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Homemade Chili Seasoning

This homemade chili seasoning is super easy to make with 4 simple spices that you most likely already have in your pantry. It’s one of my favorite seasonings to use and adds great flavor to many dishes. 

Other homemade seasoning recipes I love to make include homemade popcorn seasoning, hamburger seasoning and taco seasoning!

Chili seasoning in bowl.
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DIY Chili Seasoning

I love to make my own seasonings at home. It’s inexpensive, there are no added preservatives and they’re made with classic spices you probably already have on hand.

This chili seasoning is great to use in a pinch when a recipe calls for some and you don’t have any. You only need 4 spices to make it, which I bet you already have in your pantry. A few of my other favorites to make are Italian seasoning, steak rub and an fajita seasoning!

Most chili seasoning packets you buy in the store have extra sodium and salt, so make sure to taste your dish as you go and add more as needed. There’s really no need to buy a chili seasoning packet again. This homemade version comes together in minutes!

Spices Needed for Chili Seasoning

Make sure to use fresh spices for the best flavor. If they’ve been in your pantry for a few years, it’s time to upgrade!

Chili seasoning ingredients.

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.

Optional Spices

  • 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.

How to Make Homemade Chili Seasoning

To make the seasoning, simply mix the four ingredients below together in a bowl or jar and keep on hand as your best secret ingredient.

Chili seasoning in glass bowl.
  • 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.
Spoonful of chili seasoning.

Recipe FAQs

How can I use this chili seasoning?

There are so many ways to use this seasoning. I love it in a big batch of homemade chili or this copycat Wendy’s chili recipe, mixed with ground beef or turkey for tacos, or in a southwest-inspired soup.

Can I double this homemade chili seasoning recipe?

Yes! You can double or even triple the recipe to have extra on hand throughout the fall season when soups are all the rage.

What other spices can I add?

Feel free to make this seasoning your own by adding cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, turmeric, garam masala, or even cinnamon.

Storing

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.

Ways to use Chili Seasoning

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spoonful of chili seasoning

Homemade Chili Seasoning

5 from 4 votes
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Author: Jamielyn Nye
This homemade chili seasoning is super easy to make with 4 simple spices that you most likely already have in your pantry. It's one of my favorite seasonings to use and adds great flavor to many dishes. 
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2 Tablespoons

Ingredients 

  • 1 Tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, whisk the chili powder, cumin, onion powder, and garlic powder until well combined.
  • If not using right away, store in an airtight container until ready to use.

Notes

Quantity: Makes enough for one pot of homemade chili (about 2 Tablespoons of seasoning mix). 
Storage: 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. You can double or even triple the recipe to have extra on hand.

Nutrition

Calories: 27kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Sodium: 71mg | Potassium: 142mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 1211IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American

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