Homemade chili seasoning is flavorful, smoky, savory and perfectly spiced. Now you can skip those store-bought chili seasoning packets and make this easy DIY chili seasoning in minutes with pantry spices.
When you make your own chili spice blend you can control the spice level and salt level. Your seasoning blend will also be preservative free and chemical free. You’ll never want to use storebought again!
Jump to:
Homemade Chili Seasoning Blend
There’s something truly satisfying about making your own spice blends from scratch.
This homemade chili seasoning mix is one of those kitchen staples that can season a multitude of recipes and will have you wondering how you ever lived without it.
Trust me when I tell you that it tastes fresher and more vibrant than those store-bought packets you’ve been using.
And I will say it again, because this is the best part of making your own seasoning, it also lets you control the heat, salt, and flavor balance exactly the way you like it.
This chili seasoning is smoky and savory with just a little spiciness, making it perfect for classic chili, soups, stews, and even roasted vegetables.
I love keeping a jar of this blend in my spice cabinet so dinner is always bursting with flavor.
You can make this DIY blend literally in just minutes using spices you probably already have in your pantry.
No preservatives, no mystery ingredients, no ingredients you can’t pronounce, just pure, delicious seasoning.
Whether you’re cooking a batch of chili for a crowd or just making your favorite chili recipe for dinner tonight, this homemade chili seasoning will quickly become your go-to blend.
Say goodbye to that storebought chili seasoning packet and hello to your new favorite homemade spice blend.
Be sure to stop by the Swirls of Flavor Amazon Storefront for GG's personal kitchen recommendations!
Hungry for more? Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter for my latest recipes.
How to make DIY chili seasoning
This is a quick overview of how to make this homemade chili seasoning recipe. Scroll down for the full recipe instructions and ingredient amounts in the recipe card below.
- Step 1: Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Step 2: Mix until thoroughly combined and blended. Transfer to a mason jar or airtight container.
Hint: Using a whisk to combine the spices ensures a thoroughly blended spice mix.
Expert recipe tips
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor. Older spices lose their punch over time and won’t give your chili that bold taste.
- I recommend using a whisk to combine the ingredients. Whisking ensures that the seasoning is thoroughly blended so that every spoonful has a balanced blend of smoky, savory, and spicy notes.
- Feel free to taste and adjust any of the ingredients before storing. For example, add more cayenne pepper for heat or more smoked paprika for smoky notes.
- Want a sweet note to your mix? You can add a teaspoon of sugar to round out the spices.
- This recipe is easy to double or triple so you always have chili seasoning ready when cravings strike.
- Store in an airtight container, such as a mason jar with a lid, away from heat and light to preserve flavor.
- Always use a dry spoon to avoid moisture getting into the blend.
Substitutions
- Chili Powder - Chili powder can be replaced with ancho chili powder for a sweeter, milder heat.
- Smoked Paprika – Regular paprika can be used instead of smoked paprika, however, you will lose some smokiness.
- Ground Cumin – For a slightly citrus flavor note, replace cumin with ground coriander.
- Cayenne Pepper – For smoky heat, use chipotle powder instead of cayenne pepper.
Variations
Making your own chili seasoning allows you to customize it based on your personal flavor preferences. Here are some ways to do that:
- Mild Chili Seasoning – For a milder, family-friendly blend, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
- Smoky Chili Seasoning – For a deeper barbecue-style flavor, increase the amount of smoked paprika.
- Spicy Chili Seasoning – To make your seasoning spicier, add extra cayenne pepper or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Southwest Style – Adding dried oregano and a hint of ground coriander will give your blend a southwest regional twist.
- Low-Sodium Chili Blend – Control the salt level by either reducing the salt or leaving it out completely.
Storage
- Store your homemade chili seasoning recipe in an airtight mason jar or spice container in a cool, dark place.
- Your spice mix will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 6 months.
- Label the jar with the date so you know when it’s time to refresh and make another recipe.
- See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Ingredients
Ingredients for chili seasoning from scratch
- Chili Powder - Chili powder is the main ingredient and the base of this seasoning blend, adding warmth, depth, and a signature chili flavor.
- Smoked Paprika - Smoked paprika adds a rich, smoky layer. It adds complexity and makes this seasoning taste like it’s been simmering for hours.
- Ground Cumin - Ground cumin adds an earthy flavor that blends beautifully with chili powder and smoked paprika. It gives the seasoning that classic chili aroma.
- Onion Powder - Onion powder provides savory sweetness.
- Garlic Powder - Garlic powder delivers bold garlic flavor without overpowering the blend. It adds depth and makes the seasoning irresistibly savory.
- Cayenne Pepper - Cayenne pepper brings the heat. You can adjust the amount to control how spicy your chili seasoning becomes, making this blend customizable for every palate.
- Salt - Salt ties all the flavors together, enhances the spices and makes all the flavors pop. It ensures every dish seasoned with this blend tastes balanced and delicious.
- Ground Black Pepper - Ground black pepper adds a subtle sharpness and savory warmth. It rounds out the seasoning and gives it just a little extra kick.
Homemade Spice Mixes
Recipes with chili powder
These recipes use chili powder along with other spices. You can easily replace the chili powder and the additional spices in the recipe with this chili seasoning mix.
Chili Seasoning Recipe
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 Tablespoon cumin
- 1 Tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Whisk until thoroughly blended.
- Transfer to a mason jar with a lid, or an airtight container, and store away from heat and light.
- This spice blend can be used to season chili, soups, stews and more!
Thanks for stopping by. Leave a tip or comment...