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Home » Recipes » Chili Seasoning

Chili Seasoning

January 29, 2021 5 Comments

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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.

(For your shopping convenience, this post contains affiliate links.)

chili seasoning in jar

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.

chili seasoning in glass jar

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.

glass bottle with tag

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.

chili seasoning spices on plate

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)

chili seasoning ingredients mixed in bowl

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!

chili seasoning in glass jar

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.

homemade chili seasoning in jar

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 seasoning in glass jar with gift tag

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.

chili seasoning in glass jar

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

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

chili seasoning in jar
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5 from 5 votes

Chili Seasoning

DIY Chili Seasoning, an easy homemade spice blend for homemade chili and other dishes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Yield 8 servings (makes 1/2 cup)
Author Lisa Huff

Ingredients
 

  • 4 Tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 Tablespoon masa harina (or corn meal)
  • 1 Tablespoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

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

Notes

SNAPPY TIPS: All spices should be dry, not fresh. If you'd like a finer powder, you can put the spices in a small spice grinder or food processor, pulse a few times, and use it as desired. You can omit salt for a salt-free version.
SNAPPY SUBSTITUTIONS: Instead of masa harina you could substitute cornmeal. Other spices that might be good in this seasoning mix are unsweetened cocoa powder, ground coriander, ground chipotle, paprika, ancho chili pepper, and even sugar.
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Keywords: gift idea, homemade spice mix
Did you try this recipe?Tag @SnappyGourmet or #SnappyGourmet!

 

collage of chili seasoning

Tags: chili, diy, gift idea, recipe, seasoning, spice Categories: Misc. Recipes, Recipes

About the Author

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. <More about Lisa Huff>

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jen says

    February 6, 2021 at 10:11 am

    You saved the day! I was going to make chili but realized I never picked up a packet. So thankful I found this recipe. It worked perfectly. I’ll be making my own from here on out.

    Reply
  2. Julia says

    February 6, 2021 at 9:58 am

    What an easy way to make your own seasoning blend!

    Reply
  3. veenaazmanov says

    February 6, 2021 at 9:48 am

    A lovely flavorful seasoning. Easy and quick to find ingredients. Love to have this in my kitchen too.

    Reply
  4. Alison says

    February 6, 2021 at 9:35 am

    I use chili seasoning all the time in so many recipes! This is a great go to, and has a wonderful variety of spices that really amps up the flavor of chili!

    Reply
  5. Heather Johnson says

    February 6, 2021 at 9:13 am

    i’ve never thought to add cornmeal in – sounds tasty – i’ll have to try it out!

    Reply

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