This easy chili seasoning recipe comes together in minutes with simple pantry spices. Skip the store-bought packet and mix up this flavorful DIY blend that’s perfect for chili!
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Easy Chili Seasoning Recipe
I love making my own seasonings at home, they’re inexpensive, lower in sodium, free from preservatives, and made with classic spices you probably already have in your pantry.
This homemade chili seasoning is perfect for those times when a recipe calls for it and you don’t have a packet on hand. You only need four spices, and it comes together in minutes.A few of my other favorites to make are Italian seasoning, steak seasoning and a fajita seasoning!
Spices Needed for Chili Seasoning
Make sure to use fresh dried spices for the best flavor. If they’ve been in your pantry for a few years, it’s time to upgrade!
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Chili powder: Adds a bold chili flavor and gives it a kick of heat.
- Cumin: Has a warm, earthy flavor with a subtle hint of spice.
- Onion powder: A sharp onion flavor.
- Garlic powder: Gives it that fragrant garlic aroma.
How to Make Homemade Chili Seasoning
To make chili seasoning, simply mix the four ingredients below together in a bowl or jar and keep on hand as your best secret ingredient.
- Blend In a small bowl, whisk together chili powder, cumin, onion powder, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Store: Transfer to a jar and keep on hand up to 6 months to sprinkle in soups, chili, and stews.
How to Use Chili Seasoning
- In place of a packet of chili seasoning: If a recipe calls for a 1.25 ounce of chili seasoning packet, you can replace it with this recipe. Just remember to add salt and pepper to taste.
- Recipes that use chili seasoning: I love this in a big batch of homemade chili or this copycat Wendy’s chili recipe. It’s also great in any southwest-inspired soup.
- Make a batch chili: Use one batch of homemade chili seasoning for every two pounds of meat in chili.
- Other recipes: Beyond using it with chili this mix adds flavor to ground beef or turkey for tacos or sprinkle on fries or roasted veggies.
More homemade spice mixes to make at home include cinnamon sugar, homemade popcorn seasoning, hamburger seasoning and taco seasoning!
Favorite Chili Recipes
Homemade Chili Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Whisk. In a small bowl, whisk the 1 Tablespoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder until well combined.
- Store. If not using right away, store in an airtight container until ready to use.
Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Variations to Try
- For more heat, add a dash of cayenne or some red pepper flakes.
- Sometimes I’ll add in a teaspoon of dried oregano for even more flavor.
- Paprika is a great addition if you want to add a hint of smokiness.
- This seasoning mix doesn’t include salt and pepper, so be sure to taste your dish and add them in as you go.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! You can double or even triple the recipe to have extra on hand throughout the fall season when soups are all the rage.
If a recipe calls for a 1.25-ounce packet of chili seasoning, replace it with about 2–3 tablespoons of this homemade blend. You will need to adjust for salt and pepper in your recipe as this blend does not contain either.
If you have extra chili mix, simply pour it into an airtight container or jar and keep stored at room temperature for up to 6 months.
