Chicken Taco Seasoning (BEST, easy & homemade)

Making homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning is a must if you are a taco lover, and Taco Tuesday is on the weekly rotation. This mix marries authentic Mexican spices with a well-crafted selection of dried spices to achieve the ideal seasoning for boneless skinless chicken breasts, thighs, shredded chicken, and, of course, delicious ground chicken tacos!

This homemade taco seasoning is naturally gluten-free, making it a win-win for all. Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning surpasses store-bought seasoning packets in taste and freshness and all this using simple ingredients.

In this recipe, there are no preservatives, artificial flavors, monosodium glutamates, sugar, or cornstarch, which are common ingredients in a packet of store-bought chicken taco seasoning that you find at the grocery store. Making homemade seasoning gives you full control of the ingredients used.

You'll feel good making a big batch of this homemade seasoning. The best part is that it's good with ground chicken to make yummy tacos or use it as a fajita seasoning too. And best of all, you can make your own taco seasoning at a fraction of the cost of store-bought, making it a budget-friendly choice. Taco night and busy weeknights just got easier!

I typically use 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning for every pound of meat (this recipe makes exactly 3 tablespoons). This recipe is so versatile that you can use it to season ground chicken, ground turkey, like my ground turkey sliders and ground beef, like my Tex-Mex burgers.

I even make my Cheese Burger Bowls subbing in this spice blend to give the dish a Tex-Mex vibe; it's so good ♥️

Ingredients

Here is a summary of the ingredients you'll need to make the best Chicken Taco Seasoning:

Ingredient Notes

• Garlic powder and onion powder: Make sure you use garlic powder and onion powder, not the products labeled garlic salt or onion salt, as your seasoning will be too salty.
• Oregano: Mediterranean or Mexican oregano will work in this recipe. Mediterranean oregano is robust and peppery, while Mexican oregano (my favorite) is citrusy with mild licorice undertones.

See the recipe card below for all the ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions

• Paprika: Substitute smoked paprika for the sweet paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Cayenne: Substitute red pepper flakes for the cayenne pepper for mild heat.

Variations

• Coriander: If you can not find Mexican oregano, add ⅛ teaspoon of coriander to the seasoning mix. Coriander has a citrusy, slightly nutty flavor with hints of sweetness.
• Unsalted or low sodium: If you're trying to control the amount of salt in your cooking, omit the salt or use less. It's all about your personal preference.

What Dishes Pair Well with Chicken Taco Seasoning?

Chicken Taco Seasoning complements various dishes beyond tacos to give your meal that iconic Tex-Mex flavor. Below are a few suggestions to inspire you:

1. Grilled or baked chicken: Use this seasoning as a rub for chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. The chicken can then be added to your taco bowls or burritos.
2. Fajitas: Use the chicken taco seasoning to marinate chicken to make tasty fajitas.
3. Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, red onions, and mushrooms are delicious, sprinkled with a few teaspoons of this spice blend and a drizzle of olive oil.
4. Rice or Quinoa: Add the seasoning blend to cooked rice or quinoa to give it a spicy depth of flavor.
5. Chili: This spice blend will replace the usual spices you use to make chili con carne.
6. Quesadillas or Enchiladas: Use the chicken seasoned with this taco spice blend to fill quesadillas or enchiladas.
7. Crumbled Tofu: Use this chicken taco seasoning mix to flavor crumbled tofu for vegan or vegetarian tacos.
8. Nachos: This Tex-Mex seasoning is delicious, sprinkled on top of a big sheet pan of fully loaded nachos with cheese, jalapenos, green onions, and salsa.
9. Taco Salads: Last but not least, add the seasoning to taco salads to add Mexican flavors to your dish.

Secrets for Success

• Dried spices don't have strict expiration dates like perishable foods. However, they can lose their flavor and potency over time.
• Many spices will have a 'best buy' date on the package, so it's best to use them within that timeframe to ensure the best flavor and quality.

Storage

• Store the spice mix in an airtight container like a mason jar or similar container.
• Opt for non-plastic containers since plastic can impart an unpleasant taste to the dried spices.
• Store in the pantry for up to 6 months away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.

Make Ahead

• To simplify your life, make a double batch or triple batch and keep it in your pantry or cupboard the next time the craving for tacos, burritos, or fajitas strikes.

🌟 Recommendations for safe food handling 🌟

Recipe FAQs