Homemade Taco Seasoning (For Chicken, Beef, Shrimp, and Veggies!)

Homemade taco seasoning is super simple to make, extra cheap, and you can use it on ground chicken tacos, shredded, beef, or turkey! The flavor is amazing and you will never go back to store-bought packets of taco seasoning. 

I love taco night in our house. Growing up, my dad didn't like spicy foods, so tacos were a special treat. As an adult, I still feel like tacos are a treat. I love the memories I have as a child of my mom making them during the summer when my dad was at work. I also love taco night because they are just so darn easy to make. Cook some ground chicken, beef, shrimp, or fish and add the seasoning. Prep any sides and shells and you have an easy meal.

If you do tacos very often in your house, you probably have noticed that the kits are really overpriced. I prefer to buy just the shells and then make my own seasoning. I make a large batch and then I can just add some each time I make tacos. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s free of artificial flavors and preservatives.
• You can customize the heat level and amount of salt to suit your family’s taste.
• It’s budget-friendly and saves you a trip to the grocery store for a packet of regular taco seasoning.
• You’ll have the satisfaction of making your own taco seasoning from scratch!

Ingredients Needed 

• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Kosher salt or table salt

How to Make Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning

1. Mix It Up: In a small bowl, combine all the spices. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
2. Store: Transfer your spice blend to an airtight container, mason jar, or airtight jar. Label it with the date so you’ll always know it’s fresh.
3. Use: Add the seasoning mix to your pound of chicken (or any other protein!) for an easy, flavor-packed meal.

When you are ready to use the taco seasoning you can add 3 tablespoons of the seasoning to your ground beef along with 1/3 cup water.

It also works great to make fish or shrimp tacos. I just sprinkle 2 tablespoons over about a pound of fish or shrimp and then cook them.

Tips for the Best Flavor

• Oil is Key for Chicken Breasts: If you’re seasoning boneless, skinless chicken breasts, mix the seasoning with a little olive oil instead of water. This helps the seasoning stick and adds richness.
• Double or Triple Batch: Make a big batch of this seasoning and keep it in a cool, dark place. It’s the easiest way to always have homemade taco seasoning ready to go.
• Adjust the Heat: Prefer a more spicy flavor? Add a little cayenne for some heat Want a smoky flavor? Use smoked paprika in place of regular.
• Expiration Dates: Keep an eye on the spices in your mix. To maintain the best flavor, use within six months and store in an airtight container in a dry place.

Ways to Use Homemade Taco Seasoning

• Best Chicken Tacos: Rub the seasoning blend on a pound of chicken, cook in a large skillet with olive oil, and serve in flour tortillas with your favorite toppings like sour cream, lime juice, and black beans.
• Ground Turkey or Ground Beef: This spice mix works like a charm for turkey tacos or beef tacos.
• Slow Cooker or Crock Pot: Season chicken thighs with the blend, add a cup of water, and let it cook low and slow for shredded chicken perfection.
• Vegetarian Options: Toss black beans or roasted veggies with the seasoning for a meatless taco night.

Common FAQs

Homemade Taco Seasoning

1/2 cup chili powder
1 tbsp. black pepper
2 tbsp. salt
1 tbsp. paprika
2 tbsp. garlic powder
1/4 cup onion powder
1 tbsp. cumin

Mix all of the spices together in a bowl and then store in an airtight container. To use, add 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning and 1/3 cup water to ground meat or sprinkle 2 tablespoons over a pound of fish or shrimp.