Just a handful of basic spices give this homemade Chili Seasoning recipe loads of earthy flavor and just the right amount of heat. It tastes way better than any store-bought blend and can be made in just a few minutes. While chili seasoning is perfect for chili of course, it can add flavor to many other dishes, as well. It stores great too, so don’t be afraid to double or triple the recipe to have some for later!
I love making homemade versions of my favorite seasoning blends – no surprise ingredients and they can easily be customized for my family’s tastes. Thanks to my recipes for everything bagel seasoning, ranch seasoning, Italian seasoning, and taco seasoning, I haven’t bought these at the store in years!
This chili seasoning recipe joins my list of homemade spice blends. It’s so simple to make with just 7 spices I typically already have on hand – and you probably do, too! You can easily tinker with the amounts and adjust the spice level based on what you’re making (and who’s eating it).
What’s in this Homemade Chili Seasoning recipe?
This chili seasoning recipe is made with a blend of 7 basic spices. You can find the exact measurements for each one in the recipe card below.
- Chili powder – As expected, chili powder is the main ingredient in chili seasoning. I think of it as the base for the blend and the other spices add depth to the flavor.
- Ground cumin – A generous amount of cumin adds a warm, earthy, and slightly nutty flavor to the seasoning that pairs very nicely with the chili powder.
- Garlic powder & Onion powder – Small amounts of these two add savory, earthy flavors to the seasoning.
- Cayenne Pepper – Just a small amount of cayenne pepper provides heat, though it could be omitted for a very mild chili seasoning.
- Salt & Black pepper – Added for additional taste and heightens the other flavors.
Tips & Variations
- Try ancho chili powder. Regular chili powder is a blend of cumin, paprika, garlic, and ground chiles and works great in this recipe. If you want a bit more heat in your seasoning blend, try ancho chile powder which is made from poblano peppers and is a bit spicier than classic chili powder.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper. If you opt for a spicy chili powder, you may want to reduce or eliminate the cayenne pepper. You can also omit it if you just want a very mild mix in general.
- Try other spices. There are lots of ways to customize homemade chili seasoning (one of the benefits of making it from scratch!). I’ve played around with many variations and prefer the blend above but you definitely have options. Oregano is a common addition for a zestier flavor and smoked paprika is great for a smokier flavor. (Smoked paprika might be a great option in place of the cayenne pepper.)
- Double the recipe. This recipe makes enough for one pot of chili but it can easily be doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled. I often do that and store it in a glass jar so I always have some on hand when I need it.
Ways To Use It
This chili seasoning is, of course, perfect for making chili. This recipe makes just the right amount for one pot of my easy chili recipe and that’s how I use it most often. It can also be used to season meat, veggies, and potatoes. I love tossing my oven roasted potatoes in this spice blend before roasting. Such a yummy side!
Proper Storage
Homemade chili seasoning can be stored in an airtight container for up to 6 months. A small glass jar with a lid is perfect. Keep it in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight or moisture with your other spices.
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Chili Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 & 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 & 1/4 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add all the ingredients and whisk to combine.
- This spice blend makes enough for one pot of chili (about 6 servings of chili), but you can definitely use smaller amounts in other dishes for flavor, if desired.
- You can easily double, triple, or quadruple this blend and keep it on hand if you make chili frequently.
