Best Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning Recipe 

The best homemade chicken taco seasoning recipe you will ever need. It’s perfect for chicken breast, chicken thighs or even ground chicken for your next Taco Tuesday. This homemade taco seasoning brings a mild heat to your favorite Mexican dishes. The best part is you can always tailor it to your own specific pallet and amp up the heat index if you want. Make a little or a big batch with these simple ingredients. 

If you’re looking for creative ways to use leftover ground chicken taco seasoning, check out my blog post on what to do with leftover taco meat.

This post may contain affiliate links in which I receive a small commission. 

WHY HOMEMADE CHICKEN TACO SEASONING

I know we have all bought the store-bought packets of taco seasoning. While I even keep some on hand for a quick taco night, I do enjoy making my own taco seasoning blend since it’s so easy to make. Given my spice cabinet rivals that of a candy store I do find myself creating my own seasoning often as a way to customize the flavors. I’m sharing my base recipe for this homemade chicken taco seasoning and then I’ll share some ways in which I create some variety. 

Let’s explore the process and benefits of making your own homemade chicken taco seasoning.

THE ART OF HOMEMADE CHICKEN TACO SEASONING

1. Quality Ingredients:

When crafting your own taco seasoning, you have the liberty to select the best quality spices and herbs available. This means you can choose organic, fresh, and ethically sourced ingredients, resulting in a seasoning blend that’s not only flavorful but also free from additives or preservatives often found in store-bought versions.

2. Customization and Flavor Profile:

As you mentioned, having a well-stocked spice cabinet allows you to experiment and tailor the seasoning mix to your exact liking. You can adjust the levels of individual spices like cumin, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder to achieve a perfect balance that suits your palate.

3. Dietary Preferences and Restrictions:

Making your own seasoning allows you to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences. For example, if you follow a low-sodium diet, you can control the salt content. Similarly, you can cater to specific dietary needs like gluten-free, vegan, or any other preferences.

4. Avoiding Allergens and Additives:

By creating your own blend, you can avoid common allergens or additives that may be present in store-bought packets. This is especially beneficial for those with allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR CHICKEN TACO SEASONING

Full recipe details including spice amounts are below in the recipe card.

This taco seasoning blend is one of my favorite recipes as it has some of the best flavor to season chicken. I typically use this blend for a pound of chicken whether its chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs. When I use it with ground chicken I do add a bit of corn starch and water to help create more of a sauce for the tacos. With this taco seasoning mix you can create the blend ahead of time. 

For this recipe you will need:

• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Black pepper
• Kosher salt
• Jalapeno chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Garlic powder

EASY STEPS TO MAKE TACO SEASONING

First, gather all of the spices and set aside. 

Next measure out each of the spices and place in a small bowl. 

Once all of the spices have been measured out, mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the spices.

Store in an airtight container in a cool dark place.

​HOW TO USE BEST TACO SEASONING MIX

This taco seasoning mix can be used directly as a dry rub for chicken breast or chicken thighs. However to create a more liquid marinade, add 1 tbsp of olive oil to the spice blend. 

If adding to ground chicken or ground turkey then I cook my meat until it is no longer pink, drain the excess fat, return the ground chicken to the pan and then add the spice mix to the ground chicken and add 1/3 cup of water and a sprinkle of cornstarch to thicken the sauce. 

​VARIATIONS AND CREATIVE ADDITIONS

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Herbaceous Twist: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs like cilantro, parsley, or even a touch of mint for a unique flavor profile.
• Citrus Zest: Grate some lemon or lime zest into the mix for a fresh, citrusy note. Or use some lemon or lime juice if creating a liquid marinade.
• Smoky Flavor: Include smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky, earthy undertone.
• Sweet and Savory: A touch of brown sugar or cinnamon can lend a subtle sweetness that balances the spices.

Creating your own homemade chicken taco seasoning not only elevates the flavors of your dishes but also allows for a personalized culinary experience. With a well-stocked spice cabinet, the possibilities are endless, and you can easily adapt the seasoning blend to suit any occasion or preference. Enjoy the process of experimenting and crafting your signature taco seasoning!

If you make this recipe, please leave me a comment down below if you liked it! Let’s also stay connected, feel free to follow me on my social channels: Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest.