This homemade chili seasoning beats store-bought mixes. It’s bold and flavorful, free of additives and fillers (gluten-free if you use gluten-free spices), and takes about five minutes to make.
I always make chili with homemade chili seasoning because it simply tastes better than commercial blends. Making your own not only improves flavor, it’s more economical and lets you control every ingredient.
When I checked store labels for a friend with severe food allergies, I discovered some brands use flour, preservatives, or artificial dyes. That reinforced why using pure spices or organic options is worth the effort.
Chili Seasoning Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions
- Spices. The mix is adjustable—taste and tweak amounts to suit your preference. Organic spices give the purest flavor and avoid fillers.
- Adjusting the heat. This is a flavorful but mild blend. Add cayenne or extra chili powder if you want more heat.
- Sugar. Optional. A small amount balances the spices in chili without making the final dish noticeably sweet.
How to Make Chili Seasoning
The method is very simple: combine and store. Follow the ingredient amounts below, then shake to blend.
Begin by adding all the spices to a clean glass jar.
Secure the lid and shake the jar until the spices are well mixed.
Label the jar “Chili Seasoning” and note the earliest spice expiration date on the label so you know when to replace it.
How to Use Chili Seasoning Mix
Use 6 tablespoons of this mix whenever a recipe calls for one packet of chili seasoning.
This seasoning works well in these recipes:
- Easy Beef Chili
- Turkey Chili
- Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
- Vegetarian Chili
- White Bean Chicken Chili
- Crock Pot Beef Chili
Store
Keep the seasoning in a sealed glass jar in a cool, dry place for up to six months. Writing the earliest expiration date on the jar helps you track freshness.
Chili Seasoning Recipe FAQs
This blend includes garlic powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, chili powder, granulated sugar (optional), sea salt, and black pepper.
Yes. Scale the recipe up as needed and use a sufficiently large jar for mixing and storage.
Yes. Add 1–3 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or increase the chili powder to boost heat.
If you make and enjoy this seasoning, please leave a comment and rating. Tag your photos @joyfoodsunshine and use #joyfoodsunshine so I can see your dishes.
Homemade Chili Seasoning
Laura
Equipment
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measuring spoons
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measuring cups
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glass jars with lids
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 Tablespoon ground coriander
- 6 Tablespoons smoked paprika
- 5 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Combine all the spices in a glass jar.
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Secure the lid and shake well until evenly blended. Use 6 tablespoons per batch of chili.
Notes
Amount to Use in Chili
6 Tablespoons = 1 batch of chili. This recipe yields about 3 batches.
- Ingredient Notes
- Adjust spices to taste; organic spices provide the cleanest flavor.
- To make it spicier, add cayenne pepper or increase chili powder.
- Omit the sugar if you prefer; a small amount balances the other spices.
Store
Keep in a sealed glass jar in a cool, dry place for up to six months. Note the earliest expiration date of the spices on the jar.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!
Try These Recipes
Best Easy Chili Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe
Slow Cooker White Bean Chicken Chili
Vegetarian Chili
