Homemade Chili Seasoning is made up of the perfect blend of cumin and chili powder and will pack a whole lot of flavor into your chili recipes.
This chili spice blend is perfect in Instant Pot Chili, Slow Cooker Chili, and any of your favorite chili recipes.
Homemade Chili Seasoning
I was stunned to learn that many people use packets of chili seasonings in their chili recipes. There is absolutely NO need to purchase that chili seasoning packet. It is filled with all sorts of additives, preservatives, added sugar, and is really high in sodium.
Chili Seasoning can easily be made at home. Not only is it better for you, but it also tastes a million times better than those store-bought packets. And I bet you have all the ingredients in your spice cabinet right now!
Spices in Chili Seasoning
My recipe for Chili seasoning is pretty basic. I am heavy on chili powder in my seasoning blend, but also like to add in a bit of cumin for a warming depth of flavor and a pinch of cayenne for heat. Just like any good chili recipe, this chili seasoning has onion and garlic powder to help build a solid base of flavor. Feel free to add in dried oregano for a peppery zing.
- Chili Powder
- Cumin
- Cayenne Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Important to note when making homemade chili seasoning: use fresh dried spices when making any homemade spice blend, for optimum flavor. If your spices have been sitting in your spice cabinet for over 6 months, it is time to toss them. If they are several years old, be prepared to be stunned by how much better your homemade meals taste with fresh spices.
Chili Powder or Ancho Chile Powder?
Chili powder is made up of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and ground chiles. Ancho chile powder is made from ground poblano peppers. Either will work in this recipe, but keep in mind the ancho chile powder will give the chili a bit more kick. in terms of both flavor and heat.
Storage
I like to make a large batch of this Chili powder, store it in a glass jar, and use 2 tablespoons of the mixture each time I am making a batch of chili.
Use Chili Seasoning in:
- Chicken Chili
- Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili
- Lentil Chili
- Butternut Squash Chili
- Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili
- But don't just limit homemade chili mix to chili recipes, you can also use this blend on oven-baked potatoes for a spicy kick, grilled corn for a fun summer treat, and burgers for added flavor.
Homemade Chili Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Combine spices until evenly mixed together.
- Store for up to 6 months in a sealed container in the pantry.
Robert Terbizan
The only item for concern here is the amount of sodium. It is higher than the total amount of sodium per day that should be consumed. I realize that you wouldn't be eating it every day so just be careful if you have any sodium concerns. I will make it and try it though.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Robert! The total sodium is for the entire recipe, not per serving (so for a batch of chili that is 8-12 servings). That said, you can cut the sodium in half and still have delicious results.
Cee B
Hi Kristen,
These are the exact spices I use for my chili, with the addition of oregano.Don’t know why I never thought to mix them ahead of time so they would be easily available! Thank you for a great idea. I did have a thought about Margo’s overly hot chili. Not all chili powder is the same. For instance, I prefer hot Mexican style chili powder, which is spicier. I rarely have to add cayenne. Hope this helps.
Rosanna
I am trying this recipe today. Making ground turkey chili beans for a family potluck tomorrow. The only ingredient I don’t have on hand is onion powder. Had anyone used a onion cooked with the meat in place of the onion powder? Making with homemade pinto beans.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Rosanna! I have actually found myself in this situation before. Using an onion with the beef will help replace that flavor and your chili will still be delicious! Enjoy!
Summer
I felt something was missing-wasn’t sure what but after reading the comments I added some smoked paprika and oregano and it’s pretty bomb!
B
this easy peasy and a solid chili seasoning base. i added the oregano and some extra cayenne. love this because I’m allergic to corn and most store bought mixes have all variations of it in everything. thanks!
Kristen Chidsey
You bet! So happy this was a recipe you could use!
DweezilAZ
Thanks. I put this together this afternoon. I'll be making it tomorrow afternoon.
Will post an update.
Hope it's good, I doubled the recipe so I don't have to pay so much for those packs.
I may add this to my next batch of garden burgers, actually.
Diane True
I always bought the store packets before finding this but this is my go to now! It's awesome.
Kristen Chidsey
YAY! I love hearing this is now a staple at your house!
Linda
Kirsten,
Mind Full Mom is my go-to site when I need a recipe. Thanks for so many “keepers”! I’m hoping you might have a white chicken chili seasoning similar to McCormick’s. My family really enjoys this but I’d like to mix the seasoning myself. Thanks again!
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Linda! I love hearing you enjoy and trust my recipes! As for white chili seasoning, I don't have a recipe for a seasoning blend, but I do have a recipe for Instant Pot White Chicken Chili and Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili you may like.
Aléa
I will never use Store bought chili seasoning again! This is fantastic!
Maria
Love this recipe!! Is this mild and kid-friendly? I will make a batch for sure, but my kids can't handle any bit of heat, lol.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Maria! My daughter is pretty sensitive to heat herself and never complains this is too spicy. That said, for your girls, I would omit the cayenne pepper.
Margo D
I multiplied the recipe to can chili starter, as I do every year. I usually have McCormack seasoning mix; but I had all the stuff, so made your recipe. It was really, really spicy, I mean hot. So I will eliminate the
Red pepper, and cut down on the chili powder next time, and maybe that will work. Thanks for posting your recipes for others to enjoy.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Margo! I am sorry you found this overly spicy. I wonder if when you multiplied the recipe, you increased the chili powder by a bit more than necessary? Most don't find this spicy at all. But I appreciate your feedback!