My Homemade Chili Seasoning Spice Mix is the perfect blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, onion, and chipotle pepper for a unique punch to your chili recipes. Ditch the packet because this DIY Chili Spice Blend will bring out the flavors in any Chicken Chili, Beef Chili, or my personal favorite Vegetarian Chili.
Homemade Chili Seasoning
Making Homemade Chili Seasoning is a lot easier than you might think. If you've been buying a packet of Mccormick Chili Seasoning from the store to mix up your favorite Chili, pause for a moment and give my own special blend of spices a try! This version is not just a copycat.. but a bit better.
Chili Seasoning is crazy easy to make at home AND I suspect you already have all the ingredients already in your spice cabinet. I love a homemade spice mix because it doesn't contain as many preservatives and you can adjust the flavors and heat to your own personal taste.
My blend includes a heavy dose of chili powder, garlic, onion, cumin, and a special ingredient! Most chili spice mixes have cayenne pepper for heat but I like to make mine with a touch of chipotle pepper for my secret ingredient. I love the smokiness of it!
This blend is naturally vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free and can be added to any traditional meat chili, chicken chili or my famous Vegetarian Chili.
Homemade Chili Seasoning Spice Mix from Running in a Skirt Share on X
Ingredients:
So what spices give chili its flavor? Chili is spiced by chili powder but most blends also include extra cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Most also have cayenne pepper but I like the surprising flavor of chipotle pepper instead. Here's what you'll need to make this Homemade Chili Seasoning.
- Chili Powder: Chili Powder is the perfect base for any Homemade Chili Seasoning. It's a classic blend of chili pepper, garlic, and spices.
- Cumin: Cumin is made from ground cumin seed and has a complex earthy flavor with a warm taste. Other than Chili Powder, cumin is one of the most identifiable flavors in chili.
- Garlic Powder: A hearty dose of Garlic Powder fills out this spice blend.
- Onion Powder: Onion Powder also fills out the base of the seasoning mix and adds to the depth of flavor.
- Chipolte Pepper: Most Chili Seasoning blends have cayenne pepper, but LOVE the sweet and smoky flavor of Chipolte Chili Pepper. You can feel free to use Cayenne too! If you want it spicy just add more. The heat of this dish comes from here.
- Salt & Pepper: I like adding salt and pepper to the seasoning mix to make getting my chili ready to cook even easier.
Some chili seasoning also includes oregano, smoked paprika, paprika, or even a touch of cinnamon. Feel free to add any of these flavors.
As with any homemade spice mix, make sure to check the expiration and freshness of your spices before you make the blend. If you've been keeping a bottle of something in your pantry for years and years, it's probably lost its potency by now and will not lead to the freshest and tastiest homemade spice mix.
Directions:
- Get out your spices and measure each individual spice. Combine them all in a small jar or bowl.
- Mix or stir until combined.
- Store in an airtight container in the pantry a year.
How do I store the chili seasoning?
You can store your chili seasoning in an airtight container in your pantry. Any container will do BUT I love these cute little jars for a charming spice cabinet. They look good and are super functional.
If stored in a cool dry space and made with fresh spices, you can keep this spice mix for up to a year.
Variations
- Make it Spicy: Add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Make it Herby: Add oregano.
- Make a Bigger Batch: You can easily double or triple this recipe.
FAQ
How much chili seasoning should I use?
For a large pot of chili, I like to use 2 tablespoons of this mix.
Are chili and taco seasoning the same?
They both have similar spices, but the taco seasoning has smoked paprika in it whereas the chili seasoning does not. It also has more chili powder.
Is this spicy? How can I make it spicy?
This is not a spicy chili powder. It's got a touch of heat but not spicy. To make it spicy add more cayenne pepper.
What are good store-bought chili seasonings?
If I still haven't convinced you to make your own Homemade Chili Seasoning, try the classic Mccormick Chili Seasoning one!
This Homemade Chili Seasoning is the Perfect Addition to Your Spice Cabinet!
This Homemade Chili Seasoning is really the perfect addition to any spice cabinet. Keep it on hand for any time you are craving a cozy bowl of chili. I use this at least once a month in the cooler time of year.
This spic mix isn't JUST for chili though. You'd be surprised at the delightful OTHER foods that pair perfectly with this spice mix. Here are a few ideas.
Other Ways to Use It:
- Spice Rub: Use Chili Seasoning Recipe as a rub for meat like chicken, beef, or pork. It's also great on shrimp or white fish like halibut or mahi-mahi.
- As a Dip: Add some of the spice mixes to a cream cheese mixture for a chili-flavored dip.
- Oven Roasted Vegetables: This spice mix also works great on roasted vegetables.
- Baked Beans: Add the Chili Seasoning to baked beans for a rich and cozy flavor.
I hope you enjoy this easy recipe as much as I do! You can't beat making your own spices. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
Homemade Chili Seasoning Spice Mix from Running in a Skirt Share on X
More Homemade Spice Mix Recipes to Love:
- Everything But the Bagel Seasoning
- Homemade Cajun Seasoning
- Taco Spice Mix
- Homemade Italian Spice Mix
- DIY Pumpkin Pie Spice
- DIY Herbs de Provence
- Homemade Blackening Seasoning
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix
If you make this Homemade Chili Seasoning recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a star rating ★ below. Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook too!
Homemade Chili Seasoning
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon chipotle pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Get out your spices and measure each individual spice. Combine them all in a small jar or bowl.
- Mix or stir until combined.
- Store in an airtight container in the pantry a year.
Notes
Nutrition
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Natalie says
I use chili a lot in my cooking. But I never mixed spice blend like this. I will do it now and keep it in my cabinet. Thanks.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
What a brilliant idea to make our own spice mix for chili. Loved the spice combinations and I had all of these in had to make it right away.
Swathi says
Homemade chili seasoning spice mix looks delicious.
Angela says
I was thrilled to discover this homemade chili seasoning recipe! I love being able to make my own at home and it was so delicious too!!!
Mayuri Patel says
Homemade Chili Seasoning with potato wedges or sprinkled on roasted potatoes.. definitely making it over the weekend for the family.