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Home » Recipes » Seasonings

Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe

Published: Aug 17, 2023 · Modified: May 20, 2025 by Chef Dennis Littley

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My Homemade Chili Seasoning recipe is easy to make and a delicious substitute for the store-bought variety. Made with simple pantry ingredients, you can put together this simple and flavorful chili powder recipe with spices you more than likely already have on hand.

Jar of homemade chili powder seasoning.


 

Use our homemade chili powder recipe to add instant gourmet flavor to chili dishes, chicken, beef, pork, and more! You can even use it as a starting point for tacos and fajitas.

The best part about our homemade chili powder recipe is that you can control the balance of ingredients. Tweak the proportions to your taste and make the perfect chili powder blend!

Use this chili seasoning recipe in my Chicken Chili to add the perfect kick of heat and spicy flavor!

homemade chili seasoning on white deli paper.

This homemade chili seasoning would be a deliciously unique homemade gift, perfect for a housewarming gift or the passionate home chef.

If you love making homemade seasonings, you’ll love my Homemade Cajun Seasoning Blend, Poultry Seasoning, and Homemade Taco Seasoning recipes.

Table of Contents:
  • Ingredients for Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe
  • How to Make Our Chili Seasoning Recipe
  • What Can I Make with Chili Seasoning?
  • Chili Powder FAQs
  • More Recipes You’ll Love!
  • Recipe: Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe

Ingredients for Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe

ingredients to make recipe.

Gather the ingredients to prepare our chili seasoning recipe. Culinary professionals call this the “Mise en Place,” which means “everything in its Place.”

Setting up your ingredients not only helps speed up the cooking process but also ensures you have all the necessary ingredients on hand to make the recipe.

Made with Simple Ingredients

  • chili powder
  • smoked paprika – you can use regular paprika as well
  • cumin
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • dried oregano
  • dried thyme
  • cayenne – optional

Cayenne pepper is a great addition if you like a bit of heat in your chili powder. You can add as much or as little as you want, or omit it altogether.

Chili powder from different places of origin can differ in terms of ingredients and heat. I used American chili powder for this chili seasoning. If you use another kind, be sure to check the heat level before adding.

For even more heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes instead of or in addition to the cayenne pepper.

How to Make Our Chili Seasoning Recipe

Collage showing how to make recipe.
  1. Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl.
  2. Stir or whisk until well combined.

What Can I Make with Chili Seasoning?

cooked chili in a large saucepan

Use your homemade chili seasoning as a shortcut for this delicious Bean and Beer Chili recipe. Eliminate the spices called for and substitute our chili seasoning instead. Be sure to give the chili a taste and add more if needed.

3 half racks of grilled baby back ribs on a white platter

Chili seasoning is also a great way to add fast and complex flavor to a wide variety of meats, like these grilled baby back ribs. You’ll love the tender and juicy meat paired with bold and spicy chili seasoning!

Chili Powder FAQs

What can I use if I don’t have chili powder?

If you don’t have chili powder, a blend of paprika, cumin, and cayenne is a decent substitute.

Is there a difference between chili powder and chili seasoning?

Yes, you’ll see that red chili powder is the first ingredient in this chili seasoning blend. Red chili powder is made from ground chili peppers (and occasionally contains other ingredients as well). Chili seasoning uses chili powder and a variety of other spices to create a deeper and more complex flavor profile.

How do I store my homemade chili seasoning?

Keep homemade chili seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place; a dark pantry is best. This recipe can last for up to a year, but for maximum flavor, I recommend using it before the 3-month mark.

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Jar of homemade chili powder seasoning.

Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe

Chef Dennis Littley
My Homemade Chili Seasoning is a delicious and easy-to-make substitute for the store bought variety. With a simple and classic combination of spices, you can put together this simple recipe!
5 from 35 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course seasoning
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 8 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika regular paprika will work too
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne optional – more or less to taste

Instructions
 

  • Measure out all of your individual spices and combine to use in your chili or store in an airtight container for later use. Add salt and pepper, to taste, when making chili.
  • Store unused chili seasoning mix in an airtight storage bag or jar, in a darkened cabinet.

Notes

  • For a spicier result, use red pepper flakes in addition to the cayenne pepper.
  • Chili powder made in different places can have different levels of heat and flavor, so adjust accordingly.
  • Feel free to change proportions or omit ingredients entirely to customize this chili powder to your liking.

Nutrition

Calories: 8kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0.3gFat: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0.05gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 14mgPotassium: 45mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 602IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askchefdennis or tag #askchefdennis!
5 from 35 votes (35 ratings without comment)

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My name is Chef Dennis Littley, creator and owner of Ask Chef Dennis Productions. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

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