Chili Seasoning

chiliseasoning This homemade chili seasoning recipe combines simple pantry spices to create a rich, complex flavour that can be used in many different dishes. It’s easy to adjust to your heat preference and is much fresher than store-bought mixes. Swap it 1:1 for storebought chili powder in any recipe. Chili powder is a seasoning blend made from ground, dried chilies along with other spices that can include garlic, cumin and oregano, among others. It’s commonly used in Mexican and Tex-Mex cooking to add flavour and a bit of heat to dishes. The exact composition of chili powder can vary greatly depending on the brand or the recipe used if making it at home. It’s important to note that it is different from “chile powder,” or “cayenne pepper” which is made of purely ground chilies without additional spices mixed in.

8 Tbsp. ground paprika
2 Tbsp. smoked paprika or more regular paprika
1 Tbsp. ground cayenne pepper
2 Tbsp. onion powder
2 Tbsp. ground cumin
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. dried oregano
1 Tbsp. sea salt
2 tsp. ground coriander

In a bowl, combine all the ground spices together. Ensure they’re well mixed for an even flavour distribution.

Give the blend a taste and tweak the salt or heat level to your liking.

Makes 1 cup.

Cook’s Notes:

Use about 2-3 Tbsp. per pound of meat or per can of beans.

Smoked paprika adds a nice depth and smokiness; you can use regular paprika if that’s what you have on hand.
Using homemade chili seasoning can transform your meals, adding depth and heat that’s just right. It’s the best secret ingredient. Here’s how you can put this robust blend to good use:
In a Pot of Chili: It’s in the name and it’s the classic choice. Whether you’re cooking up a hearty ground beef Chili Con Carne, Instant Pot Chili with Ground Turkey or Chicken, or a creamy Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, start with this seasoning for a super flavourful base for your go-to chili recipe.
On Proteins: Before grilling or roasting, rub some of this seasoning on chicken, beef, or tofu for an added kick. Chili powder is a key ingredient in my delicious, saucy Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos.
As a Seasoning Base: Chili powder is the flavour base for my versatile Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning, used to make these popular Chicken Street Tacos and Crispy Chicken Tacos.
On Beans and Vegetables: Sprinkle a Tbsp. on warm beans and veggies for to amp up flavour in easy weekday meals.
In Sauces and Dips: If you haven’t tried my Baja Sauce recipe yet, put it on your must-try list. It’s creamy, cool, tangy and a little spicy. So delicious on Baja Fish Tacos or Spicy Fish Tacos.

Make-Ahead and Storage:

Make-Ahead: Chili seasoning can be made in bulk and stored, meaning you can have it on hand whenever the chili mood strikes.
Storage: Store the blend in an airtight container, keeping it in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness. The seasoning can be stored in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this chili seasoning blend in advance? You can absolutely prepare this blend ahead of time. It stays fresh for up to 6 months when stored properly.
Is this seasoning blend spicy? The heat level depends on the chili powders you choose. Ancho is milder, while cayenne adds more heat.
Can this blend be used for dishes other than chili? This versatile blend is great for meats, stews, veggies and even popcorn.
What if I don’t have all the spices listed? You can still get a tasty blend without one or two spices, but the flavour will change with each omission.
How much of the seasoning should I use? Use about 2-3 Tbsp. per pound of meat or per can of beans.
Can I reduce the salt in the recipe? Adjusting the salt to your taste or dietary needs is fine, but it may change the flavour balance slightly.
Does this seasoning have any allergens? Typically, there are no common allergens, but always check spice labels for cross-contamination if you have allergies.
What is the difference between chili seasoning and chili powder? Chili seasoning includes a blend of spices with chili powder, whereas chili powder is ground dried chilies.
What is a good substitute for chili seasoning in a pinch? Combine ground cumin, garlic powder and a bit of cayenne as a quick fix.