• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • All Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Brunch
    • Dinner
    • Asian Inspirations
    • Latin Flavors
    • Desserts
    • Salads
    • Pasta
    • Soup and Stew
    • Side Dishes
    • Main Dishes
    • Beverages
    • Seasonings
    • International Recipes
    • Air Fryer
    • Instant Pot
    • Crockpot
  • IP Calculator
  • SV Chart
  • Subscribe

Smells Like Delish

menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Brunch
    • Dinner
    • Asian Inspirations
    • Latin Flavors
    • Desserts
    • Salads
    • Pasta
    • Soup and Stew
    • Side Dishes
    • Main Dishes
    • Beverages
    • Seasonings
    • International Recipes
    • Air Fryer
    • Instant Pot
    • Crockpot
  • IP Calculator
  • SV Chart
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • All Recipes
      • Appetizers
      • Breakfast
      • Brunch
      • Dinner
      • Asian Inspirations
      • Latin Flavors
      • Desserts
      • Salads
      • Pasta
      • Soup and Stew
      • Side Dishes
      • Main Dishes
      • Beverages
      • Seasonings
      • International Recipes
      • Air Fryer
      • Instant Pot
      • Crockpot
    • IP Calculator
    • SV Chart
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Seasonings

    Published: Apr 24, 2023 · Modified: May 12, 2023 by Kelly Bloom · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    • Facebook
    • Yummly
    • LinkedIn

    Best Chili Seasoning

    Jump to Recipe
    small mason jar filled with chili seasoning mix.

    Make the best chili seasoning mix that's packed with flavor, and perfect for making a big pot of chili. It's also great for adding to other dishes, such as tacos, burritos, and soups.

    small mason jar filled with chili seasoning mix.

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    This low sodium chili seasoning takes just minutes to make and will save you a trip to the store. Our chili con carne seasoning recipe lets you create a delicious chili that will rival any restaurant's.

    Here are some of the benefits of making your own chili seasoning mix:

    • It's cheaper than buying pre-made chili seasoning mix.
    • You can control the amount of heat.
    • No salt filler! Easily make salt free or low sodium chili seasoning.
    • If you are gluten sensitive, you will love this gluten free chili seasoning mix recipe!
    • No anti-caking agents! No artificial preservatives. To prevent caking naturally, just add a couple dry beans to the container you store the chili seasoning mix in.
    • You can use chili seasoning in other recipes, such as tacos, burritos, and soups.

    I hope you enjoy this recipe for homemade chili seasoning mix!

    Jump to:
    • Why You Will Love This Recipe
    • Chili Seasoning Ingredients
    • How to Make The Best Chili Seasoning
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Related Recipes
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage and Reheating
    • Tips for Success
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Food Safety
    • Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Connect with Smells Like Delish!

    Chili Seasoning Ingredients

    You probably already have all the chili spices on hand to create the best chili mix you've ever used. You can tailor this basic recipe to create a smoky hot or mild chili seasoning also.

    • Chile Powder - Sold in bulk at Costco, Amazon, etc. It's a generic blend of ground chili pepper varieties, or a single type of ground chile pepper. It is not a chili seasoning mix.
    • Cumin, ground
    • Onion, powder
    • Cayenne, powder
    • Salt - Optional
    • Black pepper, ground

    spices in a bowl to make homemade chili seasoning mix.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    How to Make The Best Chili Seasoning

    Making your own chili seasoning blend that will be great not only making chili con carne, but also fajitas, burritos, Mexican Rice, and more. Chili seasoning is great on fries and grilled corn or other vegetables also.

    Measure The Chili Spices

    1. Measure out all the spices in a bowl.

    PRO TIP: If you are doubling or tripling the recipe, you may want to use disposable gloves and a disposable mask. The fine powders can irritate your eyes, nose, and lips. The gloves will protect painful chili powder transfer to your face also.

    spoon blending spices in a wooden bowl.

    Blend Up the Best Chili Seasoning

    1. Combine all ingredients so that they are evenly distributed.

    blended spices in a wooden bowl.

    Store in Spice Jars

    1. Package up in small mason jars, or spice jars.

    2. Label and store in a cool, dark location like a pantry. Keep out of direct sunlight and away from heat.

    small mason jar filled with chili seasoning mix.

    Serving Suggestions

    Make a big batch of chili seasoning mix and store it in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Use it to make our Instant Pot Chili - No Beans, our your own favorite recipe for chili. This flexible seasoning is also fabulous for our Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos!

    More great ideas for using your homemade chili seasoning:

    • Use your homemade chili seasoning mix to make a pot of chili.
    • Add it to your favorite ground beef or turkey burgers.
    • Sprinkle it on top of your favorite Mexican dishes, like tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
    • Use it to make a flavorful soup or stew.
    • Add it to your favorite roasted vegetables.
    • Even use it to make your own chili-flavored popcorn!
    small mason jar filled with chili seasoning mix.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Related Recipes

    • Birria Quesadilla
    • Chicken Taco Seasoning
    • Chili Relleno Burrito
    • 4th of July Rice Krispy Treats
    • Chili's Steak Fajitas

    Substitutions

    There are a lot of different chile powders out there. Chile powder is not chili seasoning, but it is the base of a chili seasoning blend. You will find Ancho chile powder, which is medium heat.

    There is Chipotle chile powder, and while is tend to be REALLY hot (Chipotle are actually dried, smoked jalapenos!), it has the most amazing flavor. Common chile powder is often made from a blend of chilie peppers like New Mexico chiles, Ancho chiles, or Cascabel chiles.

    Variations

    Here are a few scrumptious variations using this recipe as a base:

    • Mild Chili Seasoning - Use a single variety of Ancho chile powder as the chili seasoning base. Ancho's are mild to medium heat.
    • Hot Chili Seasoning - A hotter blend of chile powder will include New Mexico chile powder, as New Mexico chile's are hotter than Ancho.
    • Chili Lime Seasoning - Buy some Lime powder and add to your chili seasoning for an amazing Tex Mex flair. Be sure to add a few dry beans to prevent clumping and caking when using dried citrus powders. They attract moisture from the air.
    • Chipotle Chili Seasoning - Go easy on this one, as pure Chipotle chile powder will have steam coming out of your ears. But a small amount add a mysterious, unique, smokey flavor to your chili seasoning blend.

    Equipment

    Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when making homemade chili seasoning:

    • Disposable Nitrile gloves
    • Disposable Face Mask
    • Spice Jars & Labels

    Storage and Reheating

    • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
    • If you live in a humid climate, add a few dry beans to the spice or storage jar so the spices don't clump together.
    • Do not store homemade chili mix seasoning in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
    • If your chili seasoning mix starts to lose its flavor, it's time to make a new batch.
    small mason jar filled with chili seasoning mix.

    Tips for Success

    • Use fresh, high-quality spices.
    • If you like your chili spicier, add more cayenne pepper, or chipotle powder for rich, smoky heat.
    • If you don't have chili powder, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of hot Hungarian paprika and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
    • You can also add other spices to your chili seasoning mix, such as smoked paprika, lime powder, or thyme.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make a big batch of this chili seasoning mix?

    Yes, you can make a big batch of chili seasoning mix and store it in an airtight container in the pantry for up to 6 months. Since it will be a large batch, be sure to wear disposable gloves and a face mask, as all the fine pepper powders can make you sneeze, or cause some eye, lip, and nose membrane irritation.

    Chili Seasoning vs Taco Seasoning?

    There are some key differences between the two. The main difference between chili seasoning and taco seasoning is the amount of cumin that is used and oregano. Chili seasoning typically has more cumin and cayenne than taco seasoning. Taco seasoning typically has more oregano than chili seasoning, and is milder.

    Can I use different spices in my homemade chili mix seasoning?

    Yes, you can use different spices in your chili seasoning blend to create your own unique flavor profile. Some popular additions include smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, and chipotle powder.

    What is the difference between chile powder and chili powder?

    Chile powder is simply pure, ground chile peppers, blended or simply a single variety. Chili powder is a blend of chile powders, garlic powder, onion, powder, and other spices.

    Food Safety

    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love

    • Serving bowl of cilantro lime rice garnished with fresh chopped cilantro.
      Cilantro Lime Rice (Rice Cooker)
    • white bowl of blended fajita seasoning.
      Mexican Fajita Seasoning Mix
    • clear glass bowl of mixed spice blend with red spice in background.
      Chicken Taco Seasoning
    • three taco stuffed shells on a white plate.
      Taco Stuffed Shells

    📖 Recipe

    small mason jar filled with chili seasoning mix.
    Print Recipe SaveSaved!
    5 from 1 vote

    Best Chili Seasoning

    Make the best chili seasoning mix that's packed with flavor, and perfect for making a big pot of chili. It's also great for adding to other dishes, such as tacos, burritos, and soups.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time0 minutes mins
    Total Time15 minutes mins
    Course: Seasoning Blends
    Cuisine: Latin, Mexican
    Servings: 1 cup
    Calories: 258kcal
    Author: Kelly Bloom

    Equipment

    • Nitrile Gloves
    • Disposable Face Masks
    • Spice Jars and Labels Set

    Ingredients

    • 7 tablespoon chile powder generic ground chile peppers, not a seasoning mix
    • 2 tablespoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon oregano dried, crushed
    • 4 teaspoon onion powder
    • 2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 2 teaspoon salt optional
    • 2 teaspoon black pepper
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Measure out all the spices in a bowl.
      PRO TIP: If you are doubling or tripling the recipe, you may want to use disposable gloves and a disposable mask. The fine powders can irritate your eyes, nose, and lips. The gloves will protect painful chili powder transfer to your face also.
      7 tablespoon chile powder, 2 tablespoon cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, 4 teaspoon onion powder, 2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 2 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoon black pepper
    • Combine all ingredients so that they are evenly distributed.
    • Package up in small mason jars, or spice jars.
    • Label and store in a cool, dark location like a pantry. Keep out of direct sunlight and away from heat.

    Notes

    • Use fresh, high-quality spices.
    • If you like your chili spicier, add more cayenne pepper, or chipotle powder for rich, smoky heat.
    • If you don't have chili powder, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of hot Hungarian paprika and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
    • You can also add other spices to your chili seasoning mix, such as smoked paprika, lime powder, or thyme.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 258kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 5598mg | Potassium: 1545mg | Fiber: 25g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 18477IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 386mg | Iron: 19mg
    Keyword : best chili mix, best chili seasoning, best chili seasoning mix, chili seasoning, chili seasoning recipe, chili spices, homemade chili seasoning

    Connect with Smells Like Delish!

    • Instagram
    • Yummly
    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn
    • Reddit

    More Seasonings & Spice Recipes

    • mason jar and spoon filled with apple pie spice blend.
      Apple Pie Spice Substitute Recipe
    • Montreal steak seasoning blend in a small mason jar.
      Montreal Steak Seasoning Recipe
    • French fry spice in a spice jar with curly fries in the background.
      French Fry Seasoning
    • custom blended cajun seasoning blend.
      Louisiana Cajun Seasoning

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Author photo for Kelly Bloom

    Hi, I'm Kelly! and I have a love affair with herbs & spices! Here at Smells Like Delish, I'm all about creating food that has three aspects: flavor, aroma, and texture - to create satisfying fare!

    More about me →

    Newest Recipes

    • smoked baked beans in a cast iron skillet.
      Smoked Baked Beans
    • ice on a tray with strawberry popsicles on top.
      Real Fruit Strawberry Popsicles
    • uncovered double smoked ham with glaze in a baking pan on a grill.
      Double Smoked Ham
    • berries and watermelon in a white bowl.
      Watermelon Fruit Salad

    Trending

    • white platter of bbq boneless pork ribs with asparagus on white plate.
      Country Style Boneless Pork Ribs
    • platter of soy ginger chicken wings garnished with sesame seeds and parsley.
      Bonchon Chicken Soy Garlic Wings
    • yellow ramkin with small spoon ladleing cucumer raita with a green napkin on a white background
      Biryani Raita
    • a white plate with stacked squares of Cajun Cornbread.
      Cajun Cornbread

    Footer

    ↑ back to top
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimers
    • Accessibility
    • Contact
    • About SLD
    • SLD Amazon Store
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Youtube
    • LinkedIn

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Smells Like Delish