This homemade chicken taco seasoning is a simple mix of spices that only takes 5 minutes and a few things. The perfect spice mix for your next taco night and the best chicken tacos!.
If you know me, you know I like easy meals, and taco night is about as easy as they come. Ive found one of the easiest ways to jazz up taco night is by adding a custom spice blend, like this chicken taco seasoning. I do sometimes buy taco seasoning in a packet, but it’s really easy to make your own chicken taco seasoning at home, which gives your favorite taco recipes a real Mexican flavor.
I love making a big batch of this seasoning and then storing it in my pantry to use – then its ready whenever I need it! Whether youre whipping up ground chicken tacos, turkey tacos, or beef tacos, this taco seasoning blend is your ticket to a delicious taco night!.
Tacos are a delicious and versatile Tex-Mex staple enjoyed around the world The beauty of tacos lies in their simplicity – all you need is some sort of protein, seasoning, and shells or tortillas to create an easy yet satisfying meal. Chicken is a lean and affordable protein that works perfectly in tacos when seasoned just right. But what exactly is the best seasoning for chicken tacos? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to take your chicken tacos to the next level with amazing flavor.
Why Use Seasoning For Chicken Tacos
Plain chicken can be bland and boring on its own. That’s where chicken taco seasoning comes in. It adds layers of flavor to plain chicken to make it taste extra special. Chicken tacos can taste like they came from your favorite Mexican restaurant if you use the right mix of spices.
Chicken soaks up seasoning exceptionally well. The mild taste of the chicken lets the spices stand out instead of competing with them. It only takes a tablespoon or two of seasoning per pound of chicken to give it big, bold Tex-Mex flavors.
Homemade seasoning blends also allow you to control the ingredients. Store-bought packets often contain preservatives MSG and sodium you won’t find in homemade blends made with natural spices. Creating your own signature seasoning recipe means you can customize it exactly to your tastes.
How To Make Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning
Making your own taco seasoning at home is surprisingly easy and affordable. With just a few basic spices you can whip up a flavorful blend in 5 minutes flat. Here are the main components that go into a typical homemade chicken taco seasoning recipe
Chili Powder
This is the base of most taco seasoning blends. Chili powder provides a mild heat, deep flavor, and reddish color. Opt for regular mild chili powder rather than hot varieties for a family-friendly blend.
Cumin
Cumin gives taco seasoning an earthy, savory quality. It’s a quintessential Tex-Mex spice. Just a teaspoon or two is plenty to achieve that authentic southwestern taste.
Paprika
Paprika lends a rich sweetness and smokiness. Smoked paprika is especially well-suited for tacos with its deep, barbecue-like flavor.
Onion & Garlic Powder
These provide the aromatic foundation without overpowering the other spices. Use just 1/2 teaspoon or so of each in your blend.
Oregano
Oregano gives food a grassy, herbal taste with a hint of citrus. Mexican oregano is ideal but regular dried oregano works too.
Salt & Pepper
A pinch of salt enhances all the other spices while black pepper gives warmth. Start with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper then adjust to taste.
Follow this basic formula then tweak and customize the blend to your preferences. Add cayenne pepper for heat or brown sugar for sweetness. Play around with other spices like coriander, cilantro, and lime juice. The options are endless!
How To Make Chicken Tacos
Now that you have your special spice mix, it’s time to use it! Check out these easy steps for delicious chicken tacos that are packed with flavor:
Cook The Chicken
Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
Season The Chicken
Add 2-3 Tbsp taco seasoning to the skillet and stir for 1 minute. Nestle chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat with spices. Cook for 2-3 minutes until chicken is heated through.
Finish & Serve
Shred or slice chicken. Serve in warmed tortillas or taco shells topped with your favorite fixings like shredded lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, cilantro, salsa, and more!
That’s all it takes for quick yet flavor-packed chicken tacos that are sure to become a go-to recipe thanks to your homemade seasoning.
Tips For Making Perfect Chicken Tacos
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Pound chicken to an even thickness so it cooks evenly.
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Use tortillas right away or wrap in foil while cooking chicken to keep warm and pliable.
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Add a splash of water when seasoning chicken to help spices bloom and prevent burning.
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Cook chicken thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature.
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Make extra seasoned chicken and use for salads, bowls, nachos, and more throughout the week!
Top Chicken Taco Add-Ons
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend)
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Roasted corn
- Sauteed peppers and onions
- Cilantro
- Jalapenos
- Lime wedges
- Avocado
- Black beans or pinto beans
- Greek yogurt
FAQs About Chicken Taco Seasoning
How much seasoning do I need per pound of chicken?
As a general rule, use 2-3 Tbsp seasoning blend per pound of chicken. Adjust to taste.
How long does homemade seasoning last?
Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, homemade seasoning will keep for 3-6 months.
Can I use this seasoning on other proteins?
Absolutely! It works great on ground beef or turkey too. Omit the cumin for a more universal blend.
What’s the best oil for cooking the chicken?
Avocado, olive, grapeseed, and canola oil are all good options. Avoid oils with strong flavors.
Can I make tacos without shells/tortillas?
Yes, you can serve chicken taco meat over rice, salad, baked potatoes, or cauliflower rice for low-carb options.
What drinks pair best with chicken tacos?
Margaritas, Mexican beer, sangria, and Jarritos sodas are perfect beverage pairings.
Conclusion
With the right homemade chicken taco seasoning, it’s easy to create flavorful tacos that rival your favorite restaurants. This guide to making and using taco seasoning shares tips for concocting your own signature spice blend, cooking juicy seasoned chicken, and serving it up with delicious taco toppings. The next Taco Tuesday at your home will be an exciting fiesta of Tex-Mex flavors when you season your chicken just right. What are you waiting for? Get cooking and spice up those chicken tacos!
How To Make Chicken Taco Seasoning
You can make your own chicken taco seasoning in just a few easy steps. Heres what youll do:
- Add all ingredients to a bowl. Put 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 3 teaspoons of ground cumin, 2 teaspoons of sea salt, 2 teaspoons of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano in a small bowl.
- Mix to combine. Mix with a spoon until well combined.
- Store. Fill a mason jar or another container that won’t let air in and put it somewhere cool and dark.
The best part of making your own seasoning is that you get to adjust it to your preferences to make it exactly how you want it! Here are a few ideas.
- For a milder version. Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper for less heat.
- For extra heat. Either add red pepper flakes or make the cayenne pepper stronger.
- Ground coriander. Adds a lemony, floral note to the mix.
- Regular paprika. For a less smoky taste, it can be used instead of smoked paprika.
Why This Recipe Works
There are so many reasons to love this easy chicken taco seasoning.
- Ultimate control. When you make your own taco seasoning at home, you have full control over the ingredients and can be sure that no artificial flavors get into the food.
- Fast and easy. This recipe comes together in 5 minutes. Just get the spices out of the cabinet and mix them in a bowl. Now you have a tasty mix that goes great with chicken tacos!
- Great for batch cooking. When I make this chicken taco seasoning, I like to make two or even three batches so I always have some on hand. This is a great recipe that you can always count on to make a quick and tasty meal.
- This chicken taco seasoning recipe has the best flavor, with a zesty mix of real Mexican seasonings that are the perfect balance of smoky flavor, mild heat, and Mexican flavors.
- Versatile. This blend is great on chicken tacos, but you can use it on any taco meat, like beef, chicken, or turkey. It’s perfect for any taco night.
- This is my favorite taco seasoning mix, but you can use it for any Mexican chicken dish you’re making, like chicken and rice, enchiladas, chicken tamales, or even chicken stuffed peppers.
The best taco seasoning you’ll ever find is easy to make and tastes so much better than store-bought stuff! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chili powder & smoked paprika. These spices are what hold the mix together. They give it a smoky flavor that is typical of Mexican food.
- Ground cumin & Mexican oregano. For that earthy, deep flavor profile typical in Mexican dishes.
- Garlic powder & onion powder. Adds a subtle, aromatic base without overpowering the other flavors.
- Cayenne pepper. Somewhat spicy, and you can change how spicy it is to your liking.
- Sea salt & black pepper. Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the mix.