This simple chicken taco seasoning recipe from the Food Network works well with ground beef, too!
If you think taco seasoning is just for tacos, then think again!
This simple chicken taco seasoning is perfect for adding flavor to all kinds of dishes. Just take a look at all the ways you could use it:
- In soups, stews and casseroles
- As a dry rub for grilled meat
- In burritos
- In fajitas
- In taco salads
…in fact, you can use this seasoning just about anywhere that you want a nice pop of Mexican flavor!
Is Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning Worth the Effort?
It most certainly is! In fact, there are several real advantages to making your own seasoning.
It Saves Money
If you actually add up the cost of the ingredients, you’ll be amazed by how much cheaper it is to whip up a batch of this yummy seasoning, rather than buying it pre-mixed from a store.
Greater Control
So your little ones are not a fan of spicy food? Then reduce the amount of chili powder! Or perhaps you like your tacos hot enough to make your eyes water? Then you can double it, or come up with your own spice blend of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes!
The beauty of creating your own seasonings is they come out tasting just the way that you (and your family) prefer them. Maybe you want a little more garlic powder and a little less onion powder, or maybe you’re aiming for a smoky flavor with mild heat — the best flavor for your next taco night is up to you!
It only takes 2-3 minutes to swap out a couple ingredients from your spice cabinet and add it to some ground chicken taco meat, so the question really is — why not make your own chicken taco seasoning?
Eliminate Unwanted Ingredients
Additional colorings? Artificial flavors? These are standard ingredients in many commercially-made seasoning mixes or store-bought packets of taco seasoning. But if all you want is pure flavor with no unnecessary additives, it makes sense to mix your own!
Tip: If you like your tacos on the smokey side, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
How to Store Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning
This recipe only produces a small amount of seasoning — enough for one meal. But if you want to save time in future, it makes sense to prepare a small batch in advance. That way, you always have some on hand when you need it! We recommend you make a double batch or even a triple batch and use it on your favorite recipes, including turkey tacos or other Mexican-inspired dishes (even if this is just for your personal consumption).
The best way to store homemade seasoning is in a mason jar. Just seal it up, keep it in a cool, dry place and it will last for months (and probably even more than a year!).
That being said, the robust flavors will decline a little over time — so we recommend using it within the first 6 months of preparation.
FAQ: How long is taco meat good for in the fridge? Find out now!
More Taco Recipes
Now your seasoning is ready, it’s time to cook up some amazing chicken tacos!
These Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos are just the best to come home to at the end of a long day!
This Chicken Taco Salad makes the perfect summer’s meal, while these Shredded Chicken Tacos bring new flavors to your Tex-Mex experience.
Chicken Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Ground Cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Cornstarch
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Brown one pound of meat, either chopped or ground meat, in a skillet.
- Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add 2/3 cup of water.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer then cook, stirring, for around 4 minutes until the mixture has thickened.