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 and flavorful chili powder recipe!
Use this 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 homemade chili powder is the ability to 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!
This homemade chili seasoning would be a deliciously unique homemade gift, perfect for a housewarming or for the passionate home chef.
If you love making homemade seasonings you’ll love my Homemade Cajun Seasoning Blend and my Homemade Taco Seasoning.
Ingredients for Homemade Chili Seasoning
Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make Homemade Chili Powder Seasoning. In Chef Speak, this is called the “Mise en Place,” which translates to “Everything in its Place.”
Not only does setting up your ingredients ahead of time speed up the cooking process, it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.
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
The cayenne pepper is a great addition if you like a bit of heat in your chili powder. 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 Homemade Chili Seasoning
- Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl.
- Stir or whisk until well combined.
What Can I Make with Red Chili Powder?
Use your homemade chili powder seasoning as a shortcut for this delicious Bean and Beer Chili recipe. Eliminate the spices called for and substitute this chili powder instead. Be sure to give the chili a taste and add more if needed.
Chili powder 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
If you don’t have all the necessary chili powder ingredients or a store bought red chili powder, a blend of paprika, cumin, and cayenne is a decent substitute.
Yes, you’ll see that red chili powder 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.
Typical ingredients include red chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano. Other ingredients like thyme and cayenne can be added for more flavor. I recommend pairing your chili seasoning with salt and ground black pepper.
Keep homemade chili powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. A dark pantry is best. This homemade chili powder recipe can last for up to a year, but I recommend using it before the 3-month mark for maximum flavor.
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Homemade Chili Seasoning
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.
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