Are you tired of those pre-packaged fajita seasonings with weird ingredients you can’t pronounce? Me too! That’s why I started making my own chicken fajita seasoning at home, and let me tell you – it’s a game-changer! Not only is it super easy to whip up with spices you probably already have in your pantry, but it tastes WAY better than anything from the store
In this post, I’m gonna share my favorite homemade chicken fajita seasoning recipe that will take your fajita night to the next level! Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to those store-bought packets again
Why Make Your Own Chicken Fajita Seasoning?
Before we dive into the recipe let’s talk about why homemade is better
I started making my own seasoning blends about 5 years ago, and my family immediately noticed the difference. My husband actually said, “What did you do differently? These fajitas taste amazing!” That’s when I knew I was onto something good!
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Fajita Seasoning
The perfect chicken fajita seasoning contains a balance of warm, earthy spices with just the right amount of heat. Here’s what you’ll need:
Basic Ingredients (Always Include These):
- Chili powder – Provides that classic warm base flavor
- Cumin – Adds earthy, nutty notes
- Paprika – Brings color and mild sweetness
- Garlic powder – For that savory punch
- Salt – Enhances all the other flavors
- Cayenne pepper – Adds heat (adjust to your preference)
Optional Ingredients (For Extra Flavor):
- Black pepper – For a bit of spice
- Dried oregano – Adds herby notes (Mexican oregano is best if you can find it)
- Onion powder – For more depth of flavor
- Sugar – Some recipes use a tiny bit to balance flavors
- Cornstarch – Can help the seasoning stick to meat (and thicken sauces)
My Favorite Chicken Fajita Seasoning Recipe
After trying lots of different combinations, I’ve settled on this perfect blend that my family absolutely loves. It’s got just the right balance of flavors without being too spicy for the kids.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika works great too!)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (use less if you don’t like heat)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl
- Stir until everything is well mixed
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container
That’s it! Super simple, right? This recipe makes about 3 tablespoons of seasoning, which is perfect for seasoning about 1-1.5 pounds of chicken.
How to Use Your Homemade Fajita Seasoning
Now that you’ve got your seasoning ready, here’s how to use it for amazing chicken fajitas:
Basic Chicken Fajitas:
- Slice 1-1.5 pounds of chicken breast into thin strips
- Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of your homemade seasoning over the chicken
- Toss to coat evenly
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat
- Cook chicken until no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes)
- Add sliced bell peppers and onions
- Cook until veggies are tender-crisp
- Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings!
For a Fajita Marinade:
Want to take it up another notch? Try this quick marinade:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2-3 tablespoons of your homemade fajita seasoning
Mix together and marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) before cooking. The lime juice adds that perfect tangy flavor that makes restaurant fajitas so good!
Variations to Try
One of the best things about making your own seasoning is that you can customize it! Here are some variations to try:
Spicy Version:
Double the cayenne pepper and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick that’ll wake up your taste buds!
Smoky Version:
Use smoked paprika instead of regular and add 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle powder for a deep, smoky flavor that’s amazing on grilled chicken.
Citrus Version:
Add 1 teaspoon of dried lime zest to the mix for a bright, citrusy note that complements the spices perfectly.
How to Store Your Homemade Seasoning
Your homemade chicken fajita seasoning will last about 6 months when stored properly. Here’s what I do:
- Put the seasoning in an airtight container or jar
- Label it with the date (I use a simple piece of tape and marker)
- Store in a cool, dark place like your spice cabinet
Pro tip: I like to make a big batch (like 4-5x the recipe) so I always have it ready to go. Those cute little glass spice jars with labels make me feel super organized!
Fajita Seasoning vs. Taco Seasoning: What’s the Difference?
A lot of people ask me if they can just use taco seasoning for fajitas. While they’re similar, there are some differences:
| Fajita Seasoning | Taco Seasoning |
|---|---|
| More emphasis on cumin and oregano | Usually has more chili powder |
| Often includes paprika | May contain coriander |
| Usually less spicy | Often spicier |
| Focused on bright, tangy flavors | Richer, deeper flavor profile |
Both are delicious, but they do give slightly different flavor profiles. That said, in a pinch, you can definitely substitute one for the other!
Common Questions About Homemade Fajita Seasoning
How much seasoning equals one store-bought packet?
Most store-bought packets contain about 2-3 tablespoons of seasoning, which is exactly what this recipe makes!
Can I make this without salt?
Absolutely! Just omit the salt in the recipe. You can always add salt separately when cooking if needed.
How spicy is this recipe?
With 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne, it’s mild-to-medium spicy. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with just a pinch of cayenne. You can always add more!
Can I use this on vegetables for vegetarian fajitas?
100% yes! This seasoning is amazing on bell peppers, onions, zucchini, mushrooms, and any other veggies you like in your fajitas.
Why This Recipe Works
After experimenting with lots of different recipes, I’ve found this particular blend works because:
- It has the perfect balance of earthy (cumin) and warm (chili powder) spices
- The garlic and onion powders add savory depth
- The oregano brings in that authentic Mexican flavor
- The heat level is adjustable for different preferences
- It doesn’t rely on fillers or sugar like store-bought versions
Final Thoughts
Making your own chicken fajita seasoning isn’t just about saving money or avoiding additives (though those are great reasons!) – it’s about creating that perfect flavor that makes your family excited for fajita night.
I love seeing my kids’ faces light up when they smell these spices hitting a hot pan, and there’s something so satisfying about knowing exactly what’s going into your food. Plus, it literally takes 5 minutes to mix together!
So grab those spices from your cabinet and give this recipe a try. I promise you’ll never look at those store-bought packets the same way again!
Happy cooking!
P.S. Don’t forget the guacamole and sour cream for your fajitas – they’re the perfect complement to that spicy, seasoned chicken!
How to Make Fajita Seasoning
- Mix all the spices in a small bowl.
- Stir until everything is well combined.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
- Make a Bigger Batch: To save time and have your seasoning ready whenever needed, consider making a larger batch and storing it in an airtight container.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to your blend if you prefer a spicier kick
- Use Fresh Spices: Use fresh, high-quality spices for the best flavor
Using your homemade fajita seasoning is easy. Here’s how:
- For Fajitas: Sprinkle the seasoning over sliced beef, chicken, or vegetables before cooking. Toss well to coat evenly and cook in a hot skillet or grill.
- For Marinades: Mix the seasoning with a bit of oil and lime juice to create a flavorful marinade. Marinate your protein or veggies for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- For Other Dishes: This seasoning isn’t just for fajitas! Use it to add a burst of flavor to quesadillas, soups or even roasted vegetables.
Now that you have your homemade fajita seasoning ready, it’s time to put it to good use! Below are some delicious fajita recipes!
This Homemade Fajita Seasoning is a flavorful blend of spices that brings out the best in your fajitas. Easy to make with pantry staples, this seasoning avoids the additives and preservatives found in store-bought packets.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon minced onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt – more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Stir until well mixed.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
This fajita seasoning recipe makes enough to season 2 pounds of meat and vegetables.
What is in Fajita Seasoning?
Fajita seasoning is a spice blend that brings out the classic flavor of fajitas. While variations exist, the main ingredients usually include:
- Chili Powder: Adds a rich, warm base flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: Gives a smoky depth to the seasoning.
- Dried Mexican Oregano: Enhances the herby notes for authenticity.
- Minced Onion and Garlic: Provides a savory kick.
- Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances overall taste.
- Ground Cumin: Contributes a nutty, earthy undertone.
- Black Pepper and Cayenne Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and spice.
Special Tools (affiliate links): Jars
