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If there's one recipe I've leaned on for years, it's this Homemade Chili Seasoning. Made with a simple blend of pantry spices, this chili seasoning transforms an ordinary pot of chili into something award-winning--without the excess sodium, preservatives, or mystery ingredients found in store-bought packets!
If you want a standout chili recipe, start with this spice blend. Several readers have even shared this blend has helped them win chili cook-offs. Yes, it's that good!
Why Make Your Own Chili Seasoning?
- Customizable. Adjust the salt, heat, and spice level to suit your family.
- Budget-friendly. Costs just pennies compared to store-bought packets.
- Cleaner ingredients. No preservatives or additives--just simple spices that deliver the ultimate flavor. Just like my taco seasoning and Cajun seasoning.
- Versatility. Perfect for chili, but also amazing on roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, or burgers.
5-Star Reader Review
I have made MANY different chili seasonings over the 18 yrs of making chili for my husband. This is far and away his favorite. He said the flavor was so good he didn't want to "ruin" it with toppings. Thank you, this is going in my cookbook. --Larkin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spices in Chili Seasoning
With hundreds of 5-star reviews, this chili seasoning is already perfect in terms of flavor. That said, I have provided optional additions and modifications to make this blend work for you.
- Chili Powder: Classic chili powder is actually a mix of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and ground chiles. Ancho chili powder (made from poblano peppers) will lend more flavor and heat to the seasoning. Either work in this recipe.
- Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy, and slightly bitter taste with hints of citrus, giving the chili spice blend depth.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adds a small kick of heat without overpowering the chili; adjust to taste.
- Garlic + Onion Powder: Both classic additions that rounds out this chili blend.
- Salt: I recommend kosher salt as it has less sodium content per teaspoon than iodized table salt; adjust as needed.
- Black Pepper: Adds a bit of subtle heat and earthy notes.
Optional Additions
- Dried Oregano: Add up to ½ teaspoon for a peppery, zesty flavor.
- Cocoa Powder: Use up to 1 tablespoon of plain cocoa powder for a rich, earthy undertone without tasting like chocolate.
- Smoked Paprika: Add 1-2 teaspoons for a smoky undertone.
- Masa Harina: To thicken and add a sweet, earthy corn flavor to the chili, mix 1-2 tablespoons of masa harina with ¼ cup of water. Stir into the chili during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
Kristen's Key Tip
For best flavor, use dried spices that are less than 6 months old. You'll be amazed at how much fresher your chili tastes with "fresh" dried spices.
How to Make & Store Chili Seasoning
Making homemade chili seasoning is as easy as mixing the dried spices together until combine. But I have a few tips you may find helpful.
- Combine. Measure out the individual ingredients and combine. I often just dump the ingredients into a mason jar and give everything a good shake to combine. Then I can store what I don't use right inside the jar.
- Use or Store. If you aren't planning to use the chili seasoning immediately, transfer it to an airtight jar or container (use a small funnel or paper towel funnel as shown in the video if needed) and store in the pantry or spice cabinet for up to 6 months.
How to Use Chili Seasoning
- Replace a Packet: As written, this chili seasoning recipe replaces a 1.25 ounce package of store-bought seasoning.
- Make Chili: Use 1 recipe per 2 pounds of meat. I find it is best the add chili seasoning along with the liquid of tomatoes and liquid to let the flavor develop.
- Beyond Chili: Chili seasoning is good for more than just chili! Stir into queso, hummus, or sour cream for a quick dip with incredible flavor or use to season chicken, pork, fish, or potatoes. The options are as endless as your imagination.
Make a Big Batch
If your family loves chili as much as mine, I STRONGLY encourage you to make a big batch so it is ready anytime.
- ½ cup chili powder
- 2 ½ tablespoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 4 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 ½ tablespoons kosher salt
- 4 teaspoons black pepper
Store in an airtight jar in your pantry for up to 6 months. Use 2 tablespoons per batch of chili or recipe calling for a 1.25-ounce packet of chili seasoning.
So there you have it, my famous chili seasoning. So easy, so versatile! Once you try this homemade chili seasoning, you'll never go back. xo-Kristen
Recipes Featuring Chili Seasoning
I have used this chili seasoning for decades to flavor endless dishes, but below are my favorite chili recipes starring this delicious chili spice blend.
Did you make this recipe?
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment with a 5-star review at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
Homemade Chili Seasoning
Video
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder, see notes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, combine 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin. 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper together until well distributed.
- Use immediately to replace 1 packet of chili seasoning, or store in an airtight container for up to 6 months in a cool, dark cabinet.
Equipment
- mason jar perfect for larger batch
Notes
- ½ cup chili powder
- 2 ½ tablespoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 4 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 ½ tablespoons kosher salt
- 4 teaspoons pepper
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This post was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2025. Below is the original photo for fun.
Outstanding spice blend! My crockpot chili was outstanding using this mixture!
I did add in the smoked paprika and I have Celtic salt so just reduced the amount of salt. So glad I found this recipe!
Thank you for sharing Jennifer! I love hearing you enjoyed the chili seasoning.
Kristen,
Made the seasoning yesterday. Have a pot of your crockpot chili going right now. No burger, Nathan's Dogs. Smells great. Thanks,
Byron
Awesome! Enjoy!!!
Love this recipe it makes great tasting chili!
This recipe is basic but DELICIOUS! I don't like using cumin because it gives me really bad reflux so I replaced it with smoked paprika and it gave it a much smokier/chipotle flavor that my loves! Thank you!!
What a great replacement suggestion! Thank you for sharing.
I gave a problem. I can't get onion powder where I live. I've been told just to double my garlic powder. What do you say?
How many spoonfuls are in the packet and how much goes into the chilli?
Thank you.
Hey there! I would omit the onion powder and use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder instead of 1/4 teaspoon. For each batch of chili, I use 2 tablespoons of the mix (or one full recipe). This is the equivalent to 1.25 ounce chili seasoning packet. I hope that helps!
This is awesome. Thank you! I’ll never buy the package seasoning again. I’ve used this in the last few batches of chili and the husband raves. Leftovers? Nahh. I’ll take another reviewer’s recommendation and make a larger batch as gifts for my kids and granddaughter in college. I’m a fan now! LOL. All the best
The "packet" chili recipe calls for one pound of ground beef, one can of kidney beans and one can diced tomatoes (it's the only recipe I know by heart LOL). Should I cut your seasoning recipe in half when following this recipe? You mention it is equivalent of one packet, but then say TWO pounds of beef. I want to make sure I do it right!!
Hi Dawn! I would recommend cutting this seasoning in half when only using 1 pound of beef and 1 can of beans. It may be that your packet is for a smaller batch 🙂
Made it, tried it. Making huge batch of the spice mix to give to daughters!
What a great gift idea! Hope your daughters enjoy as well.
Chili mix is tasty but very mild. Would appreciate optional notes on how to make it hotter. I tried adding a tad more chilli powder, cumin, and cayenne and neither made it hotter.
Hi Amanda! I am happy to hear you found this flavorful. As for the heat level, the recipe notes state to increase cayenne pepper to make it spicier.
I have made MANY different chili seasonings over the 18 yrs of making chili for my husband. This is far and away his favorite. He said the flavor was so good he didn't want to "ruin" it with toppings. Thank you, this is going in my cookbook.
PS: I did add the cacao powder, cinnamon and oregano.
The best kind of compliment! Thank you!
Wow chocolate? Tell me more!