The best chicken tacos starts with the best seasoning mix and that's this easy homemade seasoning blend. Get ready to take your next taco night up a level with this easy homemade chicken taco seasoning recipe. Made with simple spices such as chili powder, onion powder, oregano, garlic powder, and a few other spices.
Making your own seasoning blends has many benefits to it. You can customize it to your liking by adding in a little more or less of one of the spices. You can manage the sodium level, which is always good.
Homemade seasoning mixes are a healthier option because you are just using the spices. And not adding in any preservatives or artificial additives as you find in the packets at the grocery store. Since you most likely already have the seasonings needed for this recipe in your spice cabinet. It's not only convenient but cost-effective as well.
What Makes This Spice Blend Perfect For Tacos
Chicken taco seasoning is a homemade taco seasoning recipe that works perfectly on chicken. It is a blend of spices that is similar to regular taco seasoning without the added spiciness from red pepper flakes.
This spice blend is sure to bring out those Mexican flavors in so many recipes. It's perfect on boneless skinless chicken thighs, ground beef, ground chicken tacos, shredded chicken for taco salads, or even on roasted vegetables. You can also season black beans and refried beans with this homemade blend.
Introducing The Ingredients
Are you ready to take Taco Tuesday to a whole new level with this easy homemade chicken taco blend? In this section, we are going to talk about the ingredients we will be using for this seasoning mix. As well as what they do for the blend and any replacements that can be made.
- Smoked Paprika adds a rich smoky flavor and a vibrant red color. You can use regular paprika for non smokey flavor, or for a bit of heat and smokiness use chipotle powder.
- Chili Powder will add a medium heat to the seasoning.
- Ground Cumin adds a warm earthy flavor with hints of citrus to the seasoning blend. Ground coriander will be a close replacement for cumin. The taste won't be the same but coriander does provide similar depth and warmth like cumin.
- Onion Powder gives a savory yet sweet flavor to the chicken taco seasoning blend. Onion powder can be replaced with onion flakes.
- Garlic Powder as always adds a rich savory flavor to this seasoning blend. Just like the onion powder, garlic flakes can be used as a replacement for the garlic powder.
- Salt enhances all the spices to bring them all together, of course, this can be cut back or left out.
- Black Pepper has that pungent flavor with a mild heat that will enhance the chicken taco seasoning blend. White pepper or cayenne pepper would work as a replacement.
- Oregano has a robust, slightly bitter, and aromatic flavor that is perfect for this chicken taco blend. A good replacement would be Marjoram or Tyme. For more of a robust earthy flavor you could use Mexican oregano.
Keep in mind any replacements or adjustments to the recipe card can alter the original recipe.
How To Make Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning
If you prefer to make your own seasoning blends then this chicken taco seasoning recipe is going to be one you will want stocked in your spice cupboard.
It's simple to mix up, and a big batch can be made just as easily by doubling the recipe. Or triple the recipe for a triple batch of this homemade seasoning. Let's get on to mixing this spice blend.
In a small bowl add the smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, oregano, onion, and garlic powder. Whisk together until blended, and store in an airtight container such as a small mason jar.
To use this homemade seasoning blend simply add 1-2 tablespoons to 1 pound of meat. You can either season the meat while cooking in a large skillet or mix 1-2 tablespoons with ¼ cup water to make a marinade.
Answering The Questions
Answering common questions there might be about this homemade spice mix.
It sure can be, simply by adding in less or more of the chili powder. Or by changing regular black pepper out for cayenne pepper.
If this seasoning mix is properly stored in a cool dark place it should last for 6-12 months.
It can be but keep in mind fresh will add moisture and stronger flavors. The moister will not work for long term storage, but if you are using it in a small batch it will be fine.
It is as long as all the spices used are gluten-free, just check the labels on the spices to make sure.
Oh yes, it will work great on ground beef, pork, fish, and roasted vegetables.
This seasoning mix can be used as a dry rub or as a marinade. To use as dry rub simply coat your preferred meat with it before searing or grilling to lock in the flavor. As a marinade mix the seasoning with either water, olive oil, or lime juice.
More Homemade Seasoning Blend
Making your own homemade seasoning blends is the best way to control your sodium intake, as well as the additives and preservatives that are added to store-bought mixes. We love to make our own homemade taco seasoning, and easy fajita seasoning recipe along with these others.
Easy Chicken Taco Seasoning Recipe
Skip the store-bought seasoning mixes and make your own easy chicken taco seasoning recipe. This easy homemade chicken taco blend is perfect to use for tacos, enchiladas, or fajitas.
Ingredients
- ½ Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
- ½ Tablespoon Chili Powder
- ½ Tablespoon Cumin
- ½ Tablespoon Onion Powder
- ½ Tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoons Salt
- ¼ Teaspoon Pepper
- ½ Tablespoon Oregano
Instructions
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In a small bowl whisk all the seasonings together until blended.
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Add the blended chicken taco seasoning mix into an airtight container and store in a cool dark place.
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Use 1-2 tablespoons with 1 pound of meat or mix with ¼ cup water to create a marinade.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Use 2 tablespoons of the chicken seasoning mix per pound of chicken.
Scarlett
Nothing better than homemade spice seasoning recipe.