Condiments

The Best Homemade Chili Seasoning

By Samira Kazan

updated July 29, 2024

Elevate even the most basic chili with this 7-ingredient homemade chili seasoning recipe! It relies solely on basic pantry staples for complex flavor and will boost far more than chili!

Different spices for chili seasoning in a small bowl - 4

Did you know you can make the best chili seasoning recipe at home with just a few basic pantry spices and a couple of minutes? The resulting seasoning mix is savory, earthy, has a spicy kick (100% adjustable to your taste!), and helps create deliciously complex and full-bodied chili recipes – but that’s not all!

Unlike store-bought blends, you’re in 100% control, meaning no excess sodium, preservatives, or other additives. It tastes better and will save you money, too. Plus, looking for more simple homemade spice blends? Check out my blog for homemade taco seasoning , steak seasoning recipe , homemade chicken seasoning , and burger seasoning recipe !

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What is in chili seasoning
How to make chili seasoning
How long does homemade chili seasoning last
How to use chili seasoning
More homemade spice mixes
The Best Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe

What is in chili seasoning

With a chili powder and cumin base, this recipe relies on just a few other basic pantry spices to create this full-bodied, impressive, BEST chili seasoning recipe.

Chili powder: To form the base of this seasoning and add heat.
Cayenne pepper: (or red pepper flakes) Adds extra depth and heat. Omit for a milder mix.
Cumin: Provides the classic savory, earthy flavor in chili.
Salt & black pepper: Use kosher salt or sea salt (not table salt, which is saltier) and freshly cracked black pepper.
Garlic powder & onion powder: For savory, aromatic flavor and a more complex, full-bodied chili seasoning blend.

Since you’re making this seasoning blend at home, adjusting to your flavor preferences is very easy. I.e., increase/decrease the salt content, spice level, etc.

How to make chili seasoning

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl (or directly in a spice jar), mix/shake well, and store the spice mix in an airtight container.

How long does homemade chili seasoning last

Store the jar of seasoning in a cool, dry, dark location like a pantry or kitchen cupboard away from moisture, and use it within 4-6 months for the best flavor and freshness.

Homemade spice blends are really only as fresh as the spices used to make them, so make sure they’re fresh/new.

How to use chili seasoning

It isn’t only chili that benefits from this spice blend. Here are just a few of the top ways we enjoy using it:

In chili : From chili con carne, and Wendy’s chili , to vegan chili recipe and everything in between. As a general rule, you’ll need about 2-3 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of meat (beef, turkey, or chili) , but feel free to start with less and increase to taste.

For the best chili recipe, brown the meat first and drain the excess fat, then add the seasoning and sauté for a further minute to bloom the spices before adding the tomatoes/beans/remaining ingredients.

In other Mexican dishes : i.e., as a seasoning for the meat or even veggies in beef tacos , burritos, and enchiladas.
In spice rubs or marinades: For baked chicken breasts , air fryer steak , tofu, or even vegetables.
Roasted vegetables: Like roast potatoes , fajita vegetables, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, corn on the cob, etc.
In dips: To add depth to authentic guacamole , avocado crema, creamy hummus , white bean dip , etc.

More homemade spice mixes

Falafel spice mix
Lemon pepper seasoning
Garlic salt

Equipment

Magnetic Spice Tins

IngredientsUS CustomaryMetric1x2x3x

▢ 2 Tbsp chili powder
▢ 1/2 Tbsp ground cumin
▢ 1/2 Tbsp sea salt or kosher salt, not table salt
▢ 1 tsp black pepper
▢ 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper adjust the amount or omit it entirely for a milder blend
▢ 1/2 tsp garlic powder
▢ 1/2 tsp onion powder

Instructions

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl (or directly in a spice jar), mix/shake well, and store the spice mix in an airtight container.

Storage

Store the jar of seasoning in a cool, dry, dark location like a pantry or kitchen cupboard away from moisture, and use it within 4-6 months for the best flavor and freshness.

Video

Notes

Dried Mexican oregano: For herby, citrusy, subtly floral flavor.
Smoked paprika: for a subtle smoky element.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: just a teaspoon adds rich depth and complex flavor.
Coffee/espresso powder: similar to cocoa, this helps to deepen the flavors of chili.
Brown sugar: just a little can help create a more well-balanced chili.
Cinnamon: just a pinch for warming depth in the homemade seasoning.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.