The Best Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
You’ll love how this homemade chili seasoning transforms your meals with bold, customizable flavors. It’s quick to make, uses simple pantry ingredients, and lets you skip store-bought mixes. You can adjust the heat to your taste, making it perfect for everyone. Plus, it’s healthier without any hidden additives, giving you full control over what goes into your dish.
Recipe
Craft your own flavorful chili seasoning at home with this simple and customizable recipe. Perfect for enhancing your favorite chili dishes, this blend uses common pantry spices to create a robust and aromatic mixture.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until all spices are evenly distributed.
- Store the seasoning in an airtight container or jar for up to 6 months.
- Use 2-3 tablespoons of the seasoning mix per batch of chili, adjusting to taste.
Notes:
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the level of spiciness.
- For a smokier flavor, use hot or extra-hot smoked paprika.
Equipment:
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight container for storage
Time:
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Makes approximately 1/4 cup of seasoning
Nutrition
This homemade chili seasoning is a healthy and flavorful addition to your dishes. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Calories | 10 |
| Total Fat | 0.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 0.5g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade chili with simple side dishes, like a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables, to balance the richness. Cornbread is my go-to choice, though, because it’s fluffy, slightly sweet, and perfect for soaking up every last bit of chili. It feels like a cozy meal every time.
Side Dishes
When you’ve got a big pot of homemade chili simmering, you’ll want sides that balance its rich, spicy flavors. I love pairing it with cool, crunchy pasta salads—think tri-color rotini with a tangy vinaigrette—to cut through the heat. Roasted vegetables, like sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts, add a caramelized depth that complements the chili’s smokiness. A simple green salad with avocado slices works, too, for a fresh contrast. And don’t forget tortilla chips for scooping up every last bite! These sides keep the meal light yet satisfying, letting the chili shine without overpowering it.
Cornbread Pairing
Cornbread’s sweet, crumbly texture makes it a classic companion to chili, balancing the dish’s bold flavors perfectly. I love how a slice of sweet cornbread soaks up the rich, spicy broth, adding a soft contrast to every bite. If you’re feeling adventurous, try spicy cornbread with jalapeños or red pepper flakes—it’s a fun twist that matches the chili’s heat. I often bake extra because, let’s be honest, it’s hard to stop at one piece. Whether you prefer it straight from the oven or warmed up later, cornbread turns a bowl of chili into a hearty, comforting meal.
