum! Homemade taco seasoning is such a game-changer for taco night. I love how you can control the spice level to fit your taste—perfect for me and my friends who prefer milder flavors!

      Reply
    7. Nina Foster says

      February 26, 2024 at 11:23 pm

      5 stars
      'Total command' over ingredients? Count me in! I love knowing what goes into my meals. This recipe seems perfect for someone like me who enjoys cooking from scratch.

      Reply
    8. Carly Morris says

      March 19, 2024 at 7:08 am

      5 stars
      'Delectable' is right! 😋 This blend sounds absolutely divine, and I'm here for the smokiness you mentioned. Definitely adding this to my go-to recipes!

      Reply
    9. Courtney Ford says

      March 29, 2024 at 1:18 pm

      I’m all about that homemade touch! It’s so satisfying knowing exactly what’s in your seasoning. Can't wait to try this on my next taco night with some fresh toppings!

      Reply
    10. Bethany Hughes says

      April 10, 2024 at 1:29 pm

      5 stars
      'Quick and simple' is music to my ears! With how busy life gets, having easy recipes like this one makes weeknight dinners so much more manageable. Taco night just got easier!

      Reply
    11. Chelsea Stewart says

      April 15, 2024 at 9:37 am

      5 stars
      'Delectable' is right! The flavor profile you've created sounds incredible. Can’t wait to impress my family with some flavorful chicken tacos using this spice mix!

      Reply
    12. Maya Morgan says

      May 18, 2024 at 10:12 am

      5 stars
      I love how simple yet flavorful this seasoning is! 💖 It’s great that you can customize the spice level too—perfect for all my friends who have different tastes. Can't wait to get cooking!

      Reply
    13. Jenna Taylor says

      June 24, 2024 at 1:26 am

      5 stars
      'Not limited to tacos'—that’s exactly what I need in my kitchen arsenal! I'm definitely going to try this seasoning on some chicken and rice too, sounds delicious!

      Reply
    14. Jordan Howard says

      July 21, 2024 at 3:17 pm

      5 stars
      'Not limited to tacos'—music to my ears! 🎶 I can already see myself using this in burritos and enchiladas too. Thanks for sharing such a versatile recipe!

      Reply
    15. Eleanor Harvey says

      August 16, 2024 at 11:56 am

      5 stars
      @Destiny Black, right? It's perfect for any meal needing that Mexican flair! 🌼 I'm thinking taco salad will be on the menu soon thanks to this recipe.

      Reply
    16. Shelby Howard says

      August 23, 2024 at 12:55 pm

      5 stars
      I'm so excited to try this! 🌶️ Taco night just got an upgrade. Plus, storing a big batch sounds perfect for those busy weeknights when I need something quick and tasty.

      Reply
    17. Emily Thompson says

      October 17, 2024 at 8:01 am

      5 stars
      This seasoning mix was a game-changer! So much better than store-bought, and I love that I can control the salt level.

      Reply
    18. Sophia Martinez says

      October 17, 2024 at 8:02 am

      5 stars
      Made this last night for taco night, and wow! The flavors were spot on. My family couldn't stop raving about it.

      Reply
    19. Jessica Lee says

      October 17, 2024 at 8:04 am

      5 stars
      I never realized how easy it was to make taco seasoning at home. This is my new go-to recipe!

      Reply
    20. Gianna Fox says

      October 19, 2024 at 4:09 am

      This seasoning sounds amazing! I appreciate how simple it is to whip up a big batch and have it on hand. Taco Tuesday just got a whole lot better with this recipe!

      Reply
    21. Bailey Scott says

      October 22, 2024 at 10:26 am

      5 stars
      Wow, this homemade taco seasoning sounds like a game-changer! 🌮 I love how you can control the ingredients, making it so much healthier and tastier. Can't wait to whip up some tacos with this blend!

      Reply
    22. Hannah says

      November 02, 2024 at 5:26 pm

      5 stars
      This taco seasoning recipe is so easy! I can't wait to try it!

      Reply
    23. Melissa says

      November 02, 2024 at 5:26 pm

      5 stars
      I love making my own spices! This will make taco night even better!

      Reply
    24. Brianna says

      November 02, 2024 at 5:26 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! I never thought making taco seasoning could be this simple!

      Reply
    25. Lauren says

      November 02, 2024 at 5:26 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, I want to make a big batch of this! Taco night is going to be awesome!

      Reply
    26. Emily says

      November 02, 2024 at 5:26 pm

      5 stars
      I really like that I can control the spice level. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    27. Lindsey says

      November 02, 2024 at 5:26 pm

      5 stars
      This sounds delicious! Can't wait to use it for my chicken tacos.

      Reply
    28. Samantha says

      November 02, 2024 at 5:26 pm

      5 stars
      I love how adaptable this seasoning is. Perfect for any Mexican dish!

      Reply
    29. Julia says

      November 02, 2024 at 5:26 pm

      5 stars
      'Delectable' is right! I'm excited to try this spice blend at home.

      Reply

    Hi, This is Imsen! I'm the author, recipe developer, and photographer behind Ambitious Foodie. Welcome to my virtual kitchen! If you're wondering what's for dinner, you've come to the right place.

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