For years, I relied on those little spice packets at the grocery store to make chili. Recently, I discovered this chili seasoning recipe that I could make at home. At the start of soup season, I’ll make a big batch—the recipe makes enough for several bowls of chili. Then, when the colder weather really hits, I’m all set. The seasoning mix works for dishes like chili-ghetti and chili mac. You can also use it as a dry rub to season meat or fish.
Many people get confused with chili powder and chili seasoning mix. Chili powder is a blend of dried chiles with spices and dried herbs. This chili seasoning recipe, however, uses chili powder as a starting point. From there, it adds depth with additional ingredients, including thickening agents like cornstarch or flour.
When you make this chili seasoning recipe at home, you get to customize the blend to your own preferences of spice and heat. Start with our recipe as a base, then experiment with amounts, tasting as you go.
Chili Seasoning Ingredients
- Chili powder: Chili powder is a blend of several spices, but it usually contains cayenne pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano and garlic.
- Dried herbs: Dried parsley, cilantro, basil and oregano give chili seasoning an herbaceous backbone.
- Cumin and coriander: These two ground spices are deeply savory. They add a slightly smoky element.
- Onion and garlic: This recipe calls for dried minced garlic and onion, but you can easily swap in granulated or powdered instead. For granulated garlic or onion, use half of what’s called for in the recipe. For powdered, use one-fourth of what’s called for.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to accommodate your spice tolerance.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch keeps the spices from clumping together as they sit. It also happens to be a fantastic thickener for stews and chili. When used as a dry rub on meat or fish, cornstarch helps to lock in moisture and form a slightly crispy crust.
Directions
Step 1: Combine the ingredients
In a small bowl, combine all ingredients.
Editor’s Tip: You can easily double or triple our chili seasoning recipe. When made in larger batches and stored properly, it can last the entire fall and winter chili season.
Step 2: Transfer to a storage container
Store the chili seasoning mix in an airtight container for up to six months. Use it to season chili or sprinkle on fish, or use as a rub for pork.
Editor’s Tip: For making a pot of chili, we recommend starting with 3 to 4 tablespoons chili seasoning per pound of meat (or vegetables for vegetarian chili).
Recipe Variations
- Make a salt-free chili seasoning: We include salt in this chili seasoning recipe. You can reduce the amount to create a low-sodium chili seasoning, or omit it entirely to go salt-free.
- Make it spicier: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or other hot spices like cayenne pepper, chipotle powder or hot paprika.
- Add a secret ingredient: Give your blend a customized twist with secret ingredients like espresso powder, dried lime peel, crushed fennel seed or peanut butter powder (weird, we know, but it works in spicy peanut chicken chili). Include a pinch of ground cinnamon and baking cocoa to customize this spice blend for Cincinnati chili.
How to Store Chili Seasoning
Store homemade chili seasoning in an airtight container for up to six months. Keep it in a cool, dry place like the pantry.
Chili Seasoning Tips
What spices taste good in chili?
You can add all sorts of spices to chili. Some of our favorites are in this chili seasoning recipe: dried chile peppers, paprika, cumin, oregano, onion and garlic. These spices taste great in all kinds of chili, from meaty turkey chili to slow-cooker chili and pinto bean chili and vegan chili.
What is the difference between taco seasoning and chili seasoning?
Taco seasoning and chili seasoning are both spice blends made with chili powder and other spices, but the proportions are different. Chili seasoning tends to be heavy on the chili powder, while taco seasoning contains more ground cumin, onion and oregano. They have different flavor profiles, but you can use them interchangeably in a pinch. So feel free to use taco seasoning mix to make chili if you don’t have chili seasoning!
