You know those homemade packets of chili seasoning you can buy at the store? You’ll never need one again. Try this homemade chili seasoning! This blend is perfect for adding to a batch of chili, but guess what? It’s also incredible on roasted and grilled veggies, fries, stirred into dips: you name it! (Alex and I recently tried in on grilled broccoli and it was a huge hit.) The great thing about homemade spice blends is they are all natural, with none of the additives and preservatives of the store-bought kind. Even better: you can control the salt so it’s perfectly seasoned.
How to make chili seasoning
There’s no official definition of chili seasoning. Most mixes you’ll find contain the heavy hitters for chili: chili powder, cumin, and garlic. Beyond that, it’s the chili makers choice! For this recipe, we wanted to stay very simple, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry:
Chili powder (standard, not spicy)CuminDried oreganoGarlic powderOnion powder
Is chili seasoning spicy?
This one isn’t! This chili seasoning calls for standard chili powder, not spicy. The recipe also doesn’t contain cayenne for any added heat. Here’s why: we like to let eaters decide how spicy their chili is! Alex and I find it’s easiest to let people season their bowl with hot sauce. (Plus we have a kid, so it makes it easier.) Want it spicy? No problem. Either use spicy chili powder, or add some cayenne to the mix. For cayenne, we’d recommend starting with ¼ teaspoon and then adjusting to your taste.
Rule of thumb: how much to add to a batch!
What’s the rule of thumb for adding chili seasoning to a batch of chili? It’s hard to give a blanket answer, since there are literally thousands of chili recipes in the world: beef, chicken, vegan chili, vegetarian chili, and so forth. Here’s a rule of thumb: look at the spices in the recipe, then use about the same volume of chili seasoning. Then adjust to taste. You can always add more, so keep it on the low side at first! Stir it in, then give a little taste and add more as necessary. The chili will taste a little different after it simmers. But the first taste can give you a good gauge on whether the seasoning level is appropriate.
A secret spice
Want to add a little intrigue to this seasoning blend? Try adding cinnamon. This usually sweet spice is sometimes used in chili to give it a unique flair. We’d recommend using ¼ teaspoon cinnamon here. It adds that something extra! But if you’re looking for something a little more straightforward, it’s not essential.
How long to store homemade chili seasoning
You can store your homemade chili seasoning mix in an airtight container for 6 months to 1 year. Of course, it’s best when it’s the freshest. Spices generally last in a cool, dry place for 8 months to 1 year. You can use this spice blend to add new life to spices that you’ve had for a while. Need spice organization tips? If your spice cabinet is always getting messy and overcrowded (like ours!), go to How to Organize Your Spices…the Minimalist Way. It’s a helpful way to keep tabs on your spices.
Ways to use chili seasoning
There are so many ways to use chili seasoning, outside of the obvious chili! Here are a few ideas for where to start:
This recipe is…
Vegetarian, gluten free, vegan, plant based, dairy free, naturally sweet, refined sugar free, low carb, and keto.
More seasoning blends
Making DIY seasoning mixes at home is so easy! They taste incredible—much better than storebought—and are fun gifts, too. Try all our seasoning blends (listed by style): No reviews
Mexican: Fajita Seasoning, Taco SeasoningMediterranean: Greek Seasoning, Italian Seasoning, Herbes de ProvenceCajun: Cajun Seasoning, Blackened SeasoningAmerican: Old Bay Seasoning, Everything Bagel Seasoning, Ranch SeasoningAll Purpose: Seasoned Salt, Seafood Seasoning
