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My Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning boasts a delicious spice blend that is bold, flavorful, and made with readily available herbs and spices. Your next taco night will be bursting with flavor!
Here are some recipes you can use the taco seasoning blend with: Fried Chicken Tacos, Tequila Lime Chicken Bowl, Charred Elote Mexican Flatbread, Chicken Enchilada Pasta, Chipotle Chicken Tostadas, and Chicken Flautas.
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I've always been a huge fan of chicken tacos. Warm corn tortillas with seasoned chicken, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa are always a win, especially Taco Tuesday.
As you can see from the list of recipes above, it's not only tacos I enjoy. However, when I try to convince some of my friends with kids about how easy it is to make a taco seasoning blend at home, they quickly tell me, "Why when I can buy taco seasoning it's really convenient."
Now, I'm all for convenience, but not at the cost of my health. The majority of store-bought taco seasoning packets contain preservatives that are not listed and sugar that may go over the average consumer's head. However, if you see corn syrup solids or corn maltodextrin, keep in mind that equals sugar.
I won't go down the wormhole of what "natural flavor" means.
Plus, most taco seasoning packets only give you 1 oz. of seasoning, which is only two tablespoons. This is why my chicken taco seasoning recipe has ingredients we can identify and easily name. This recipe makes a big batch (4 oz.) compared to most that you'll find online, so you can use it on more than just chicken tacos.
I use chili powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, cumin, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Mexican oregano (the best oregano on the market). Measuring, stirring, storing, and cleaning up takes about 5 minutes.
Feel free to use this seasoning on beef tacos, taco salads, black beans, or any Mexican-themed recipes you plan on enjoying with your loved ones.
Chicken Taco Seasoning Ingredients
Everybody makes their homemade taco seasoning differently. This blend uses chili powder as the base, which guarantees a great depth of flavor combined with other herbs and spices that hit different notes instead of one single flavor.
Chili Powder
First, all chili powders are not created equal, so depending on which brand you use will determine the quality of flavor and ingredients. My go-to brand is Fiesta; I like using a company that focuses on quality ingredients.
Smoked Paprika
You can use regular paprika, but that will only add color, not flavor. Smoked paprika will give us a subtle smoky flavor.
Kosher Salt
I like using kosher salt because the coarse cut allows me to use less salt. Any coarse sea or Himalayan salt will work.
Ground Cumin
This is the most noticeable spice used in taco seasonings. Its strong and distinctive aroma must be included in your chicken taco seasoning. It also goes by the name Comino.
Granulated Garlic & Onion Powder
Granulated spices blend and taste better than their powdered versions, which can leave a chalky aftertaste.
Mexican Oregano
Several authentic Mexican recipes specifically call for Mexican Oregano. Once you use Mexican oregano, you'll understand why I'm specifically recommending this over the usual dried oregano.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning
The main thing to keep in mind whenever you make chicken taco seasoning is that every company makes a slightly different blend, which can be the difference between a mouth-warming, robust flavor and something mild and inferior. I recommend experimenting with a new spice brand or using the brands you love and trust.
Combine chili powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, cumin, ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Mexican oregano in a medium bowl or food processor.
Pulse the mixture five to eight times until blended. Use immediately or store in an airtight container. The seasonings will be good for six months.
Storing Chicken Taco Seasoning
I always recommend storing homemade seasonings in a mason jar; however, you can also place them in an airtight container, such as an old, clean seasoning bottle, in a cool, dark place for six months.
Pro Recipe Substitutions, Tips & Tricks
Here are the best practices, techniques, substitutes, and flavor builders for your homemade chicken taco seasoning.
- This seasoning blend is gluten-free, but to be sure, yours is read the back of the ingredients to confirm the manufacturer mentions it.
- If you want to add some spicy notes, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your taste. Instead of the traditional version, you can also experiment with chili powders, such as chipotle or ancho powder.
- Look for Mexican oregano near your grocery store's section with other Latin/ethnic/ Mexican ingredients. Of course, you can use regular oregano if you cannot find Mexican Oregano.
- For a floral note, add some ground coriander to your spice mix. Ground cumin may be sold as ground comino.
- If you use table salt, use half of the salt that the recipe calls for, and using the same amount can make your blend salty.
- If you can, look for a chili lime seasoning mix. The notes of lime juice add a delicious, zesty note that can help you create one of the best taco seasoning recipes.
FAQs
Here are the reader's top questions about making an easy chicken taco seasoning.
Can I use this seasoning of ground beef?
Absolutely! Although it's a chicken taco seasoning, it's meant to be used as a go-to Mexican seasoning mix. Feel free to use it on ground turkey, ground chicken, ground beef, steak for fajitas, boneless, skinless chicken breast, or chicken thighs.
What's the main ingredients in taco seasoning?
The main ingredients of taco seasoning are chili powder, ground cumin, paprika (often smoked), salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano with optional red pepper flakes for extra spice. Together, these ingredients form a savory spice blend that elevates the taste of tacos and various Mexican-inspired culinary creations.
What's the difference between chicken taco seasoning and regular taco seasoning?
The main difference between chicken and regular taco seasoning is their flavor balance. Chicken taco seasoning tends to be milder, focusing on herbs and citrus to suit chicken's lighter taste. Meanwhile, regular taco seasoning for beef or pork is usually bolder and spicier. Despite these differences, both types share similar base ingredients and can be used interchangeably based on personal taste preferences.
What can I use if I don't have any taco seasoning?
If you're out of taco seasoning, you can easily substitute pantry staples like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust the amounts based on what you have available and your taste preferences.
Is chicken taco seasoning the same as beef taco seasoning?
Chicken taco seasoning and beef taco seasoning share many ingredients but may differ slightly in blend to complement the specific protein they're designed for. However, they can be used interchangeably because taco seasoning is versatile, allowing for adjustments to suit various proteins, whether chicken, beef or any other protein.
More Taco Night Recipes
Here are a few more recipes that'll make your taco night special.
- Poblano Sauce
- Tamarind Margaritas
- Steak and Eggs Tacos
- Beer Battered Fish Tacos
- Blueberry Margaritas
- Pickled Red Onions
Before You Begin
Before getting started, here are the steps I use to get organized.
Step 1: Read the recipe once before making it, and check all of your spice inventory to ensure you have enough on hand. Discard any expired seasonings. We want the best chicken taco seasoning, not the worst.
Step 2: Follow the recipe and prepare a delicious homemade chicken taco seasoning, which will be your go-to Mexican spice blend.
Mastering your very own taco seasoning recipe will elevate your culinary creations and add a personalized touch to your meals, ensuring every taco night is as flavorful as it is memorable.
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📖 Recipe
Chicken Taco Homemade Seasoning
Ingredients
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons granulated onion powder
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons Mexican oregano
Instructions
- In a large bowl or food processor, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, cumin, ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Mexican oregano. Pulse the mixture five to eight times until blended. Use immediately or store in an airtight container. The seasonings will be good for six months.
- For a small portion for 1 lbs. of meat use this: 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, ¾ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder and heaping ¼ teaspoon of Mexican oregano.
Notes
- This seasoning blend is gluten-free, but to be sure, yours is read the back of the ingredients to confirm the manufacturer mentions it.
- If you want to add some spicy notes, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your taste. Instead of the traditional version, you can also experiment with chili powders, such as chipotle or ancho powder.
- Look for Mexican oregano near your grocery store's section with other Latin/ethnic/ Mexican ingredients. Of course, you can use regular oregano if you cannot find Mexican Oregano.
- For a floral note, add some ground coriander to your spice mix. Ground cumin may be sold as ground comino.
- If you use table salt, use half of the salt that the recipe calls for, and using the same amount can make your blend salty.
- If you can, look for a chili lime seasoning mix. The notes of lime juice add a delicious, zesty note that can help you create one of the best taco seasoning recipes.
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