Chili Seasoning

This homemade chili seasoning can be used for a variety of dishes but is especially good for a pot of chili. A flavorful blend of dried spices that will take your chili to the next level.

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 spice mix. 

Why make homemade seasoning mixes

• You are able to control the amount of spice and sodium. 
• No added preservatives or strange ingredients.
• Very budget friendly. Make a large batch of seasoning for a fraction of the cost of pre-packaged. 

What spices to put in chili

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.

What is chili powder?

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

How to make the 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

• If you would like to make a larger batch of seasoning, triple or quadruple the amount of ingredients. You can then use 2 tablespoons for one batch of chili, or 1 pound of meat. 
• I would recommend using fresh, dried spices for this blend. 

How to store

Store: Store chili seasoning in a glass jar with a lid or glass spice jar. Depending on how fresh the dried spices are when making, this mix should last for about 1 year. 

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 prepackaged mix from the store. Here are a few ideas for how to use this mix.

• Chili
• Turkey chili stuffed sweet potatoes
• Sprinkle on roasted potatoes or french fries
• Sprinkle on corn on the cob

Variations or secret ingredients for chili

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

• Beer: We do occasionally like to add in some beer into our 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 easy, homemade recipes

• Buffalo sauce – Easy homemade buffalo sauce.
• Taco sauce – Similar to Taco Bell sauce. 
• Chick-Fil-A sauce – Make your own copycat recipe at home. 
• Tartar sauce – This sauce is perfect for seafood and chicken.
• Cocktail sauce – Great for shrimp cocktail, fish and more. 

***If you made this recipe, feel free to leave a comment and star rating below.