Taco Seasoning for Chicken (Mexican)

chickentacoseassoning This Chicken Taco Seasoning is the tastiest homemade Mexican spice blend to flavour chicken for tacos (and more). It’s a simple, easy recipe and a scrumptious, customizable alternative to store-bought seasoning packets. If you love the bold flavours of authentic Mexican ground beef tacos or spicy fish tacos with cabbage slaw, you’re going to adore this chicken taco seasoning.

4 Tbsp. chili powder
2 Tbsp. ground cumin
2 Tbsp. onion powder
2 Tbsp. ground smoked paprika
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. dried oregano
2 Tbsp. sea salt
½ Tbsp. black pepper, freshly ground

Thoroughly mix spices together in a bowl until well combined. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed to ensure every pinch of your seasoning has all the flavours.

Once mixed, carefully transfer your homemade seasoning into an airtight jar or container.

Store your chicken taco seasoning in a cool, dry place. Use it to spice up your chicken tacos or any other dish that could use a little flavour boost.

Makes approximately 1 cup of seasoning, enough to season 5 lbs of chicken.

Cook's Notes:

For a less-spicy version, substitute 2 Tbsp. of sweet paprika for 2 Tbsp. of the chili powder.
Use 3 Tbsp. of the spice blend per pound of chicken.
To make a small batch, here are the quantities to season 1 lb of chicken. It yields 3 Tbsp:
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder
  1 tsp. ground cumin
  1 tsp. onion powder
  1 tsp. ground smoked paprika
  ½ tsp. garlic powder
  ½ tsp. dried oregano
  1 tsp. sea salt
  ¼ tsp. black pepper, freshly ground

Unleash your culinary creativity. This seasoning can be sprinkled, tossed, or rubbed:

Taco Nights: Sprinkle it generously over your chicken (whether it’s ground chicken, skinless chicken breast, thighs or rotisserie chicken for shredded chicken tacos) for a deliciously flavoured easy chicken taco. It’s the perfect seasoning Baked Chicken Tacos. It also forms a delicious marinade for grilled boneless skinless chicken thighs, like for Mexican Street Tacos.
Grilled Dishes: These spices for chicken tacos are also perfect as a Mexican chicken rub and don’t be shy about using it on other proteins. Rub it on your chicken, beef, or veggies before grilling for a smoky, spicy twist.
Nachos: This spice blend is perfect to season chicken for nachos.
Taco Salads: Use this seasoning blend on your chicken or ground turkey to make the best ever taco salads. Just add lettuce, tomato, cheese, black beans, a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lime juice.
Chicken Fajitas: Spice up your chicken for fajitas. Sprinkle it over chicken breasts and grill them or pan-sear to juicy perfection.

Choose the Perfect Side Dishes:

Pair your seasoned chicken with homemade corn tortillas or flour tortillas with these flavour-packed sides:
Instant Pot Mexican Rice: A deliciously seasoned rice that complements the flavours of your tacos.
Refried Beans: Add a hearty, creamy element to your meal.
Fresh Guacamole and Salsa: The coolness of guacamole and the tangy spice of salsa perfectly balance the heat in your tacos. A little sour cream, Lime Crema or Avocado Crema would be perfect on top.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips:

When you’re in a pinch, this homemade taco seasoning is a real game-changer:
Make Ahead: Prepare this blend in advance for impromptu taco nights or quick weekday meals.
Storage: Homemade spice mixes like this Chicken Taco Seasoning can last for up to 1-2 years if properly stored. However, for the best flavour, it’s recommended to use them within six months. The key to maintaining the spice mix’s longevity is to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Make sure the container is airtight to prevent moisture from getting in, which can shorten its shelf life and affect its flavour.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the difference between taco seasoning and chicken taco seasoning? “Taco seasoning” and “chicken taco seasoning” generally contain similar spices, like chili powder, cumin and garlic. The main difference often lies in the proportions of these spices. A chicken taco seasoning might emphasize milder, savoury spices to complement chicken’s lighter flavour. Meanwhile, a general taco seasoning might have more robust spices like chili to stand up to heartier meats like beef. However, the choice of seasoning can be adjusted to personal taste and the specific dish.
Is chicken fajita seasoning the same as taco seasoning? Chicken fajita seasoning and taco seasoning are similar in that they both contain a mix of spices often used in Mexican cuisine. However, they may differ slightly in their ingredients and ratios to complement the specific dishes they’re meant for.
Fajita seasoning often contains a higher proportion of chili powder and it might include more savoury elements like meat tenderizer or tomato powder. The spices are chosen to highlight the charred, smoky flavour of fajitas cooked over high heat.
On the other hand, taco seasoning typically leans more on cumin, garlic and onion powder. It’s designed to bring out the flavours of the ground meat usually used in tacos, often cooked at a lower temperature.
Ultimately, the choice between fajita and taco seasoning can depend on personal preference and the specific flavour profile you’re aiming for. Both can be used interchangeably in a pinch, although the resulting flavours might slightly differ.

Variations and Substitutions:

This versatile chicken taco seasoning recipe is easily adaptable to suit your personal taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some ideas for variations and substitutions to help you create the perfect blend for your next taco night:
Adjust the heat level: If you prefer a milder flavour, reduce the amount of chili powder and replace it with sweet paprika. For those who enjoy an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or using red pepper flakes. Ground black pepper can add an additional kind of heat if you like.
Alternative herbs and spices: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create a unique flavour profile. You could try adding ground coriander, chipotle powder, or even a touch of cloves for a warm, earthy twist.
Gluten-free and MSG-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and MSG-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Just be sure to double-check the labels of your individual spice containers to ensure they’re free from any hidden additives or allergens.
Vegetarian and vegan options: While this seasoning is specifically designed for chicken, it can also be used to season tofu, tempeh, or your favourite plant-based protein for a delicious vegetarian or vegan alternative.
Remember, the key to creating your perfect chicken taco seasoning blend is experimentation. Don’t be afraid to adjust the quantities and ingredients to suit your taste buds and have fun discovering new flavour combinations.