If you're tired of the same old bland chicken dishes, it's time to shake things up with this zesty spice blend that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico. This chicken taco seasoning takes just minutes to mix, is fully customizable and keeps well for months. Keep it on hand in your spice cabinet or give it as a delicious gift.
By making your own homemade seasonings, you not only gain complete control over the flavor profile, but you also skip the additives and preservatives often found in store-bought packets found at your grocery store. Imagine succulent bites of chicken infused with the perfect combination of smoky, savory, and spicy notes using a recipe that you've crafted to fit your preferred tastes.
Making the best taco seasoning is a straightforward process that pays off in the first bite. Plus, the flexibility it offers is unmatched – whether you're cooking boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, for taco night, making ground chicken tacos, seasoning chicken breast for taco salads, or adding a kick to shredded chicken for nachos, this blend does it all with ease.
Best of all, homemade seasoning blends store well and make great gifts. Having a jar of this chicken taco seasoning on hand means that flavor-packed, Mexican-inspired meals and the best chicken tacos are just a sprinkle away.
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Ingredients
- Chili Powder – Chili powder typically consists of a mix of ground chili peppers, cumin, oregano, and garlic, providing a rich and earthy flavor with a hint of warmth.
- Ground Cumin – Cumin contributes a warm and slightly nutty flavor, enhancing the overall depth of the seasoning. Its earthy notes complement the chili powder, adding a flavor that is characteristic of many Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes.
- Garlic Powder – Garlic powder ensures a well-rounded flavor profile and eliminates the need for chopping fresh garlic, making the seasoning preparation hassle-free.
- Onion Powder – Onion powder provides a sweet and oniony essence without the bulk of fresh onions. It also adds a subtle sweetness.
- Paprika – Paprika brings a vibrant red color to the blend along with a mild and slightly sweet flavor. It complements the other spices and contributes to the visual appeal of the seasoned chicken.
- Oregano – Oregano infuses a herbaceous and slightly peppery note, enhancing the authenticity of the Mexican flavor profile. You can also use Mexican oregano which has a bit of a brighter flavor.
- Ground Black Pepper: Black pepper introduces a subtle heat and a peppery kick to the blend.
- Sea Salt – Salt not only enhances the flavors of the other spices but also helps to balance the overall taste. You can also use kosher salt.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Chicken Taco Seasoning
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or jar and mix well.
2. Use immediately, or store in an airtight container in the pantry for up to 6 months.
Hint: Before seasoning chicken, add a bit of cornstarch to your taco meat. This helps the seasoning to really stick to the meat and gives a great assist in the flavor department.
Variations
You can easily personalize this amazing chicken taco seasoning by making a few changes to the base recipe. This homemade taco seasoning mix works great for turkey tacos too!
- Spicy – For a milder seasoning, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the black pepper. If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- No sodium – Leave out the salt for a low-sodium diet or to have more control over the amount of salt used in each individual recipe.
- Lime or Orange Zest – Add a bright and citrusy dimension by incorporating the zest of a lime or orange. This can add a refreshing twist to the seasoning.
- More Smoky Flavor – Substitute regular paprika with smoked paprika to infuse a delightful smokiness into your seasoning.
- Sweet – For a touch of sweetness, add a teaspoon of brown sugar or a sugar substitute to balance the flavors.
Storage
Store your homemade seasoning in an airtight container or mason jar in a cool, dark place. This helps to preserve the freshness and flavor of the spices. A small glass jar or a spice container with a tight-sealing lid works well. Your homemade chicken taco seasoning will maintain it's flavor for about 6 months.
Top Tips
- Whenever possible, use fresh spices for maximum flavor. If your spices have been sitting in the pantry for a while, they may have lost some of their potency. Fresh spices will elevate the overall taste of your seasoning.
- Consider grinding whole spices, such as cumin seeds or black peppercorns, for a more intense and aromatic flavor. Freshly ground spices can make a significant difference in the overall taste of the seasoning.
- If you’re not a huge fan of garlic or onion flavors, reduce the onion and garlic powder by half.
- Once you’ve used the seasoning, you can adjust the individual spices to match your tastes.
- Prepare a larger batch of the seasoning and store it for later use. Having a ready-made supply makes it convenient to add a burst of flavor to your dishes whenever needed.
- While the seasoning is the star, don't forget to complement it with fresh ingredients like lime juice, chopped cilantro, and diced tomatoes for a truly authentic and vibrant Mexican flavor.
FAQ
3-4 tablespoons of this taco seasoning usually equals one packet of storebought seasoning. You can always start with 2 tablespoons and add more for your preferences.
While this blend is designed with chicken in mind, it works well with other meats such as ground beef, ground turkey, pork, or even tofu. Feel free to experiment and discover new flavor combinations.
Sprinkle the seasoning over your chicken before cooking, ensuring even coverage. You can also mix it with a bit of olive oil to create a marinade or rub for grilled meats. For ground chicken, stir the seasoning in during the cooking process.
This seasoning works well with plant-based proteins like tofu or in vegetable-based dishes.
While perfect for tacos, this versatile seasoning can elevate the flavor of various dishes. Try it in burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, salads, or even as a seasoning for roasted vegetables.
Related
Looking for more homemade seasoning recipes like this? Try these:
How to Use Chicken Taco Seasoning
The beauty of this seasoning is how effortlessly it adds flavor to a variety of recipes. Sprinkling over ground chicken makes delicious tacos but I also love to add this seasoning to my Crock Pot Shredded Chicken and serve it on tortillas. For an easy weeknight meal season Oven Baked Bone In Chicken Breasts or Easy Pan Fried Chicken Tenders with the seasoning for a flavorful twist. It is also great on Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs. And, when you've got a little extra time, it's the perfect seasoning for Cuban Roasted Chicken in a Dutch Oven. No matter how you use it, this chicken taco seasoning will add loads of flavor to your meals.
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RECIPE
Chicken Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
- 2 Teaspoons Ground Cumin
- 2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 2 Teaspoons Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika
- 1 Teaspoon Oregano
- ¼ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- ½ Teaspoon Sea Salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl or jar and mix well.
- Use immediately, or store in an air tight container in the pantry for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
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