Chicken Taco Seasoning

Keep homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning on hand for amazing flavorful chicken tacos and more. No need for a store-bought packet.

Video: Making Chicken Taco Seasoning

What’s In Chicken Taco Seasoning?

The main flavor profile for this seasoning mix is chili powder, so if you don’t have everything on the ingredient list, you can still make a great-tasting taco seasoning with just chili powder and any other ingredients from the recipe you have.

In addition to the chili powder, I use onion and garlic powders, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. Chili powders can vary by brand in terms of heat and salt content, so use one you like. You can substitute either sweet or hot paprika depending on your taste and what you’ve got on hand. 

Of course, the beauty of making your own is that you can customize your personal blend. If you want some extra heat, try adding a bit of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. 

Why Is There Cornstarch?

Some taco seasoning packets also contain cornstarch with directions to add a little bit of water to whatever the packet is added to. This helps to create a thickened sauce. The cornstarch in this recipe is optional, but can be added if you’d like a little bit of that same thickening power. 

Depending on how dry the mixture is that you’re adding it to, you may or may not need to add a couple of tablespoons of water to activate the cornstarch.  This is my favorite thing about this recipe and many other recipes online don’t call for it. So, if you’re used to taco seasoning mixes and want it to thicken when you add water just like the taco packet, then do this, otherwise you want to leave it out.  

How Much Taco Seasoning Is In A Packet?

Sometimes, you won’t want to make a full batch of the taco seasoning. For instance, if you are happy to buy the packets but just forgot that you ran out, then you only need to make a small amount to get you through. Or, if you’re cooking something and you just want to quickly measure in some spices to approximate taco seasoning, then you don’t need a full batch either.

A standard packet of store-bought taco seasoning has 2 tablespoons. So, if you have a recipe that calls for a packet of seasoning, you’ll use 2 tablespoons.

Below are the amounts to mix up that 2 tablespoons (1 packet) of chicken taco seasoning. This is the amount to use for 1 pound of meat. Note that for this recipe, you don’t add as much water as you would if you had a packet of taco seasoning. You’ll only need 2 tablespoons of water. You brown the meat until fully-cooked, then stir in the seasoning, and then stir in the water. Simmer for 2 minutes.

To Make 2 Tablespoons of Chicken Taco Seasoning, Combine:
• 1.25 tsp. chili powder • 1 tsp. garlic powder • 1 tsp. onion powder • 3/4 tsp. cumin • 3/4 tsp. oregano • 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika • 1/4 tsp. thyme • 1/8 tsp. cornstarch (optional) • 1/8 tsp. salt • 1/8 tsp. black pepper

If you want to add seasoning as you cook to approximate this blend, add some chili powder and then slightly less of the garlic and onion powder. Add slightly less than that of the cumin and oregano and even less of the smoked paprika. Add a bit of thyme and very small amounts of the salt and pepper, and cornstarch, if using.

Using Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning

Taco seasoning is really versatile and is great on all kinds of foods. Using it is pretty simple once you know a couple of things.

How Much Taco Seasoning Per Pound of Meat?

As mentioned, most taco seasoning packets contain about two tablespoons. You’ll need the same amount of your homemade seasoning mix to season one pound of ground chicken or chopped chicken breasts and chicken thighs. Of course, feel free to use it on ground turkey, shrimp, black beans, or veggies as well.

When Do You Add Taco Seasoning?

Once the protein or vegetables are well browned, add the two tablespoons of seasoning and, if using the version with cornstarch, add two to three tablespoons of water or stock to blend the liquid and pan juices together into a sauce.

Note that the store-bought packets often call for up to ¾ cup of water to be added, but since my recipe contains less cornstarch, you’ll only need a couple tablespoons of water. 

What Else Can You Use Taco Seasoning For?

Without the cornstarch, this chicken taco seasoning can be sprinkled on popcorn, chips, or crackers. With or without the cornstarch, the seasoning can be used as a rub or spice blend for chicken, fish, beef, and vegetables. 

Try it in these recipes as well:

• Ground Turkey Tacos
• Easy Shredded Chicken Tacos
• Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Bowls
• Juicy Pulled Chicken Recipe

More Homemade Seasoning Blends

Love to create your own spice blends like this one? Check out these great recipes too.

• Fajita Seasoning Mix
• Santa Maria Seasoning
• Turkey Seasoning Blend
• Montreal Chicken Seasoning Recipe
• Dry Rub for Chicken Wings