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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 that 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 red potatoes, Instant Pot corn on the cob, or homemade 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 round 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 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. 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 to 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.
Plan on making some chili this week. I wanted a simple chili seasoning recipe. Can’t wait to try this! Thank you for sharing!!
Loved it.
Made a big batch using a pound of dry beans and a pound of ground beef. Used a double recipe and it was PERFECT! Added the oregano too. So much better than the packets!!!!!
Thanks for sharing Carmen! I love that you enjoyed this flavor!
Used this tonight and it was fantastic! I usually use McCormick but I'm definitely using your recipe from now on. I didn't have any cayenne so I just sprinkled in some roasted red pepper flakes and it worked perfectly. You have changed my chili game -- thank you!
YAY! SO happy you enjoyed Raquel!
Followed the recipe exactly and it was fantastic!! I used 1 pound of ground beef and 1 tablespoon of this seasoning mix was perfect! Thank you!!
You are welcome! I am so glad you enjoyed!
Hi! Thank you for the recipe. One question--I have used Chugwater Chilis seasoning mix for a long time and really do like the flavor. I am needing a spice mix that DOES NOT have any flour/masa or other thickeners--just spices. Have you ever used the Chugwater Chili recipe, and if so, is your recipe close in taste? The only items they put in ingredients are: Red chili pepper, salt, masa, onion powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, "and 6 other spices", which could be anything. I like the taste of this blend because it does NOT have a ton of cumin and not terribly spicy hot. Thank you so much!
Hi Lori! I am sorry but I have never heard of Chugwater's mix, therefore I can't compare my recipe to theirs. I will say that sugar and masa would give the blend a different flavor. But I hope you try this blend and enjoy. You can always omit the cayenne pepper for less heat and cut the cumin in half.
This. Is. Amazing! I've been making chili for years using the McCormick spice packets -- will never buy them again! The only change I made was I doubled the cayenne pepper because I have a spice lovers family. BTW - this is the best Chili I've ever made because of you. Thank you SO much for posting this and am so glad I found your recipe Blog. I look forward to trying more of your recipes. Have a great week!
Thank you so much for sharing how much you enjoyed this blend! I hope you find many more recipes to enjoy here.
I am making chili tonight and am using this recipe because of the reviews! The spices listed are the ones I would use anyway, but more structured. i also use diced tomatoes with chilies in my chili, gives it a bit of a kick. Cant wait to try this!
I'm never buying chili seasoning packets again. Absolutely yummy
I use a generous amount of onion and garlic in my chili should I omit the powders or lower the amount.
I personally would keep it the same. I use a whole onion and several cloves of garlic and still find this seasoning to work well.