Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix (Ready in 5 Minutes!)

This Chicken Taco Seasoning can be made at home in 5 minutes using only wholesome spices, no sugar, and no additives. Plus, this homemade taco seasoning is also gluten-free!

It’s amazing how many staple recipes you can make at home in 5 minutes and store for ages, starting with your homemade taco seasoning mix. I have nothing against store-bought packets of taco seasoning. However, they are usually very expensive and sometimes contain too much chili to my liking.

Most taco spice blends from the store are made for beef, and while they do work very well for chicken, they are often too spicy. Chicken seasoning is closer to fajita seasoning and contains more cumin and less chili.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Let’s see all the ingredients you need to start this taco seasoning recipe for chicken and the different swaps you can make to create different flavors based on your taste buds.

• Chili Powder – this is the base spice of all good taco seasoning mixes. You can halve the amount if you don’t like your mix too spicy. Also, if you are not in the US, chili powder can be way spicier, so watch out! If you like your seasoning spicy, you can also try my Carne Asada Seasoning.
• Paprika and Smoked Paprika for a smoky flavor. The combo of both is bursting with flavors! If you’ve never tried smoked paprika, it is time to buy this magical spice. It gives a BBQ grill flavor to any food. So delicious!
• Cumin – Brings that earthy, warm Mexican taste.
• Onion Powder and Garlic Powder – Essential for a savory, balanced seasoning.
• Dried Cilantro – some people don’t appreciate the flavor of this herb, so you can replace it with dried oregano or parsley if preferred.
• Salt – For a low-sodium alternative, try my Low Sodium Taco Seasoning.
• Pepper – You can use ground black pepper or cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes. Don’t add if you don’t like a spicy mix!

How To Make Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix

You won’t believe how quickly and easily you can make the best taco seasoning for ground chicken or chicken breast. If you have never tried making this before, you should start making your own now because the flavors are simply amazing and perfect to season any Mexican meat, vegetables, or dish.

All you need to make this Mexican seasoning mix are a few basic dried spices that bring out all the Mexican flavors on your plate when combined in a small bowl. This recipe is pretty straightforward and takes only 5 minutes to make as you have to add all these ingredients into a glass jar or a mixing bowl, close it, and shake it!

The order in which you add the ingredients doesn’t matter. However, it is important to make your mix a few hours ahead to give time for the flavors to blend. In fact, the taco seasoning will get more intense in flavors day after day, releasing the most delicious taco flavors to your dish.

Using Chicken Taco Seasoning

You can use this taco seasoning to make any chicken tacos, ground chicken, boneless skinless chicken thighs, or chicken breast.

Add two tablespoons of the mix per pound (500 grams) of meat or vegetables, and cook with 1/2 cup of chicken broth. For a spicier taste, you can use up to three tablespoons of taco seasoning per pound of meat, but it will be hot!

First, warm oil in a saucepan, then fry the ground chicken or chicken strips and add the spices halfway. The best chicken to make chicken tacos are ground chicken, chicken tenderloins, or chicken strips from chicken breast.

It’s a delicious recipe for chicken that you add to taco salads, enchiladas or vegan enchiladas, or tacos. However, for vegetarian tacos, you can use this seasoning with vegetables, like sliced mushrooms, black beans, or cauliflower rice.

• Tacos: Use with ground chicken, chicken breasts, or thighs. Sauté in a pan with oil, and add seasoning halfway through cooking.
• Grilled Chicken: Rub the seasoning on chicken tenderloins or thighs before grilling.
• Vegetarian Tacos: Perfect for seasoning black beans, cauliflower, or mushrooms.
• Taco Salads: Add seasoned, cooked chicken to taco salads for a protein-packed meal.
• Soups & Stews: Add a tablespoon or two to any Mexican-inspired soup for a flavor boost.

Storage Instructions

My homemade taco seasoning mix doesn’t contain additives like the ones from your local stores, but it doesn’t mean you can’t store this for ages! The key is to store the spices in an air-sealed glass jar in a cool, dark place in your kitchen. The pantry is your best bet for storing dried ground spices.

However, if you live in a hot and humid area, it is more recommended storing your spices in the fridge. This gluten-free taco seasoning mix will last for anywhere from 6 months to 1 year in the pantry. You can also place it in small packets.

Packets of taco seasoning can last even longer if they are air-tight, free of air, and if you drop one of these moisture-absorbing bags in it. After six months, the flavor may change and fade, but since the recipe makes 18 servings, you will probably have used it all up within six months.

More Taco Night Recipes

You can use this seasoning mix to make my taco-stuffed avocado or with any grilled meat that you roll in my different taco shells or tortillas recipes.