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. In fact, I bet you have all the ingredients in your spice cabinet right now.
Chili Spices
- Cumin
- Chili Powder (ancho or regular)
- Cayenne Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Salt
- Pepper
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.
My recipe for Chili seasoning is pretty basic, but feel free to add in dried oregano for a peppery zing.
I like to make a large batch of this Chili powder, store in a glass jar, and use 2 tablespoons of the mixture each time I am making a batch of chili.
Important to note when making homemade chili seasoning: use fresh dried spices when making any homemade spice blend, for optimum flavor. If you 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 with how much better your homemade meals taste with fresh spices.
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 in burgers for added flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Combine spices until evenly mixed together.
- Store for up to 6 months in a sealed container in the pantry.
Equipment Needed
Notes
Nutrition
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!