This fajita seasoning recipe is one of the easiest ways to add bold smoky Tex-Mex flavor to chicken, vegetables, tacos, soups, and more. Made with just 8 pantry spices in 5 minutes, this healthier homemade seasoning is naturally gluten free, vegetarian, sugar-free, and low carb, so you can keep a batch on hand anytime a craving strikes.
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The backstory.
I have a habit of looking at store-bought seasoning packets and thinking, "I can make that." More often than not, it turns into a fun little kitchen experiment that ends with a homemade version I like even better.
After making everything from taco seasoning to white chicken chili seasoning, a homemade fajita seasoning recipe was the natural next step. It's easy to mix together, full of pantry spices, and one of those recipes I find myself reaching for again and again.
xoxo Kori
It's a must make.
This fajita seasoning recipe is one of those little kitchen staples that makes weeknight cooking easier. Mix up a batch once, and you'll have bold flavor ready for everything from chicken fajitas to soups and casseroles.
- Made with everyday pantry spices. Skip the grocery store packets and make a fresh DIY fajita spice mix anytime with ingredients you probably already have.
- Big smoky flavor without the extras. This homemade blend is naturally gluten free, vegetarian, sugar-free, and low carb with no unnecessary fillers or added sugar.
- Ready in five minutes. Simply stir everything together and you'll always have a quick seasoning ready for chicken, vegetables, tacos, and more.
- Easy to customize. Keep it mild or add extra heat to make it exactly the way your family likes it.
Sometimes the best seasoning packet is the one you make yourself.
Let's talk texture and flavor.
This homemade fajita seasoning has a rich, savory flavor with just the right balance of smoky paprika, earthy cumin, garlic, oregano, and a little warmth from the chili powder. Dry mustard adds a subtle tang that brightens everything up, while the coarse black pepper gives every bite a little kick. Since it's a dry rub, it coats meat and vegetables beautifully, creating flavorful fajitas without overpowering the natural ingredients.
What you'll need.
Here's what your going to need when learning how to make fajita seasoning.
- Dry mustard powder: Adds a subtle tangy depth that helps round out the smoky spices.
- Chili powder: Brings classic Tex-Mex flavor and gentle warmth.
- Garlic powder: Gives the blend rich savory flavor.
- Dried oregano: Adds an herby note that complements the spices.
- Paprika: Sweet or smoked paprika both work well depending on how smoky you'd like the seasoning.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all of the flavors.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthy warmth and classic fajita flavor.
- Ground black pepper: Gives the seasoning a little bite and balances the blend.
If you're anything like me, once you start making your own seasoning blends, it's hard to go back to the store-bought packets. After you try this fajita seasoning recipe, be sure to check out my Copycat White Chicken Chili Seasoning Mix Recipe for cozy soups with homemade flavor, 5-Minute Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix for taco night and beyond, and Copycat Montreal Chicken Seasoning Recipe for an easy all-purpose blend that's delicious on chicken, vegetables, and even roasted potatoes. They're all simple pantry recipes that make everyday meals taste even better.
Customize it your way.
Once you've mastered this recipe for fajita seasoning mix, it's easy to tweak it to match whatever you're cooking.
- Add onion powder for even more savory depth.
- Stir in a little dried cilantro for extra herbal flavor.
- Mix in ¼ to ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper if you like your fajitas spicy.
- Add a pinch of ground coriander for a bright citrusy note.
- Use smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika for an even smokier finish.
Flexible dietary swaps.
One of my favorite things about this fajita seasoning recipe is how naturally flexible it already is for different eating styles.
- Gluten Free: This seasoning is naturally gluten free. Just double-check individual spice labels if cross-contamination is a concern.
- Vegan: Naturally vegan as written.
- Low Sodium: Reduce or omit the kosher salt and season to taste after cooking.
- Sugar-Free: No changes needed - this blend contains no added sugar.
- Low Carb: Naturally low carb.
How to make this recipe for fajita seasoning mix.
This fajita seasoning recipe couldn't be much easier, and you'll have enough seasoning mixed up before dinner is even started.
- Combine all of the spices in a small mixing bowl.
- Stir until everything is evenly blended and no spices are clumped together.
- Use immediately as a dry rub or seasoning blend for chicken, beef, shrimp, or vegetables.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight spice jar until you're ready to use it again.
How to use it.
Once you've made this fajita seasoning recipe, you'll find yourself reaching for it far beyond fajita night.
- Toss with chicken before grilling, baking, or cooking in a skillet.
- Sprinkle over sliced bell peppers and onions before roasting.
- Season shrimp for quick sheet pan fajitas.
- Stir into taco meat for an easy flavor boost.
- Add to casseroles or soups for smoky Tex-Mex flavor.
- Mix into ground turkey or beef for burgers or meatballs with a Southwest twist.
- Mix with a splash of oil and lime juice for a quick marinade.
- Sprinkle over roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes.
- Season black beans, pinto beans, or roasted vegetables for easy meal prep.
Kori's tips.
- Make a few batches at once. It only takes a couple of extra minutes, and you'll have homemade fajita seasoning ready whenever you need it.
- Store it in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry pantry for the freshest flavor for up to 1 year.
- Shake before using. The spices naturally settle over time, so give the jar a quick shake to evenly redistribute everything.
- Use about one batch per pound of meat or vegetables. It's the perfect amount for seasoning chicken, steak, shrimp, or a sheet pan full of veggies.
- Label the jar. Write the name and date on the container so you always know what it is and when you mixed it up.
FAQs
Store your homemade fajita seasoning in an airtight spice jar or container in a cool, dry pantry. It will keep its best flavor for up to 1 year.
Yes! Homemade seasoning tastes fresher, lets you control the salt and heat, and doesn't contain fillers, anti-caking agents, or added sugar that many store-bought packets include.
Absolutely! This DIY fajita spice mix works wonderfully as a dry rub for chicken, steak, pork, shrimp, or even roasted vegetables before cooking.
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📖 The recipe.
Homemade Fajita Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Use immediately or store for later.
Video
Kori's Tips
- Save some time later and mix several batches. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 year.
- Customization ideas: Add in onion powder for a bit more depth. Stir in dried cilantro or a touch of ground coriander.
- This recipe is mild. Use ¼ to ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to increase heat.
- Use 1 recipe for every 1 pound of meat or poultry
- Recipes that use this fajita seasoning: Chicken Fajitas Bake and Chicken Fajita Soup, Fajita Spiced Ninja Foodi Chicken Wings, and Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas.
Nutrition
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