My recipe for chicken taco seasoning is incredibly easy to make in 5 minutes with pantry ingredients, and it adds so much flavor to tacos and more. I also use it on steak and beef, and even to jazz up plain chicken breasts!
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My Favorite Chicken Taco Seasoning Recipe
It should come as no surprise that I love making my own seasoning mixes and blends from scratch. And when I saw I had all of the key ingredients needed to make chicken taco seasoning, I knew it was going to be the next recipe I tried my hand at!
While I love using store-bought seasoning blends from time to time, there’s just something about a homemade seasoning that makes my food taste so much better. So, I set off to create myself the best chicken taco seasoning I could.
I wanted it to be super flavorful and still easy to put together and I made just that. I even used all ingredients that were already in my pantry so I could pull it together any time.
I remember the first time I made chicken tacos for my husband Ben. He asked me what I did differently with them because they were “fantastic” as he said. He thought I found a new blend at the store, but nope! It’s homemade by me!
Since then, I typically keep a filled spice jar made with a quadruple batch of the seasoning so I can just toss it on the food as I make it without any extra work!
While I love using those store-bought mixes in a pinch, I just love making them at home because of how easy they really are. Plus, they always have a ton more flavor.
Be sure to try my other seasoning and marinade recipes next! Mild taco seasoning and London broil marinade are just a few.
Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning Ingredients
- Chili powder – Gives most taco seasoning blends their traditional earthy flavor and mild heat! Try ancho chili powder for a smokier feel.
- Cumin – Also a classic! Cumin is warm, nutty, and very slightly bitter (in a good way). Ground coriander is similar, but it isn’t exactly the same.
- Garlic powder – I add garlic powder to pretty much everything! For good reason: it’s rich and highlights the flavor of whatever I add it to.
- Smoked paprika – Brings a gentle heat with a deep smokiness. Regular paprika can be used, but the blend will lose that smoky depth. I find chipotle powder is the best sub!
- Salt – Enhances all of the other spices and the chicken I’ll add it to for tacos.
- Black pepper – Adds sharpness and a bit of a kick that pairs well with the chili powder. It also helps round out the overall flavor of the blend.
How to Make Chicken Taco Seasoning
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Measure out the spices, then pour them onto a plate or into a bowl. Whisk everything to combine.
STEP TWO: To use the seasoning mix for chicken tacos, heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Chop 1 pound of chicken into cubes and add to the skillet. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly on top, then add 1-2 tablespoons of water. Stir to coat the chicken.
STEP THREE: Sauté the chicken until it is cooked through and no longer pink. Serve on tortillas with all of the taco toppings and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Seasoning for Chicken Tacos
- Easily make a big batch by doubling, tripling, or even quadrupling my recipe. I store any extras in a spice jar in my pantry for easy use the next time.
- Opt for fresh ground spices for the best flavor. I typically try to use spices that are only 6-12 months old when making homemade seasoning mixes, not the ones that have been sitting in the back of the cupboard!
- I prefer mixing on a plate as it lets me see how evenly everything is combined before I use it. It’s such a simple step, but it prevents bigger clumps of salt or paprika from overpowering the blend.
- Water helps the seasoning stick to the chicken, so don’t skip it. It also helps distribute the spices evenly, creating an almost sauce-like coating while it cooks. If I find the skillet looks dry throughout the cooking process, I add another splash to loosen things up.
Chicken in Taco Seasoning Variations and Substitutions
- For a low-sodium option, feel free to omit the salt completely! This way, everyone can season their own tacos to taste once they’re served.
- Turn it into a spicy chicken taco seasoning blend and add up to ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, chipotle powder, or crushed red pepper flakes! I love this one.
- Dried Mexican oregano or dried cilantro would bring a bit of color and herby flavor that would work especially well with grilled chicken tacos.
- Or, add ½ teaspoon of lime zest for extra zing that brightens up the whole blend.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning
My seasoning blend adds so much to plain old chicken and is perfect for any type of chicken taco — or even ones made with beef! I’ve used it in shredded chicken tacos, a steak quesadilla, southwest chicken wraps, and even on simple air fryer chicken breasts. I chopped those up and added them to some taco shells, and it came out so well.
Chicken Taco Seasoning FAQs
Can I use this taco seasoning on beef?
Absolutely! My taco seasoning works just as well on ground beef, steak, and shredded beef as it does on chicken. The chili powder, cumin, garlic, and smoked paprika give beef a bold and flavorful kick as well! Simply use the same amount of seasoning per pound of meat, or adjust for personal preference.
How much taco seasoning do I need to use for my chicken?
My recipe makes about 2.5 tablespoons of seasoning, which is the perfect amount for 1 pound of chicken. If using more or less meat, feel free to scale up or down accordingly.
How should I store leftover taco seasoning for chicken?
I like to store my homemade seasoning blend in a small glass jar with a lid in my pantry. Place it in a cool or dark place and be sure that it’s fully sealed to keep moisture out. It will keep for up to 6 months.
More Taco Recipes
Easy Chicken Taco Seasoning
Equipment
- spice jar to store leftovers, if needed
Ingredients
- 2 ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Pour the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper on a plate or bowl.
- Mix thoroughly then use on chicken, beef, or other protein.
Notes
- This recipe makes enough seasoning for 1 pound of chicken. Feel free to double, triple, or even quadruple it.
- Opt for fresh ground spices that are between 6-12 months old for the best flavor.
- Try mixing the spices on a plate to see how evenly everything is combined before using it.
- Store any leftovers in a small glass jar with a lid in the pantry. Place it in a cool or dark place and be sure that it’s fully sealed to keep moisture out. It will keep for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
