Ditch the store-bought packets and make your own Homemade Chili Seasoning with spices you already have in your pantry. This easy recipe will elevate your chili game to a whole new level.
If you're craving a recipe that uses this chili seasoning recipe, try making a batch of my Easy Chili Recipe and pairing it with a side of Southern Cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Making your own chili seasoning is quick and easy. You'll need just a few common spices, which you may already have in your spice collection. It's a perfect alternative to store-bought seasoning packets, and can easily be adjusted to fit your taste preferences.
This recipe is mild in flavor, so the whole family, including little kids. If you want to make it spicy, then adjust by adding more seasonings to increase the spice level. Use it to make all your favorite chili recipes.
Let's get started!
Why You'll Love This Chili Seasoning Recipe
- Customizable Flavor - Homemade chili seasoning allows for more control over the spice blend so that you can create your perfect balance of smokiness, heat, and sweetness.
- Seasoning Packet Replacement - This recipe makes the equivalent of one chili seasoning packet that can be used in one big pot of chili.
- Versatile - Homemade chili seasoning isn't just for chili! It's a versatile blend that can add southwest flavor to tacos, soups, roasted vegetables, and more.
What Are the Ingredients in Chili Seasoning
Head over to your spice rack to grab these ingredients to create enough homemade seasoning to cover at least one full recipe. You should end up with about 1 to 1 ½ ounces (about 2 tablespoons) of DIY chili seasoning.
Feel free to double and triple it to make a bigger batch as needed. All of the following seasonings should be easily located in the spice aisle at the grocery store.
- Chili Powder - This is the main ingredient in the homemade chili seasoning blend. It adds a mild and moderately spicy flavor to the homemade seasoning. This is also usually the main ingredient in most store-bought packets.
- Cayenne Pepper - Adds a peppery and spicy mix.
- Ground Cumin - Warm, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor that rounds out the homemade chili seasoning recipe.
- Paprika - Gives a slightly sweet, peppery, and smoky flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in the blend of spices.
- Seasoned Salt - Gives the chili a savory and slightly salty flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon - This spice may seem strange, but trust me. This is the secret ingredient to making great chili. It's a warming spice that balances the spicy flavors in the chili without making it sweet. I promise it will not taste like cinnamon!
- Garlic Powder - Adds an earthy, pungent, and intense dry garlic flavor to the savory chili mix.
- Onion Powder - Adds a bit of zesty dry onion flavor.
- Salt and Ground Black Pepper - Helps to round out the dried spices and bring out the other ingredient flavors. Adjust as needed.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.
How to Make Homemade Chili Seasoning
Using a small bowl or airtight container, add the chili powder, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, paprika, seasoned salt, ground cinnamon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper.
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Whisk all of the spices together until fully combined.
Add it to your favorite chili recipes or a pound of ground beef or ground turkey that's cooking along with beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
Allow the chili mixture to cook for 20 to 25 minutes before serving. Serve immediately while it's still warm and enjoy!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- This spice mix recipe is mild in flavor, but for more spice add in more cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or chipotle powder.
- To balance out the tart flavor, try adding 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, brown sugar, or cocoa powder.
- Adjust the spice blend to fit your preference. Add in some coriander, smoked paprika, oregano, or even ranch seasoning.
- Try combining different chili powders like ancho, chipotle, and standard chili powder to create a more complex seasoning blend.
Storage Tips
Storage. If you want to make this chili seasoning mix in advance, place it in an airtight container or spice jar (small mason jar). Store it at room temperature in a cool dry place for 3 to 6 months. You can keep it in your spice cabinet or wherever you usually store your spices and store-bought chili seasoning packets.
Freezing. This chili seasoning does not need to be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
Want More Easy Recipes? Try These:
- Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Best Batch of Chili
- Easy White Chicken Chili
- Ground Beef Tacos
- Crispy Beef Baked Tacos
- Chorizo and Sweet Potato Enchiladas
- Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Pasta
Do you have any comments, questions, or other delicious ideas and ways to use this Homemade Chili Seasoning Mix? Please share them in the comments below!
📖 Recipe
Homemade Chili Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Using a small bowl or airtight container, add the 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon seasoned salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
- Whisk all of the spices together until fully combined.
- Add it to your favorite chili recipes or a pound of ground beef or ground turkey that's cooking along with beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Allow the chili mixture to cook for 20 to 25 minutes before serving. Serve immediately while it's still warm and enjoy!
Notes
- This spice mix recipe is mild in flavor, but for more spice add in more cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or chipotle powder.
- To balance out the tart flavor, try adding 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, brown sugar, or cocoa powder.
- Adjust the spice blend to fit your preference. Add in some coriander, smoked paprika, oregano, or even ranch seasoning.
- Try combining different chili powders like ancho, chipotle, and standard chili powder to create a more complex seasoning blend.
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