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This homemade chili seasoning mix is a deconstructed, copycat version of McCormick’s Chili Seasoning! The recipe replaces exactly one store-bought seasoning packet, making measurement easy for your next homemade chili.
save this recipe!Are you making chili but don’t have that seasoning packet? Or would you rather know everything that’s going into your chili seasoning mix?
I put on my food scientist cap and deconstructed those store-bought chili seasoning packets, allowing you to replicate the exact flavor you love effortlessly.
- It has the exact measurement as store-bought (35 grams – I measured!), meaning you can use this whole recipe to replace a store-bought packet (and easily scale up or down) for a batch of chili.
- It’s full of ingredients you can pronounce, unlike the ingredients in most store-bought chili packets, which often have preservatives.
- It doesn’t have any artificial flavors that we found in store-bought packets during our research.
Reader rating
does it need a thickener?
Many store-bought chili seasonings will have a thickener added, such as cornstarch or flour. Our recipe for chili seasoning does not include a thickener, and we don’t find that it needs it.
If you want to add a thickening element to your chili mix, we recommend masa harina. Masa harina, which is a type of corn flour made from dried corn kernels, is a thickener commonly used in chili seasoning. It not only contributes to the thickness of the chili but also gives a distinctive corn flavor, which is characteristic of many traditional Mexican chili recipes.
Chili vs. taco seasoning
While they share some common spices, the ratios and additional ingredients used to make chili seasoning and homemade taco seasoning are distinct. You can sometimes use one as a substitute for the other, but be aware that the flavor may not be exactly the same.
Adjust the spice level
Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of cayenne pepper based on your spice preference. I started recipe testing with ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and reduced it to ¼ for a little less kick, more similar to the store-bought packets (I’m middle of the road when it comes to spicy liking).
Homemade Chili Seasoning Mix (McCormick Copycat)
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika, smoked paprika also works well here
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Mix together all spices. This recipe is equivalent to 1 store bought seasoning packet (1.25 oz or 35 grams).
- Store in an airtight container until ready to use (great in our classic vegetarian chili, black bean chili, or lentil chili).
Notes
did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag @liveeatlearn on social media! I love seeing what you’ve made!Our favorite chilis
Fun Ways to Use Chili Seasoning
This homemade chili seasoning recipe was bound for so much more than just chili!
- High Protein Vegan Chorizo Taco Filling: Use it to season ground meat or plant-based alternatives for taco night.
- Popcorn Seasoning: Sprinkle it over freshly popped popcorn for a unique snack.
Thank you it tastes better than store bought.
I’m so happy to hear it, Cherrie! Enjoy! 😀
I knew I bought a chili packet, but couldn’t find it, so Pintrist to the rescue! I was very surprised to see cocoa powder, but since I had it in the pantry, into the pot it went! This recipe is soooo good. I will not be buying packet’s anymore!
I’m so happy you found my recipe, Tabitha! Enjoy! 😀
If I make this in a large batch, how much would one packet measure? I’d like to make more than one batch at a time so I have it on hand.
Each batch replaces exactly 1 packet, so if you double the recipe you’ll have enough for 2 packets etc 🙂
in case you’ve made a bunch of seasoning at one time and need to dole it out per pound of meat. The volume one “packet” is 1.25 oz; or 2.5 Tbsp Tbsp. or 7.5 Tsp. per pound of meat.
how much flour would you add as a thickener? I understand you recommend masa but my corn allergy keeps me away from corn thickeners.
I would add about 2 Tbsp, although I haven’t found it to need a thickener!
Glad I found this great tasting recipe! Better than McCormicks.
I used this mix for chili dogs and my guys loved it! It is definitely better than a store bought mix. I added a little tomato bouillon, a can of tomatoes, a scant amount of water, chopped veg and 2lbs lean beef. Perfection! Thank you for sharing.
The recipe looks great. I haven’t made it yet because i need to know what brand of cocoa powder you use for this recipe?
I used unsweetened cocoa powder (store brand!) Enjoy! 😀
I grew up with Chili-O seasoning mix and I’ve been looking for a “homemade” version. This one is exactly what I was looking for! I did add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (because we like our chili on the thick side). Now I will make a larger quantity to keep on hand so I’m ready for the next batch of chili. Thank you!
I’m so happy this recipe was able to replicate that chili seasoning for you! Thanks so much for dropping in to let us know how it went!
This was soo good…maybe a tad salty, so I will put less in next time! So much flavor! Thank you