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Chicken Taco Seasoning

Don’t wait for Taco Tuesday to have your next taco night. Whip up a batch of chicken tacos with the best homemade chicken taco seasoning around! Full of delicious spices you already have in your spice cabinet.

best taco seasoning

Chicken Taco Seasoning Recipe

As you can tell by all the homemade spice mix recipe I have on the blog, I love making custom spice blend. I use my steak seasoning all the time, on things other than steak, and my french fries seasoning is one of my most popular posts.

Being able to add the spices I want to use and control the salt level is the best. And all those store-bought packets of spice mixes you buy are not as flavorful and have “extra” ingredients to keep them from sticking. Not sure I want those extras…

I already have a chicken seasoning recipe but I wanted to make one specifically for tacos. Because, I LOVE tacos!! 

And when making Mexican food you need to add in some of those “signature” Mexican flavors like cumin and chili powder. 

Yes, I also have a homemade taco seasoning, but this chicken taco seasoning mix  is a great combo of the two.

Whether you grill or bake your chicken, or cook a double batch in the crockpot like I like to do, this seasoning blend will give you the best chicken tacos you have ever had. And your family will be begging you to make them over and over again. 

simple ingredients found in a packet of taco seasoning

Ingredients Needed

Paprika – This recipe uses smoked paprika, but feel free to use regular paprika if that’s what you have.

Garlic powder – Use garlic powder or granulated garlic, just not fresh.

Onion powder – I like to use onion powder or onion flakes.

Cumin – This is a must have in taco seasonings.

Chili powder – Chili powder adds some punch and a little smoky flavor.

Oregano – Regular oregano is great. Use Mexican oregano if you can find it. It’s amazing!

Salt – I always use kosher salt. If you only have table salt, add a little at a time as the salty flavor can be more intense with table salt.

Black pepper – Ground black pepper is great. Or fresh ground too.

Red pepper flakes – For a little heat! Substitute a pinch of cayenne pepper if needed.

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​Variations

Want more of a kick? Try adding in more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. If you really love a smoky flavor try adding in some more cumin and chili powder.

I like to use smoked paprika but you can always use regular paprika and add in some chipotle chili powder. That’s the best part of making your own spice mix. You can add in the flavors you want and in the amounts you like.

How to Make Chicken Taco Seasoning

First: Combine all ingredients in a bowl.

Second: Store in a cool, dry place until ready to use.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

regular taco seasoning for chicken meat

How to Use Chicken Taco Seasoning

The best ration for flavorful chicken tacos is 2 tablespoons per pound of chicken. If you like grill or bake your chicken before adding to the tacos, sprinkle some on before you cook it.

If you are making the chicken in a slow cooker, add the chicken to the crockpot and sprinkle the seasoning on top. Cook and shred the chicken when done. The seasonings will mix with the juices from the chicken and make a delicious sauce.

Serve the chicken taco meat with flour tortillas, or corn tortillas if you prefer those, or hard taco shells which are my favorite way to eat them.

store seasoning for chicken tacos in a mason jar so they last longer.

How long does it last?

If you store it in an airtight container, in a cool, dark place it will last 6 months.

​My Favorite Mexican Dishes

As you can tell, I love me some Mexican food. From tacos to burritos, or a homemade salsa and guacamole, I love it all! My favorites are ground beef tacos, taco salads, and quesadillas.

And let’s not forget the cheesy queso blanco dip I drizzle on everything.

make homemade spice mix for amazing chicken tacos

Tapas Tips & Tricks

  • Use the freshest spices you can find. I like to buy mine in bulk and make a triple batch.
  • Store in an airtight container in the dark, away from heat to make it last longer.
  • This spice mix will last up to 6 months if you don’t use it all before then.
  • Use this on boneless skinless chicken breast, boneless skinless chicken thighs, and even when making ground chicken tacos!
  • Don’t want chicken? Use this on ground beef or ground turkey too.
  • I like to use 2 tablespoons per pound of meat.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

chicken taco seasoning recipe

This recipe is perfect for making your own taco seasoning that is specifically for chicken tacos! Whip up a big batch because your family will want you to make them over and over again.

collage of seasoning blends

Homemade Spice Mixes

I love to make my own as you can see. Some of my favorites are my Greek seasoning and my Taco seasoning that I use on ground beef. Check out all my spice mixes if you are looking to add some extra flavor to your meals.

chicken taco seasoning recipe

Chicken Taco Seasoning Recipe

This recipe is perfect for making your own taco seasoning that is specifically for chicken tacos!
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Course: Condiments
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Calories: 46kcal
Author: Jennifer Stewart

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 ½ tablespoons cumin
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • ½ tablespoon oregano
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
  • Store in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
  • Use 2 tablespoons per pound of chicken.

Notes

  • Use the freshest spices you can find. I like to buy mine in bulk and make a triple batch.
  • Store in an airtight container in the dark, away from heat to make it last longer.
  • This spice mix will last up to 6 months if you don’t use it all before then.
  • Use this on boneless skinless chicken breast, boneless skinless chicken thighs, and even when making ground chicken tacos!
  • Don’t want chicken? Use this on ground beef or ground turkey too.
  • I like to use 2 tablespoons per pound of meat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 46kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1607mg | Potassium: 237mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2045IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 4mg

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