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Skip the store-bought packets and make your own homemade chili seasoning mix right at home. This easy blend of pantry spices creates a rich, perfectly balanced chili seasoning blend.
With the right mix of chili powder, cumin, onion powder, and garlic powder, this homemade seasoning gives every batch of chili incredible depth and warmth—without preservatives or fillers. Once you make your own with this easy recipe, you’ll never go back to chili seasoning packets again.
We love chili! It’s so filling and frugal to make, in addition to the fact that it’s delicious. I’ve shared some of our favorite chili recipes like this homemade chili recipe, crockpot white chicken chili, pumpkin chili, crockpot taco chicken chili, and chicken chili with sweet potatoes.
With this homemade chili seasoning spice blend, you won’t need to buy store-bought chili seasoning again! This is the perfect homemade chili seasoning with the perfect blend of flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Chili Seasoning Mix
- Uses simple pantry spices: You probably already have most of the ingredients to make this homemade chili seasoning mix recipe in your pantry staples.
- Makes a big batch: Just like my homemade taco seasoning and homemade ranch dressing recipes, this recipe makes a large batch, so you won’t have to run to the grocery store for little packets of chili seasoning.
- Replaces a store-bought chili packet spice mix: The next time you want to make chili or chili mac, this DIY chili seasoning will be there in your pantry, ready to use. It’s so convenient to keep on hand!
Ingredients
Find the full list of ingredients, amounts, and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need:
- Chili Powder: Adds warmth, color, and mild heat to dishes. It’s the backbone of chili and taco seasonings.
- Salt: Enhances and balances flavors.
- Cumin: A warm, earthy spice with a slightly nutty, smoky flavor.
- Onion Powder: Adds savory, slightly sweet onion flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Imparts a mellow, aromatic garlic flavor evenly throughout the mix.
- Cayenne: If you don’t like your chili seasoning to be too spicy, you can omit the cayenne pepper.
How to Make Homemade Chili Seasoning Mix
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
- Transfer to a small Mason jar.
- Store in a sealed jar or other airtight container for 6-12 months.
How to Use
Use 2 tablespoons per 2 pounds of meat, or per batch of chili that requires a 1-1.25 ounce packet of store-bought chili seasoning. 2 tablespoons of this recipe replaces a 1.25 ounce chili packet.
To Make a Single Serving
To replace one 1.25 ounce packet of chili seasoning:
- 1 Tablespoon chilii powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
Recipe Tips
-If you want a bigger kick added to your seasoning, include ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to your mix.
-Want a bit of sweetness? Add a teaspoon of sugar or brown sugar.
-Want a stronger or bolder flavor? Add an extra Tablespoon of chili powder.
-Add about 1/2 tablespoon or more of cocoa powder.
-Add smoked paprika or regular paprika for even more flavorful chili and some color.
-You can adjust the amount of salt. If it’s not salty enough for you, add extra salt. If it’s a little bit too much, r educe the salt slightly.
-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.
More Homemade Seasoning Blends
- Homemade Fajita Seasoning Mix
- Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning
- Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
- Large Batch Ranch Dressing Mix
- Homemade Herbs de Provence
- Apple Pie Spice Recipe
- Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe
If you make this recipe and enjoy it, please leave a comment with a 5-star recipe rating and let me know! Thank you!
Homemade Chili Seasoning Mix
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chili powder
- 2 1/2 tablespoons salt
- 2 1/2 tablespoons cumin
- 4 teaspoons black pepper
- 4 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, optional
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
- Transfer to a small Mason jar.
- Store in a sealed jar or other airtight container for 6-12 months.
Notes
- 1 Tablespoon chilii powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
