Forget the packaged stuff, make this quick and easy chicken taco seasoning with a few simple ingredients from your spice cabinet! This mix features all the best herbs and spices for a perfect chicken taco night!
A super simple chicken taco seasoning for elevating your Taco Tuesdays, or any day!
Do you get tired of buying pre-packaged seasonings? They may only be a couple of bucks, but you only get one use out of them, and they are loaded with sodium!
When you make your own spice blends at home, you have the creative freedom to tweak it to your preference! Want a more smokey flavor, more or less salt, a little spice?
By keeping this recipe in your back pocket, you will never have to make a trip to the store for taco seasoning again!
🥘 Ingredients
If you keep your spice cabinet stocked, these are pretty standard herbs and spices. If not, pick them up at the store so you can make this seasoning blend again and again!
- 1 tablespoon Chili Powder - If you don't have any on hand, try one of these substitutes!
- ½ teaspoon Cumin – This is where a lot of the signature “taco” flavor comes from. It is a very pronounced flavor if you decide to add more do so sparingly.
- ½ teaspoon Paprika – Try smoked paprika for a strong smoky flavor!
- ½ teaspoon Ground Coriander – If you have Coriander seeds, you can grind them yourself using a mortar & pestle. If you don't have one, place the seeds on the counter and place a large pot on top, moving it side to side in order to crush them.
- ½ teaspoon salt – More or less to taste. Remember, you can always add more salt after cooking, but you can’t take salt away.
- ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper – Again, you can always add more or less to taste.
- ¼ teaspoon Oregano – It’s not just for Italian food. If you don’t have Oregano, there are plenty of suitable substitutes.
- ¼ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper – This is where the heat comes from, add more if you really like it spicy.
*Be sure to see the recipe card below for ingredients, amounts & instructions!*
🔪 Step-By-Step Instructions
There's not much to this one, just 2 easy steps. You'll be wondering why you haven't been making your own seasonings this whole time!
- Combine. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon ground coriander, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon Oregano, and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper. *For a fine consistency, you can use a spice grinder to break down the oregano and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Season. Season 1 pound of chicken with this mix, or store it away for later use if not using the whole amount.
This recipe will yield about 2 ¼ tablespoons of taco seasoning, and can season 1 pound of shredded chicken, leftover cooked chicken, or ground chicken. To complete your meal, check out what to serve with tacos!
🥡 Storing
This seasoning should be kept in a cool, dark place (like the pantry or a cabinet) for up to one year. Keep the seasoning in an airtight container or jar for freshness.
Once it has been sitting, be sure to shake it up before using!
🧂 More Great Seasoning Blends!
Like I said, I'm over packaged seasonings! Ditch pre-made seasonings by checking out some of my other awesome DIY blends!
Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
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📋 Recipe
Chicken Taco Seasoning (Better Than Store Bought!)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ tablespoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika)
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients (chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, ground black pepper, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes) in a small bowl or container.1 tablespoon chili powder, ½ tablespoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon ground coriander, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon oregano, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- If desired, for a fine consistency, you can use a spice grinder to break down the oregano and red pepper flakes.
- Mix with 1 pound of chicken meat for chicken tacos, or store for later in an airtight spice jar or container.
Equipment You May Need
Notes
- Combined chicken seasoning yields about 2 ¼ tablespoons.
- Season 1 pound of shredded chicken, leftover cooked chicken, or ground chicken with 1 recipe of this seasoning.
- Shake well to combine before using stored seasoning (if only using a partial amount).
Nutrition
Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!
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