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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.
Thanks for this recipe! Saved me a trip to the store!
I just tried this and have to say…THANK YOU for this. I have recently developed an onion intolerance and having to learn how to cook without onion, onion powder, shallots, leeks, chives, ANYTHING onion related at all has been so hard. Copycat recipes like this have been a godsend for me. I used this one tonight and it tasted just like my mom’s chili (which used the McCormick packets)!
Is there any chance you’d be willing to try and deconstruct Morton’s Season All and Morton’s Nature Seasoning? I would practically die for a copycat version of those seasoning blends. I’ve tried myself and searched and searched the internet to no avail. I even tried contacting the company and got nothing. Would love for you to give them a try!
Many thanks again for this recipe!
I’m so happy you loved the recipe!! I’ll add those to my list of recipes to try out 🙂
I have digestive issues and have found that Lo Fod Map foods has a replacement for different spices and seasonings. I hope this helps!
Hello,
What chili powder did you use in your recipe?
Thanks for your recipe 😊. I have doubts about the first ingredient – 2 Tbsp chili powder. Which kind of chili powder is meant? Maybe a mild one like Ancho chili? Greets from 🇮🇹
In the U.S. this is a common spice blend with mostly dried chiles, but also some other flavors like garlic and cumin. You could use an ancho chili powder, but reduce the amount by half, taste, and add more as needed 🙂
Did I miss it? How much protein (ground beef, tofu, chicken, etc.) is this to be used with? A pound?
This replaces 1 packet, which is typically good for 1 lb of protein 🙂
The directions say this recipe equal one packet of chili seasoning. How many packets do you usually use when you make chili? I usually use two packets, so I doubled the recipe. It’s common sense. 🤦🏻♀️
Sarah, this chili recipe, is flavorful, and smells “Great”, thank you. 😊 ❤️
Perfect.
Only used 1/4 tsp salt and I didn’t have cocoa power and it still made an excellent pot of chili! Curious to try it with the cocoa.
I’ve book marked the recipe.
So happy to hear you loved it! Enjoy! 😀
This is a great mild chili seasoning mix (the wife’s preferred chili seasoning). We misplaced our stock of McCormick Slow Cooker chili seasoning packets (not made anymore) and started to panick. After finding and trying this recipe, we’re no longer dreading depleting our (currently lost) stock of the store bought version. So simple, yet so good.
This is also a great base recipe to build from if you want to tweak it and make your own customizations. I grow a variety of hot peppers and will be using this recipe to expirement with, replacing the chili powder with my own blend.
Thank you!
Fantastic McCormick chili seasoning replacement. Thank you!
Thanks for the kind words, happy eating!
This was absolutely perfect! I was like cocoa powder? what? but it was perfection!
Thanks for making it and sharing!
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
Thanks for the kind words, happy eating!