Chicken Taco Seasoning, an easy Mexican inspired DIY spice blend that is perfect for delicious homemade tacos! Make your own from scratch Chicken Taco Seasoning mix in minutes for yourself or use it as a simple gift idea for your friends and family.
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Chicken tacos are a favorite family dinner around here, and this DIY Chicken Taco Seasoning is perfect for those quick family-friendly meals. I have a wide range of homemade taco seasoning mixes, but this taco seasoning is delicious for chicken or even turkey tacos.
This Chicken Taco Seasoning mix would really be delicious on any taco, but I particularly like it for chicken tacos. Yes, you can just buy taco seasoning packets from your local grocery store, but it’s great to make your own at home so you can tweak the spices to your personal preference.
Making homemade seasoning mixes is also a great way to get kids in the kitchen. Have them make some of their own spice mixes.
This recipe makes about 1/2 cup of seasoning mix. It should fit in 4-ounce glass jars, mason jars, or other spice containers. If using a 4-ounce jar, you may need to fill the jar most of the way with the seasoning mix, then gently tap the jar on your counter to remove any air bubbles and to make room for the rest of the seasoning mix.
This taco seasoning mix also makes a great homemade gift idea along with my other homemade spice mixes like these: Fry Seasoning, Blackened Seasoning, Chili Seasoning, Seasoning Salt, Burger Seasoning, Steak Seasoning, and Poultry Seasoning.
Put the mixes in cute glass jas with tags and ribbons and you have yourself a quick gift for your favorite foodies. A great gift idea for Christmas, birthdays, or even Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. Check out my great list of other Homemade Seasoning Mix Recipes for more DIY ideas.
So it’s kind of self-explanatory but for those wondering…
What is Chicken Taco Seasoning
Chicken Taco Seasoning is a mix of dried herbs and spices added to ground chicken or on pieces of chicken before or after cooking before adding to tacos.
I’m sharing my favorite spice combo, but you can tweak the ingredients and amounts.
(Full printable recipe card is at bottom of post.)
Chicken Taco Seasoning Ingredients
- Salt
- Ancho chili pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika (smoked or sweet)
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Black pepper
- Oregano (Mexican if possible)
How to Make Chicken Taco Seasoning
- Mix all ingredients in small bowl until well combined.
- Place in small glass spice jar with lid. Store at room temperature.
That’s it!
Uses for Chicken Taco Seasoning
- Add to ground chicken in a pan while cooking before adding to tacos.
- Rub onto boneless chicken breasts or chicken thighs before grilling or roasting.
- Mix with shredded chicken for shredded chicken tacos.
- Sprinkle a little on taco salads or in chicken quesadillas.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Use dry herbs and spices, not fresh.
- There are lots of different types of paprika. Use one you like such as a sweet one or spicy.
- For a spicier version of this mix, you can add a little ground cayenne.
- You can use a small spice grinder (or small food processor) to combine everything and make a finer ground seasoning mix
- Store the seasoning mix in a closed container in a dark cool place away from heat and light.
Chicken Taco Seasoning FAQ
How should I store the chicken taco seasoning?
Store the seasoning mix in a closed container in a dark cool place away from heat and light.
How long will the chicken taco seasoning last?
If your herbs and spices are fairly new, it should last about 1-3 years. It may lose a little flavor over time, but still delicious.
Substitutions?
Instead of ground ancho chili pepper you can use your favorite chili, however, they can vary in spiciness so you may need to adjust the amount.
What else can I add to this recipe?
If you want a spicy version, you can add a little ground cayenne. A little dried lime peel would also be a great addition. For a little corn flavor, you could add a little masa harina or corn meal.
Can I make this vegan/vegetarian/low carb/gluten-free?
Here are some suggestions, but I can’t guarantee results. Be sure as always to check particular brands and ingredients if you’re following a specific diet or have diet restrictions or allergies.
Vegan – The seasoning mix is vegan and could be added to vegan tacos.
Vegetarian – The seasoning mix is vegetarian and could be added to veggie tacos.
Low-Carb – The seasoning mix is low-carb. Use lettuce leaves or low carb taco shells instead of traditional tortillas or taco shells like these cauliflower tortillas, for a lower carb taco.
Gluten-Free -The seasoning mix is gluten-free.
Some Mexican Inspired Recipes You May Enjoy
- Oven Baked Potato Wedges with Taco Seasoning (Snappy Gourmet) – You could use this taco seasoning on the potato wedges!
- Mexican Sloppy Joes (Snappy Gourmet) – Use chicken and this taco seasoning for this quick dinner idea.
- Mexican Refrigerator Pickles (Snappy Gourmet) – Overnight refrigerator pickles with Mexican flavors.
- Chicken Tortilla Soup (Snappy Gourmet) – Perfect comfort food for chilly nights.
Hope you enjoy this Chicken Taco Seasoning mix. Tell me in the comments about your tacos!
You might also like this Mild Homemade Taco Seasoning or this Spicy Homemade Taco Seasoning.
Chicken Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons salt
- 2 Tablespoons ancho chili pepper
- 4 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano (Mexican if possible)
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in small bowl until well combined.
- Place in small glass spice jar with lid. Store at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition:
(Nutrition data is provided when available for informational purposes only and calculated using an online nutritional calculator. For the most accurate information please calculate based on specific ingredients and brands you use as well as any changes you made to the recipe. I am not a certified nutritionist or registered dietician and any nutritional information provided should only be used as a general guideline and estimate.)
About Lisa Huff
Lisa Huff is a Cookbook Author, Freelance Recipe Developer, Food Photographer, Blogger/Writer, and award-winning home chef. She loves creating unique recipes from healthy to decadent including cocktails, appetizers, main dishes, dessert recipes and more and has appeared on various shows, publications, and websites.
How much seasoning do you use on chicken for chicken tacos?
Well, that’s a great question but really personal preference. If using ground chicken I’d start with about 2 Tablespoons and then add more if you’d like. If using on boneless chicken breasts or thighs I’d sprinkle quite a bit on both sides and rub it in.
I just love making my own seasoning blends! I will have to try this one soon. :)
DIY seasonings are the best. You can control the salt for sure. Made just the way you want it to be.
Such a great idea to make a spice mix from ingredients I already have rather than buying another spice. The balance of the falvours in this mix are great!
I’m buying taco seasoning in stores, but look how easy it is to make it at home. Excellent! I’m going to make a jar. Thanks!
We are always looking for new ways to cook chicken and this seasoning looks amazing. I can’t wait to try it.