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In this post: Make a bomb chili recipe that’s bursting with flavor when you use this homemade chili seasoning. A combination of spices most popularly used in most chili recipes, that are oftentimes already in your pantry!


A great chili seasoning recipe starts with a good base and this chili seasoning recipe can enhance any chili dish. Learn to make the best homemade chili seasoning recipe from scratch here.

chili seasoning on a white measuring spoon

What Are the Ingredients in Chili Seasoning

As I mentioned chili powder is the first ingredient in this homemade chili seasoning recipe. But there’s also cumin, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. 

Optional spices you can add are: 

  • oregano
  • red chili pepper flakes
  • paprika or smoke paprika 
  • garlic powder
  • chipotle chili pepper

Of course, you can add, eliminate or adjust the spices to your tastes. 

chili seasoning recipe in a small white bowl

How to Make Homemade Chili Seasoning

Ingredients

  • 3 Tablespoons Chili Powder
  • 2 Teaspoons Cumin
  • 2 Teaspoons Onion Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
individual spices for chili seasoning in a wood bowl

Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a small dish or jar and mix well.
  2. Use immediately or store in a sealed container for up to a year.

Tips & Notes for This Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe

  • If you want a bigger kick added to your seasoning, include ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper in your mix.
  • Want a sweeter touch? Add a teaspoon of sugar.
  • Want a stronger or bolder flavor? Add an extra Tablespoon of chili powder.
  • You’ll want to taste this and adjust the seasonings to your preferences. Everyone likes it just a little differently, so start from here and if you like it, awesome, if not, tweak it just how you like it.
  • Be sure to smash up any clumps in your seasoning so it’s nice and smooth.

Tools to Use:

  • Spice jars with bamboo lids
  • Minimalist spice jar labels
  • “Picture Ledge” style shelves
antique pepsi crate kitchen storage | spice rack storage

How Do I Store the Chili Seasoning?

You can store your homemade chili seasoning in an air-tight container in your pantry or on a spice rack. Any sealed jar will do. But I love these little spice jars

If stored in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight, this chili spice mix will keep for 6 months to a year. Although it’s potency may diminish the longer it’s stored. 

Ways to Use Chili Seasoning

There are so many ways to use this chili seasoning recipe outside of the obvious chili. Here are a few ideas for where to start: 

FAQ

How much chili seasoning should I use?

For a large pot of chili, use about 2 tablespoons of this homemade chili seasoning recipe. Adjust and add more or less to your own tastes, of course!

Are chili and taco seasoning the same?

They are very similar. But taco seasoning usually has a few additional ingredients, while chili seasoning will have more chili powder than taco seasoning. 

Is this chili seasoning recipe spicy? How can I make it spicy?

This is not a spicy chili seasoning. To make it spicier add more cayenne pepper or add some red pepper flakes. 

What are good store-bought chili seasonings?

I don’t buy store-bought chili spice mix. But if you want to skip making your own, try the McCormick Original Chili Seasoning Mix.  

Printable Chili Seasoning Recipe

chili seasoning in a small mason jar with a white measuring spoon

Chili Seasoning Recipe

Yield: 6 tablespoons
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Make a bomb chili recipe that’s bursting with flavor when you use this homemade chili seasoning. A combination of spices most popularly used in most chili recipes, that are oftentimes already in your pantry!

Ingredients

  • 3 Tablespoons Chili Powder
  • 2 Teaspoons Cumin
  • 2 Teaspoons Onion Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a small dish or jar and mix well.
  2. Use immediately or store in a sealed container for up to a year.

Notes

  • If you want a bigger kick added to your seasoning, include ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper to your mix.
  • Want a sweeter touch? Add a teaspoon of sugar.
  • Want a stronger or bolder flavor? Add an extra Tablespoon of chili powder.
  • You’ll want to taste this and adjust the seasonings to your preferences. Everyone likes it just a little differently, so start from here and if you like it, awesome, if not, tweak it just how you like it.
  • Be sure to smash up any clumps in your seasoning so it’s nice and smooth.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Have you made this chili seasoning recipe? If you have, we’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

shannon photo and sig oct 2022

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