Enchilada Seasoning

If you are in the mood for Mexican food tonight, make it extra special with homemade enchilada seasoning! Great for pork, beef, or chicken enchiladas.

Enchilada Spice Mix Recipe

In our house, we could eat Mexican food every night of the week and twice on Sunday. One of my favorites to make, other than a taco bar, is enchiladas.

And the key to good enchiladas is all about the seasoning. Most people are afraid to use too much seasoning, but not me. Especially for chicken! If I find some good spices for chicken I use a ton of it. Because chicken can be boring…

Whether you use your favorite shredded beef, leftover taco meat, or shred up a rotisserie chicken for easier prep, sprinkle on some of this homemade enchilada seasoning blend and they will be the best you’ve ever made!

Some of my other favorite Mexican dishes are these Fajita Nachos, these Cheesy Taco Sticks, and these Homemade Mexican Pizzas.

What’s is enchilada seasoning made of?

Chili powder – Use regular or chipotle flavored chili powder.

Cumin – This gives it that signature southwest flavor.

Onion powder – Substitute dried onion flakes if needed.

Garlic powder – Substitute granulated garlic if needed.

Oregano – Mexican oregano is best as the flavor is great. Regular oregano will work just great.

Paprika – Regular or smoked paprika if you like extra smokiness.

Coriander – This gives it a nice balance.

Sugar – White granulated sugar. I haven’t tested it with brown sugar.

Cocoa powder – Use unsweetened cocoa powder.

Cayenne pepper – It’s not that spicy but feel free to leave out all together.

Kitchen staples – Kosher salt, black pepper.

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How to Make Homemade Enchilada Seasoning Mix

First: Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Store in a cool dry place until ready to use.

Second: Use the full amount (6 tablespoons) per pound of meat. Double or triple the amount for a large batch!

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

How long does it last?

If stored in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

How to Use Enchilada Seasoning

Make red enchilada sauce: Combine 2 cups tomato sauce, 1/3 cup water, and 2 tablespoons enchilada seasoning.

What’s the difference between enchilada seasoning and taco seasoning?

The main difference is the slight sweetness from the sugar and cocoa powder. 

Taco seasoning tends to be spicier and have more of a “pepper flavor” like jalapeno or bell peppers, whereas enchilada seasoning has a more complete flavor profile from the spicy, to the bitter, to the sweet. Same with this chicken taco seasoning recipe!

Can you substitute enchilada seasoning for taco seasoning?

There are a lot of the same spices in both of these mixes so you technically can use either in a pinch.

Although enchilada seasoning does have a little more sweetness to it, you can still use it in your favorite chicken filling, salad dressings, or even pasta dishes.

What’s the difference between fajita seasoning and enchilada seasoning?

They are more similar than taco seasonings. Both have the same main spices and both have sugar, but fajita seasoning doesn’t usually include the oregano, coriander, or cocoa powder.

Tapas Tips & Tricks

• Make a large batch so you don’t have to put them together every time you want some enchiladas. It lasts 6 months!
• Be sure to use a fork or whisk and break up any clumps of the spices so they mix evenly.
• Store in a cool, dry, dark place in an airtight container for best results.
• Opt to sweet paprika instead of regular or smoked. If you sub it, you can leave out the sugar.
• This mix is gluten free!
• Use high quality spices for the best flavor.
• If you are a big fan of spices and flavored salts to add some flavor to your food, check out this rosemary salt. It’s amazing on chicken and fish.

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!

This homemade enchilada seasoning recipe is easy to prep and lasts 6 months. Use it for your favorite enchilada recipe.

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