Seasoning for Chicken Tacos | Seeking Good Eats

Name: Chicken Tacos Seasoning
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: ½ tablespoon chili powder; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper ((adjust to your liking)); 1 teaspoon sugar (or sugar substitute); 2 teaspoons cornstarch or ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum (used as a sauce thickener)

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This homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning recipe can be made in less than 5 minutes - with spices you already have! Tastes better than store bought and it's super versatile and can be used on chicken, ground beef, pork, and vegetables! Bonus: it's healthy, low carb, low calorie, gluten-free and guilt-free!

Chicken taco seasoning in a small mixing bowl with a bowl of chicken taco soup behind it

You will love this Mexican Chicken Seasoning

"I love making my own seasoning mixes because I know what's in them, and I can customize the spices and heat level as needed!

I also have a more traditional homemade taco seasoning mix that I use for ground beef tacos. If you are making fajitas, you will love this fajita seasoning mix. Both are low carb, keto-friendly, and can be made sugar free.

5 Minutes

You'll have this made in five minutes or less! All you have to do is measure each spice and put it in a small bowl, and mix all seasonings together. That's it!

Super Versatile

This chicken taco mix is not just for chicken! Use it on roasted vegetables, ground beef tacos, and pulled pork for tacos.

Healthy

This homemade seasoning is keto-friendly, low-carb, gluten-free, sugar-free, vegan, vegetarian, and low calorie! Be sure to use a gluten-free thickener such as xanthan gum and granulated sugar substitute for keto and sugar-free diets. Adjust any seasonings to your dietary needs.

Chicken Taco Seasoning ingredients

Ingredients needed for making chicken taco seasoning.

Here are the ingredients you will need to make the BEST chicken taco seasoning mix:

Dried Chili Powder - as with all spice mixes, using the freshest dried ingredients has the most flavor.
Dried Onion Powder
Dried Oregano
Dried Ground Cumin
Dried Garlic Powder
Paprika - use regular or smoked
Kosher Salt
Ground Black Pepper
Cayenne Pepper - adjust the amount of this to customize your heat level.
Granulated Sugar - regular sugar or a sugar substitute.
Optional Thickener: cornstarch or xanthan gum.

For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!

How to make Chicken Taco Seasoning

Here are the step-by-step instructions for making this taco seasoning:

1. Make The Seasoning

Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl. Store any extra in an air-tight container for up to 6 months.

2. How To Make Chicken Tacos

In a large skillet over medium heat add 1 tablespoon of oil.

Add ground chicken, diced chicken breast, or diced boneless skinless chicken thighs, and cook until done. Once the chicken is done cooking, drain any grease.

Add seasoning along with ¾ cup of water. Bring to a rapid simmer and cook until the water reduces and the mixture thickens to your desired consistency, approximately 5 to 10 minutes.

Serve in taco shells, wrapped in lettuce, or over a chaffle.

How to use Chicken Tacos Seasoning

Here are a few ways to serve this homemade taco seasoning mix:

Use this chicken taco seasoning in 7 Can Taco Soup and these delicious baked Chicken Tacos!

Make chicken taco salad instead of a beef salad.

Make vegan tacos by using vegetables as your taco stuffing! Use your favorites such as peppers, onions, zucchini, cauliflower, or any others!

If using this seasoning for tacos, use 1 recipe for every pound of meat. Double or triple and store for later use.

Use your favorite taco meats with this seasoning mixture such as ground beef, ground turkey, chicken, and pulled pork.

Keep it low carb by making a taco salad or using romaine lettuce as a taco "shell."

Chicken Taco Seasoning Recipe variations

Here are a few ways you can vary or make substitutions to this recipe:

Adjust the amount of any seasoning used to your liking.
Add crushed red pepper flakes or more cayenne to make this seasoning spicier!
If using this seasoning mixture as a dry rub, you can substitute fresh herbs for the dried herbs. If used as a taco seasoning, then I would suggest staying with all dried ingredients.

Mexican Chicken Seasoning recipe tips

Using the freshest dried ingredients will give you the best flavor.
Use ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a mild seasoning mix, ½ teaspoon for medium, and approximately ¾ to 1 teaspoon for hot.
For ease, add your seasonings to a small mixing bowl, and blend together using a small whisk.

Mexican Seasoning for Chicken storage

Store in an air-tight container for up to 6 months.

FAQs

What is the difference between taco seasoning and chicken taco seasoning?

There isn’t much of a difference between the two except that chicken taco seasoning has less cumin than taco seasoning does. Most taco seasonings have a higher ratio of cumin and chili powder.

What is chicken taco seasoning made of?

Of course this answer depends on which recipe you use but most homemade chicken taco seasonings consist of salt, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne, cumin, paprika, oregano, and chili powder.

Do you cook meat before adding taco seasoning?

The rule of thumb is to always add your taco seasoning after you have cooked and drained your taco meat if necessary.

Is chicken taco seasoning the same as fajita seasoning?

They are similar, but chicken taco seasoning contains more onion powder, cayenne, and slightly more chili powder. Fajita seasoning often contains mustard powder and slightly fewer spices.

Is it OK to use taco seasoning on chicken?

Yes, you can use taco seasoning on the chicken. Typical taco seasoning is used on ground beef and contains more chili powder than chicken taco seasoning does. Chicken taco seasoning is slightly more subtle in flavor, so it doesn't overpower the mildness of chicken.

What is chicken taco meat called?

Chicken taco meat is called pollo. Chicken tacos are also called pollo de tacos. Chicken taco meat is seasoned and usually made with ground chicken, or boneless chicken is cut and cooked in bite-sized pieces. Or, large pieces are cooked and shredded.

More Seasoning Recipes

If you love to make your own healthy homemade seasoning recipes, be sure to check out these:

If you tried this recipe, let me know! I'd love for you to come back and give it a 5-star rating and/or a review in the comments! 🙂 Let's stay connected, so please share photos of your creations with me and others on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! Don't forget to tag #seekinggoodeats

Mexican Seasoning for Chicken