This homemade chicken taco seasoning recipe offers a delectable Mexican-inspired spice mix that perfectly seasons chicken for tacos, among other dishes.
Crafted from a straightforward, easy-to-follow recipe, this flavorful seasoning serves as a tasty and flexible option compared to pre-packaged seasoning blends from the store.
Chicken Taco Seasoning Recipe
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Optional ingredients to add:
- Garlic powder or onion powder
- Cayenne pepper for some spice
- Oregano or thyme for added flavor
Instructions
- Grind any of your whole ingredients.
- In a small bowl, combine all your ingredients.
- Store your seasoning mix in an airtight container or mason jar.
Why Make Your Own Taco Seasoning?
Homemade taco seasoning has several benefits that go beyond just the joy of cooking. Here are some compelling reasons to consider creating your own blend:
Control Over Ingredients
When you make your seasoning, you have complete control over what goes into it. This means you can avoid preservatives, additives, and artificial flavors commonly found in store-bought packets. It allows for healthier choices and the ability to adjust the levels of spiciness, salt, and sugar, catering to dietary restrictions such as being gluten-free.
Customization
Homemade seasoning blends can be tailored to your taste preferences. Love a bit more heat? Add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne. Prefer a smokier flavor? A touch of smoked paprika can transform your seasoning. This level of customization ensures that your dishes taste exactly how you like them.
Cost
Buying individual spices might seem more expensive upfront, but in the long run, it’s more economical. Spices can be used in multiple recipes and seasoning batches, reducing the cost per use.
Additionally, you’re likely to already have many of the necessary spices in your pantry.
Reduced Waste
Making seasoning at home can also help reduce packaging waste. Store-bought packets come in single-use plastics or papers, contributing to environmental waste.
By using spices you already have, you minimize this impact and can store your blends in reusable containers.
Enhanced Freshness and Flavor
Spices are most flavorful when they’re fresh. Pre-made seasoning packets can sit on store shelves for months, losing potency over time. Mixing your own blend with spices you’ve sourced ensures peak flavor, making your dishes more vibrant and delicious.
Low Sodium
Creating your own taco seasoning allows for significant control over sodium content, which is particularly beneficial for those on a low-sodium diet or anyone looking to reduce their salt intake. Many store-bought taco seasonings are high in salt, contributing to the daily sodium limit more than necessary.
By making your own blend, you can adjust the amount of salt used or even substitute it with a low-sodium alternative, like potassium chloride, or use spices and herbs to enhance flavor without adding extra sodium. This customization not only helps in managing dietary concerns but also promotes heart health by keeping your seasoning as flavorful as it is healthy.
Recipe for Using Chicken Taco Spice Blend
73 Recipes Using Chicken Breasts
Other Ways to Use This Seasoning
As a dry rub on protein:
Your homemade taco seasoning is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to meats and plant-based proteins. Rub it generously on chicken, beef, pork, or tofu before grilling, roasting, or pan-frying. The spices will form a delicious crust that enhances the natural flavors of the protein, making it a versatile choice for barbecue or everyday meals. My go-to for most meats is boneless skinless chicken thighs. You just can’t get more flavor than that!
In a casserole:
Elevate the taste of your casseroles with a sprinkle of this taco seasoning. It works wonderfully in layered dishes like enchilada casseroles, taco bakes, or even vegetable gratins with cheese. The seasoning blends into the sauce and ingredients, infusing the entire dish with a warm, complex flavor profile that’s sure to please any palate. You can also use it in chili! Adding it to ground chicken, ground turkey, or ground beef, it will significantly up your chili game.
Add to store-bought seasoning:
If you find your store-bought seasoning lacks punch or you want to adjust its flavor profile, consider mixing in some of your homemade taco seasoning. This can help enhance the store-bought mix with more depth and personalization, allowing you to fine-tune the flavor to your liking. It’s a great way to use up any leftover commercial seasoning while still enjoying the benefits of your custom blend.
Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Optional
- Garlic or onion powder
- Cayenne pepper for some spice
- Oregano or thyme for added flavor
Instructions
- Grind any of your whole ingredients.
- In a small bowl, combine all your ingredients.
- Store your seasoning mix in an airtight container or mason jar.
Nutrition
Storage of Your Taco Seasoning Blend
Proper storage of your homemade taco seasoning blend is essential to maintain its freshness and flavor for as long as possible. Here are some tips to ensure your seasoning stays at its best:
- Airtight Containers: Transfer your taco seasoning mix into an airtight container. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids are ideal as they don’t retain odors or flavors from previous contents, unlike some plastic containers.
- Cool, Dry Place: Store the container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Exposure to light and heat can degrade the spices more quickly, leading to loss of flavor and potency.
- Label and Date: Label your container with the name of the seasoning and the date you made it. This helps you keep track of freshness and ensures you use older blends first. Spices don’t necessarily go bad, but they do lose their strength over time, so it’s good to use them within their optimal period.
- Shake Before Use: Over time, the ingredients in your taco seasoning might settle or separate. Giving the container a good shake before each use ensures the spices are well-mixed and evenly distributed.
- Shelf Life: Homemade taco seasoning can last for several months when stored properly. Generally, a blend of ground spices will retain its best quality for about 6 months. After this, it may still be safe to use but with diminished flavor.
Hands down, this is the best taco seasoning I’ve ever made. Whether you’re using it to dry rub chicken thighs, as a fajita seasoning for chicken fajitas or sprinkle over delicious taco salads loaded with lettuce, black beans, avocado, and tomato, this recipe won’t disappoint.
