My homemade chili seasoning is my secret weapon for a pot of unforgettable chili. A blend of bold spices that adds amazing flavor to every bite. Once you try it, you won’t go back to store bought!

The key to my simple, delicious chili is this homemade chili seasoning mix. It’s amazing how the right blend of spices can add so much depth and warmth to a dish.

When creating this recipe, I wanted to use simple spices that most people have on hand. It’s a great balance of deep, bold flavors that transforms an ordinary pot of chili into something that’s hard to resist.

Making spice mixes at home is quick and easy. A few others you might enjoy are apple pie spice, Jamaican jerk seasoning, french fry seasoning, and sloppy joe mix.

What is chili powder

It’s a blend of dried spices, usually one or more varieties of chilis. Typically it’s used to season chili and other dishes. Chili seasoning is different than chili powder because it’s a mix of 5 or more spices.

Why make homemade seasoning mixes

• Flavor control. You are able to control the amount of seasoning to be as smoky, spicy, or mild as you prefer.
• No additives. No added preservatives or strange ingredients.
• Very budget friendly. Make a large batch of seasoning for a fraction of the cost of pre-packaged seasoning.

Ingredients

This chili spice mix recipe is made of just a few different spices that you might already have in your spice cabinet.

• Chili powder – This makes up the bulk of the mix.
• Paprika – Made from dried chilis and has a slight sweetness.
• Ground cumin – Adds an earthy flavor.
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper
• Optional – Cayenne pepper for added heat.

How to make this chili seasoning recipe

Scroll to the bottom for full printable recipe, ingredients and video.

1. Mix: Combine all of the spices in a bowl.
2. Store: Store in a glass jar until ready to use.

Recipe tips

• Amount: You can use 2 tablespoons of seasoning for one recipe of chili, or 1 pound of meat.
• Large batch: If you would like to make a larger batch of seasoning, triple or quadruple the amount of ingredients.
• Fresh spices: I recommend using fresh spices to make this mix. That will give you the best flavor and the seasoning mix will last longer.

Storage

Store chili seasoning in a glass jar with a lid or a glass spice jar. Depending on how fresh the dried spices are when making, this mix will last 6-12 months.

Make sure to store in a cool, dry place.

How to use chili seasoning

This recipe is enough to season one recipe of chili. Approximately the same amount as what you would find in a 1.25 ounce prepackaged mix from the store. Here are a few ideas for how to use this mix:

• Chili: The classic way to use this seasoning.
• Turkey chili stuffed sweet potatoes
• Try sprinkling this on roasted potatoes or french fries.
• Sprinkle the seasoning on corn on the cob.

Variations

This seasoning mix is a classic recipe. There are a few additional secret ingredients you can add-in if you are more adventurous.

• Beer: I occasionally like to add in some beer into our pot of chili. Use whatever you have in the refrigerator.
• Cinnamon: I know this one sounds a little out there, but it adds a nice flavor that will have your guests guessing.
• Cocoa powder: Use a pinch of unsweetened cocoa powder to add rich, earthy flavor.
• Oregano: Add 1/2 teaspoon of oregano for an additional layer of flavor.

Best pre-packaged chili seasoning mix?

If you are in a hurry and have to use a pre-packaged mix, I would recommend using McCormick chili seasoning mix. 

More homemade spice blends

• Copycat Zaxby’s fry seasoning
• Ground beef seasoning
• Meatloaf seasoning
• Burger seasoning

Let me know your favorite way to use this seasoning in the comments.