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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.
Looks great.
Instead of volume measurements, would you have it in grams? That would take some of the variation out of it.
Thanks for the recipe.
Hi Donald! While the finished weight is 35 grams, I don’t have the weights of each ingredient for this one. Sorry about that!
Not to be silly but chili seasoning mix is just a chili powder recipe with extra everything in it? My chili powder recipe is very close to this. I want to make homemade chili powder then turn it into a chili seasoning mix. I’m wondering if I should just stick with the chili powder recipe. I need an opinion of someone smarter than I.
Thank you for your time.
It’s confusing, isn’t it? This is meant to replace the chili seasoning mix you might buy at the store (aka everything you need to flavor your homemade chili stew).
17.1g Chile powder
5.70g Cumin
2.85g Salt
1.425g Garlic powder
1.425g Onion powder
1.425g Black pepper
1.425g Paprika
1.425g Oregano
1.425g Cocoa
.7125g Cayenne
You mention masa harina as a thickener, but never say how much. Do you have a recommended amount?
About 2 to 4 tablespoons, depending on the recipe!
Very good thank you very much making free to print/view, helps people that don’t have money to purchase recipes.
I’m so happy this was helpful for you, Cherl! Enjoy! 😀
Very true to the packets
I’m happy to find this recipe as I need a seasoning mix that is gluten free. What would you recommend omitting for a mild chilli seasoning like McCormick?
Omit the cayenne and it shouldn’t be too spicy 🙂
I made this today and it is wonderful! Just the right amount of bite for my husband and I, probably I’d leave out the cayenne to tone it down for children or others.😋
I love this chili mixture. It’s better than what is in the McCormick chili packets that are sold at the grocery stores. Lately, I’ve been adding a tsp of cinnamon to the mix and the chili is even better! Thank you to whomever came up with this chili mix because the chili has never tasted so good!
I’m so happy you loved it, Jennifer! Enjoy! 😀
Giving this ago for supper party hope it’s good
Great recipe! Perfect flavor and just enough “kick”! Thank you!
So happy to hear it! Enjoy!