Skip the store-bought packets with fillers and artificial ingredients. This simple chicken taco seasoning is filled with bold, authentic flavor and uses only 7 simple ingredients.
I perfected this blend in my kitchen, testing it on everything from weeknight tacos to meal-prepped shredded chicken, and it's become my most-requested recipe from family and friends.
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Recipe Difficulty: Beginner
- Cooking Method: No-cook
- Main Ingredients: Cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan
- Serves: 10 tablespoons (enough for 3-4 pounds of chicken)
- Calories: 5 per serving
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Such great flavor!
- gale
This versatile Mexican seasoning for chicken works beautifully on chicken thighs, breasts, or ground chicken, but it's just as delicious on steak, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. Once you see how easy it is to make your own taco seasoning for chicken, you'll never go back to pre-packaged options.
Use this blend on my Blackened Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa, mix it into Turkey Smash Burger Tacos, or rub it on my Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in 2 minutes with zero cooking.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to match your preference.
- No Hidden Junk: Free from artificial colors and added sugars.
- Budget-Friendly: Costs a fraction compared to store-bought packets.
- Batch-Friendly: Double or triple the recipe for meal prep.
- Multi-Purpose: Works on chicken, beef, pork, fish, and veggies
Key Ingredients
- Cumin forms the earthy, warm backbone of this seasoning for chicken tacos.
- Chili Powder adds mild heat without overpowering.
- Smoked Paprika contributes subtle smokiness that mimics street tacos cooked over an open flame.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder provide a savory, umami base that completes this Mexican chicken seasoning.
Substitutions & Variations
- Chili Powder: Swap with ancho chili powder for a sweeter, less spicy flavor
- Smoked Paprika: Use regular paprika if you prefer a milder taste.
- Extra Spicy: Add 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a fiery Mexican chicken rub that packs serious heat.
- Citrus Flavor: Mix in 1 teaspoon dried orange peel or lime zest for a bright, zesty chicken street taco seasoning that mimics traditional street vendor flavors.
- Low-Sodium: Cut the salt in half or eliminate it if you're watching sodium intake.
How To Make Chicken Taco Seasoning
- Step 1: Measure out 2 teaspoons of salt, 2 tablespoons of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
- Step 2: Whisk all of the spices in a small bowl until all of the clumps are gone. Place your homemade chicken taco seasoning in an airtight jar, label it with the date, and keep it in a cool, dark cabinet for up to 6 months.
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Expert Tips
- Check Spice Freshness: Weak or musty spices won't give you the best results.
- Use 2-3 Tablespoons Per Pound: This is the ideal amount for perfectly seasoned chicken.
- Mix With Oil First: When using this seasoning on meat, I like to stir the seasoning into a tablespoon of olive oil so it sticks well to the meat and doesn't burn.
- Double the Batch: Make extra to save time since it stores well. I like to store them in these airtight containers.
More Recipes To Use This Seasoning On
This recipe is one of my favorite Mexican spices for chicken, steak, shrimp, pasta salad, and so much more. Try it on my Copycat Roots Bowl, Easy Mexican Chickpea Salad, or Creamy Chicken Fajita Stuffed Peppers!
Chicken Taco Seasoning Frequently Asked Questions
The best seasoning for chicken tacos combines cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. This blend provides the perfect balance of earthy, smoky, and savory flavors that define authentic Mexican chicken tacos.
Seasoning for chicken tacos typically uses less cumin and more garlic powder than beef versions since chicken has a subtler flavor. The best blends for chicken also include smoked paprika for depth without overwhelming the meat.
Absolutely! You can use taco seasoning on chicken in countless ways: rub it on before grilling, mix it into marinades, or toss it with shredded chicken for quick taco filling.
To season chicken for tacos, use 2-3 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of chicken. Rub it directly onto the meat, let it sit for 15-30 minutes if possible, then cook using your preferred method (grill, bake, or pan-sear).
More Recipes To Pair With This Seasoning
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📖 Recipe
Simple Chicken Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 Teaspoons Salt
- 2 Tablespoons Cumin
- 1 Teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 teaspoons salt, 2 tablespoons cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder.
- Place the seasoning in an airtight jar, label it with the date, and keep it in a cool, dark cabinet for up to 6 months.
Notes
- Check Spice Freshness: Weak or musty spices won't give you the best results
- Use 2-3 Tablespoons Per Pound: This is the ideal amount for perfectly seasoned chicken.
- Mix With Oil First: When using this seasoning on meat, I like to stir the seasoning into a tablespoon of olive oil so it sticks well to the meat and doesn't burn.
- Double the Batch: Make extra to save time since it stores well.
Nutrition
Save This Recipe!
I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
Gale H says
Such great flavor!