Chicken Taco Seasoning is one of my favorite ways to add flavor fast. Pantry staples are all that you need to create this flavorful mixture. You can make this for ground chicken or easily add it to your favorite cut of chicken.
The great part about making taco seasoning at home is that you are cutting down on the artificial additives and ingredients added to the packed mixtures at the grocery store. Plus, it's easy to make your own seasoning and really does add a ton of flavor.
We have tacos at our house all the time, and this homemade chicken taco seasoning is our go-to recipe. Not only do I have it memorized, but I really do love the taste. It is the best chicken taco spice mix we've tried. All the seasonings and herbs that are a part of the recipe are ones that I keep in my pantry at all times.
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This means less time stressing over needing to run to the store and more time spent creating and cooking the rest of my chicken taco recipe.
Speaking of delicious tacos, be sure to check out my Keto Chicken Tacos for a fun low carb and keto-friendly spin on taco night. (And yes, even the kids will love these!)
Ingredients
Onion powder - Don't worry. You can still add onions to your taco and use onion powder simultaneously.
Garlic powder - For this recipe, garlic powder works better than fresh garlic.
Smoked paprika - The smoky flavor is delicious. This is one of my favorite spices and I use it frequently. If you don't have smoked paprika you can sub in regular paprika.
Cumin - I love how cumin helps to mesh all the flavors together perfectly.
Chili powder - This can be optional, but it's a simple way to add some heat.
Oregano - Fresh oregano or dried is fine.
Salt - You can easily change the amount of salt to your preference. The amount I list is a guideline.
Black pepper - Pepper balances the other flavors without adding much heat.
How to make Chicken Taco Seasoning
Remember that seasoning recipes like this can also be used with ground beef, ground turkey, boneless skinless chicken thighs, boneless skinless chicken breast, grilled vegetables, and more. Just pair it with your favorite protein or vegetarian main.
Step One: Mix together all the seasonings in a small bowl. Add more to taste if you want to change up the flavor.
I told you this was easy, right? Make sure to scroll down to the printable recipe card so that you can get the rest of the directions on how to make chicken tacos.
Variations
Add different spices - You can alter this seasoning mix easily. Some options are red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, chili pepper flakes, or anything else that you want. You can also increase the addition of ground cumin and other ingredients, too.
Have fun with the seasoning - Since this seasoning is for tacos, have fun with it. Once you add the seasoning to the ground chicken, add some lime juice, pair it with sour cream, or let this homemade taco seasoning be the star of the show.
Make dip - You can also use this to make a Mexican dip. Simply mix equal parts mayo and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and season to taste.
Common Questions
What are good uses for taco seasoning mixes?
Here's the deal. Taco seasoning isn't just for tacos or your taco chicken recipe. Sure, it's great with meat and taco shells, but it's also perfect to use with your other favorite recipes for quesadillas, burritos, nachos, in a taco bowl, in taco salads, or anything else that you want to add Mexican flavor and taste, too.
What makes homemade taco seasoning better than a store-bought packet?
I can say for certain that this gluten-free chicken taco seasoning mix is just bursting with Mexican style flavors. Sometimes, I feel that the premade ones at the store are high in sodium, and low in flavor. This isn't true for all of them, but I've become so used to making my own, that I honestly don't have a need for the ones at the store any longer.
I love that I can use simple spices and herbs and make a seasoning that is simple and flavorful. There are no preservatives, no additives, just natural flavor from the pantry.
How do you store homemade taco mix?
Once the taco seasoning is made, it's best to store it in a mason jar or airtight container in a cool dark place. This ensures that it will stay fresh and not have the flavor altered, either.
The debate about storing it in the pantry or the fridge is one that will probably go on forever. My rule of thumb is that it needs to be sealed well and stored in a place that isn't too hot. It also needs to be out of direct sunlight, too.
This means that you can store it in the cabinet, or in the fridge, either one. If you are someone who likes to dip in a spoon to get some out of the jar to use, be sure that you're using a clean spoon so that you're not transferring germs back and forth. If you don't use a clean spoon, you're putting the seasoning at risk and may have to throw it out.
What other homemade seasoning mixes can I make?
Check out my recipes for:
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 2 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Spice Mix
- Mix together all the seasonings. Store in an airtight jar or container.
How to Use
- Use 2 tablespoons for every pound of chicken. Add more to taste. If you like your tacos spicy add more crushed red pepper.
Nutrition
Del says
Simple to make, had all the seasonings to make delicious 😋 chicken tacos, definitely saving this recipe!
Nesha says
Love this, perfect and easy