This homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning is easy to make using pantry staples. It’s a gluten free and healthier alternative to store-bought seasoning packets and can be used on ground chicken, chicken breasts, or chicken thighs!

a glass jar holding chicken taco seasoning with a silver spoon

What Makes This Chicken Taco Seasoning Recipe Great

A lot of store-bought taco seasonings contain additives, sugar and even gluten. As someone with Celiac disease, I need to pay close attention to my labels. I love making my own seasoning mixes at home to ensure they don’t have any unwanted ingredients. This homemade chicken taco seasoning is absolutely delicious and only takes 5 minutes to make! You can use it as a seasoning for chicken tacos, as a Mexican chicken rub, in keto fajitas, or for crock pot shredded chicken.

Recipe Highlights

  • Takes 5 minutes to make
  • Lasts for up to 6 months
  • The best chicken taco seasoning
  • Tastes like authentic taco seasoning
  • Versatile – Can also be used as ground beef seasoning & carnitas seasoning
  • Simple to make using pantry staples
  • Cheaper than store-bought

Ingredients for Chicken Taco Seasoning

taco seasoning spices on a white plate with labels

This chicken taco homemade seasoning uses a few simple spices and tastes exactly like the Old El Paso Taco seasoning without all of the junk!

Salt: lower the amount to 1.5 tsp for a low sodium taco seasoning!

Pepper

Chili Powder: Sometimes this can be spicy. Use a little less for less heat, if preferred.

Cumin

Paprika: Use smoked paprika for more of a smoky flavor.

Garlic Powder

Onion Powder

Oregano

Cayenne: Omit for a more mild taco seasoning

Recipe Step-By-Step

chicken taco seasoning in a bowl with a spoon in it
  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix.
  2. Transfer to a jar or container with a tight lid and save for up to 6 months.
  3. Use 2 tbsp of chicken taco seasoning as needed for every 1 lb of chicken or meat.

How To Use Chicken Taco Seasoning

There are endless ways to use this seasoning mix! Use 2 tbsp for every one lb of meat. It is delicious in ground chicken tacos, shredded chicken tacos, enchiladas, and on chicken breasts for fajitas. I also like to use it in a quick chicken chili. You can also make a quick high-protein taco dip using 1.5 cups plain Greek yogurt mixed with 2 tbsp of seasoning.

How to make ground chicken taco meat: Simply brown 1 lb of ground chicken with 1 tbsp olive oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes while breaking up with a wooden spoon. Add in 2 tbsp of the chicken taco seasoning and stir until fragrant. Add 1/3 cup of water and bring to a boil, then simmer for 2-3 minutes. Serve in your favorite taco shells!

While this works great as a Mexican seasoning for chicken, it also works well as a taco seasoning for ground turkey, beef and pork.

Recipe FAQ’s

What are the Old El Paso Taco Seasoning ingredients?

Corn Starch, Chili Pepper, Maltodextrin, Salt, Spice, Onion Powder. Contains 2% or less of: Vegetable Oil (high oleic canola and/or soybean oil), Silicon Dioxide (anticaking agent), Natural Flavor, Modified Corn Starch. This is why I choose to make my own taco seasoning at home!

How to store chicken taco seasoning?

The best place is in an air-tight container in a dark, cool place like your pantry. This will ensure it lasts the full 6 months! I love these jars for storing spices and sauces.

Is taco seasoning gluten free?

Some are – but some are not. Always be sure to check your labels!

Where to find gluten free spices?

To be safe, I try to use the Badia brand, Morton & Bassett brand, and Simply Organic.

spices in a glass jar with a spoon

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments section. Or, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram today!

Chicken Taco Seasoning

This homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning is easy to make using pantry staples. It's a gluten free and healthier alternative to store-bought seasoning packets and can be used on ground chicken, chicken breasts, or chicken thighs!
5 from 2 votes
Leave a Review »

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 3 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • ¼ tsp cayenne

Equipment

  • glass jar

Instructions
 

  • Combine all of the spices together in a bowl and mix to combine.
  • Transfer to a jar with a lid and store for up to 6 months!
  • Use 2 tbsp chicken taco seasoning per 1 lb of chicken as needed.

Notes

While this chicken taco seasoning is great on chicken, it also works with any type of meat or recipe where you could use a packet of taco seasoning. 
How to make the best chicken taco meat: Saute 1 lb of chicken with 1 tbsp oil in a large pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. Add 2 tbsp of the chicken taco seasoning and stir until fragrant. Add 1/3 cup of water and bring to a boil, then simmer for 2-3 minutes. Serve in your favorite taco shells!
Storage: Store in an air-tight container in your pantry for up to 6 months!

Nutrition

Serving: 2tbsp, Calories: 9kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 0.4g, Fat: 0.2g, Saturated Fat: 0.04g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Sodium: 594mg, Potassium: 43mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 0.2g, Vitamin A: 249IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 13mg, Iron: 1mg