Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning – Kid-Friendly Recipe

Did you just open the taco seasoning jar only to find it empty? I’ve been there too! That’s why I always keep this homemade chicken taco seasoning recipe on hand. With just six ingredients and a quick minute (okay, maybe two), you’ll have the most delicious taco seasoning ready to go. No need to rush to the store—this is so much better than the regular taco seasoning. Let’s make it together!

Why Make a Homemade Seasoning Blend?

We all love Mexican food, and spices are the backbone of Mexican cooking. Choosing the right spice mix can make or break your recipe, which is why I love my homemade taco seasoning. It’s packed with authentic flavors and allows me to adjust it to my family’s tastes. Store-bought taco seasoning can be too spicy, which isn’t ideal when cooking for younger kids. With this recipe, you can control the amount of chili powder—or skip it altogether—making it perfect for everyone at the table.

I also have recipes for homemade dry chicken rub and pastrami seasoning.

📝 Recipe Ingredients & Variations

As mentioned, you’ll only need six ingredients for this spice blend:

• Garlic powder
• Ground cumin
• Onion powder
• Sweet paprika
• Smoked paprika
• Salt

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients 👇

This is the base of my seasoning mix, but feel free to adjust it to suit your taste!

• If you like Taco Tuesday a bit spicier, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• For a more authentic touch, add black pepper.
• Mexican oregano is also a nice addition, though it can be hard to find in Australia.

Now go ahead and make your own seasoning—exactly the way you want it!

How to Make Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning

Simply measure the spices, place them in a small jar or bowl, and mix to combine. That’s it—you’re done!

How to Store

This recipe yields a small batch, enough for one recipe or about one pound of meat. If you’d like, you can make a big batch and store it in a mason jar or airtight container for up to a year. Spices don’t expire quickly, so your homemade mix will stay fresh for a long time!

How to Use It

This homemade taco seasoning is a fantastic addition to a variety of dishes, adding rich flavor to any Mexican-inspired meal! Use it to season not only chicken but also beef, turkey, or veggie fillings for tacos and burritos, or to bring extra depth to chicken fajitas. It also makes a great Mexican marinade for grilled or BBQ chicken—simply coat the meat in olive oil, add the seasoning, and grill until perfectly charred. You can even mix it into marinades for extra flavor in roasted or pan-fried meats. This seasoning also works wonderfully with seafood, like in Baked Fish Tacos, and adds just the right kick for a hearty Baked Nachos Supreme.

Do You Love Mexican Recipes? Try These:

• Mexican rice with chicken is a long-time favorite with my readers.
• Mexican chicken soup is warm and nourishing making it great for a family dinner.
• Easy shrimp appetizers are easy to make and make a great addition to a festive table.