Chili Seasoning

Chili Seasoning, an easy DIY spice blend that is perfect for all kinds of chili! Make your own homemade Chili Seasoning mix in minutes for yourself or use it as a simple gift idea for your friends and family.

This DIY Chili Seasoning is a great all-purpose seasoning mix for your homemade chili. It’s the perfect addition to beef or chicken chili, or really any chili variation. It’s easy to make mild or spicy so easy to adapt to any personal preference.

I know there are people out there who buy chili seasoning packets (such as McCormick’s…) from their local grocery store. No reason you can’t make your own at home and tailor it to your personal preference. So quick and easy.

You can add this seasoning mix to really any kind of chili from beef to white chicken chili. It would be delicious in this Italian Chicken Chili and even this Mexican Style Chicken Chili just to name a few.

This seasoning mix recipe makes about a 1/2 cup of seasoning. It should fit in 4-ounce glass jars, mason jars, or other spice containers. If you are using a 4-ounce jar, you may need to fill the jar most of the way with the seasoning mix, then gently tap on your counter to remove any air bubbles to make room for the rest of the seasoning mix.

Need a quick gift idea? This Chili Seasoning makes a quick and easy gift idea along with my other DIY spice mixes like my Seasoning Salt, Burger Seasoning, Steak Seasoning, and Poultry Seasoning.

Put the mixes in cute jars with a bow or ribbon and they are perfect for Christmas, birthdays, or even Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. If you have foodies in your life, it’s an inexpensive and easy homemade gift idea. For more ideas, check out my long list of other Homemade Seasoning Mix Recipes.

What is Chili Seasoning

Chili Seasoning is a spice blend that you add to homemade chili. You can add this Chili Seasoning to any kind of chili but think it’s particularly good for beef or chicken chili.

To use, mix in some of the seasoning mix into your chili while cooking. As far as how much to add, it’s a personal preference. Popular store-bought packets such as McCormick’s are about 1/3 cup seasoning to 1 pound of meat. I’d suggest starting with about 2 tablespoons of this mix and add more as needed or to your preference.

I like adding a little masa harina (or corn meal) for a slight corn flavor. It’s in a lot of premade chili seasoning mixes, but you don’t have to add it.

(Full printable recipe card is at bottom of post.)

Chili Seasoning Ingredients

• Chili powder
• Masa harina (or corn meal)
• Salt
• Ground cumin
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Oregano
• Cayenne Pepper (a little for a mild version, or add more for a spicy version)

How to Make Chili Seasoning

1. Mix all ingredients in small bowl until well combined.
2. Place in small glass spice jar with lid. Store at room temperature.

That’s it! It’s ready to go!

Uses for Chili Seasoning

• Add to your favorite beef or chicken chili, or really any chili variation.
• Sprinkle a little into your favorite chip dips for a whole new flavor.
• Add a little to your favorite soups and stews.
• A little sprinkle on your favorite Mexican dishes such as enchiladas or tacos would also be delicious.

Quick Tips for Best Results

• Use dry spices, not fresh herbs.
• Some premade packets (or chili recipes) may contain sugar. If you like your chili seasoning a bit on the sweet side, you could add your favorite sweetener.
• This seasoning mix is fairly mild. If you like it more on the spicy side, double (or more…) the cayenne pepper.
• For a finer ground spice, you can use a small spice grinder (or small food processor) to combine everything.
• Store the seasoning mix in a closed container in a dark cool place away from heat and light.

Chili Seasoning FAQ

How should I store the chili seasoning?
Store the seasoning mix in a closed container in a dark cool place away from heat and light.

How long will the chili seasoning last?
The seasoning mix should last about 1-3 years assuming your spices are on the newer side. The mix may start to lose a little flavor over time.

Substitutions?
Instead of masa harina you can use a fine ground corn meal. Instead of cayenne, you could use your favorite pepper spice but may need to adjust the amount.

What else can I add to this recipe?
Some chili seasoning mixes (or chili recipes) have sugar in them. You can add your favorite sweetener if you’d like. A little dried lime zest would also be a simple and delicious addition.

How much should I add to my chili?
So store-bought chili seasoning packets are about 1/3 cup to one pound of meat. However, it’s really personal preference and could vary for each recipe. I would suggest starting with about 2 tablespoons for one pound of meat and add more as desired.

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.

Vegetarian – The seasoning mix is vegetarian.

Low-Carb – The seasoning mix is low carb, but be sure to not add sugar if you want to keep it that way.

Gluten-Free – The seasoning mix is gluten-free.

Chili Side Dish Recipes You May Enjoy

• Fluffy Buttermilk Chive Biscuits (Snappy Gourmet) – These homemade chive biscuits are so light and fluffy and perfect for chili.
• Mini Cheddar Biscuit Muffins (Snappy Gourmet) – A cross between a muffin and biscuit.
• Gluten-Free Cheddar Bay Biscuits (Snappy Gourmet) – These almond flour biscuits are great for those who are gluten-free.
• Garlic Cheddar Drop Biscuits (Snappy Gourmet) – Quick and easy!
• Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread (Food Network) – Great for those who love all things spicy.

Hope you enjoy this DIY Chili Seasoning mix. Tell me in the comments about your homemade chili!

If you like homemade seasoning mixes, you might also like this Garlic Herb Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix and Citrus Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix!