What’s Actually In McCormick White Chicken Chili Seasoning? A Complete Breakdown

Are you staring at that little McCormick White Chicken Chili seasoning packet wondering what magical ingredients are inside? Maybe you’re trying to recreate it at home, or perhaps you have dietary restrictions and need to know exactly what you’re eating. Either way, I’ve got you covered!

As someone who’s been making white chicken chili for years (and admittedly relying on these pre-mixed packets way too often), I decided to do a deep dive into what’s actually in McCormick’s popular White Chicken Chili Seasoning Mix. What I discovered might surprise you!

The Main Ingredients in McCormick White Chicken Chili Seasoning

According to McCormick’s official product information, their White Chicken Chili Seasoning Mix is “an expert blend of onion, cumin, garlic and chili peppers.” But that’s just the highlight reel! Let’s break down what’s actually in this popular seasoning mix:

Primary Spices and Herbs

• Chili Peppers – Provides that signature mild heat and smoky flavor
• Cumin – Delivers earthy, nutty flavor essential for authentic Southwestern taste
• Oregano – Adds subtle herbal notes
• Onion Powder – Creates savory base flavor
• Garlic Powder – Complements the onion with aromatic depth
• Salt – Enhances overall flavor

Supporting Ingredients

• Yeast Extract – Adds depth and umami flavor
• Chicken Powder – Provides subtle meaty flavor
• Natural Flavors – Likely derived from chili peppers
• Chicken Fat – Gives rounded, savory taste
• Glutamic Acid – Naturally occurring amino acid that amplifies savory flavors
• Soy Sauce Powder – Adds savory depth

Base Ingredients

• Enriched Wheat Flour – Contains flour, niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid
• Cornstarch – Acts as a thickener for your chili

That’s quite a list, right? The McCormick blend expertly combines Southwestern spices with flavor enhancers to create that signature taste we’ve come to love.

Is McCormick White Chicken Chili Seasoning Healthy?

Let’s talk nutrition. The McCormick seasoning packet is relatively low in calories with about 10 calories per 1.25 oz packet. It contains 0g fat and approximately 135mg sodium, which isn’t too bad compared to many seasoning mixes.

However, there are a few things to consider:

• Contains wheat (not gluten-free)
• Contains soy (for those with allergies)
• Uses cornstarch as a thickener (not ideal for low-carb diets)
• Contains some sugar in the blend

This is why many people (including me!) have started making their own copycat versions that are healthier and aligned with specific dietary needs.

Make Your Own White Chicken Chili Seasoning: A Healthier Alternative

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to the store-bought packet, I’ve got a great copycat recipe that’s:

• Sugar-free (or uses sugar substitutes)
• Gluten-free
• Low-carb/keto-friendly
• Made with all-natural ingredients

Homemade White Chicken Chili Seasoning Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 3 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon green chili powder (optional, can omit if you can’t find it)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon sugar or sugar substitute (use a sweetener with a 1:1 ratio to sugar)
• Thickener: ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (for keto/low-carb) OR 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 months.
3. One batch equals approximately one McCormick packet.

The best part? This homemade version takes less than 5 minutes to make, and you probably already have most of these spices in your pantry!

How To Use White Chicken Chili Seasoning

Whether you’re using the McCormick packet or your homemade version, here’s a quick and easy recipe for white chicken chili:

Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 McCormick White Chicken Chili Seasoning packet (or 1 batch of homemade mix)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 can (15-16 oz) white beans, undrained
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies, undrained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheese
• Chopped avocado
• Fresh cilantro
• Sour cream

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until no longer pink (chicken is done at 165°F).
3. Stir in seasoning mix, water, beans, and green chilies.
4. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Serve with your favorite toppings.

This meal is ready in just 20 minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights!

Frequently Asked Questions About White Chicken Chili Seasoning

Is McCormick White Chicken Chili Seasoning spicy?

No, the McCormick blend is described as “flavorful, not-too-spicy” and is family-friendly. However, if you’re making your own, you can adjust the cayenne pepper to increase or decrease the heat level.

Is the seasoning gluten-free?

No, the official McCormick seasoning contains wheat flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, the homemade version above can be made completely gluten-free.

How many carbs are in the McCormick packet?

The store-bought McCormick white chicken chili seasoning contains about 6 grams of carbs per serving. The homemade copycat version using xanthan gum instead of cornstarch has only about 2.2 net carbs.

Can I make the seasoning without green chili powder?

Absolutely! Green chili powder can be hard to find in some areas. You can simply omit it from the recipe without significantly affecting the flavor.

How long will homemade seasoning last?

If stored in an airtight container and made with fresh dried spices, your homemade seasoning mix will last up to 4 months.

Why Make Your Own White Chicken Chili Seasoning?

There are several advantages to making your own seasoning mix:

1. Cost-effective – Making your own is much cheaper than buying packets, especially if you cook with these spices regularly.
2. Healthier – You control the ingredients, so you can avoid additives and adjust sodium levels.
3. Customizable – Like it spicier? Add more cayenne. Watching sodium? Reduce the salt.
4. Convenient – Make a big batch and always have it on hand.
5. Dietary friendly – Easily adapt for keto, low-carb, gluten-free, or other dietary needs.

Final Thoughts on McCormick White Chicken Chili Seasoning

McCormick’s White Chicken Chili Seasoning Mix is popular for good reason – it delivers consistent, flavorful results with minimal effort. The expert blend of onion, cumin, garlic, and chili peppers creates that signature Southwestern taste that makes for a delicious meal.

However, if you have dietary restrictions or simply prefer to know exactly what’s going into your food, making your own copycat version is incredibly easy and gives you complete control over the ingredients.

Either way, white chicken chili makes for a fantastic weeknight dinner that’s ready in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Note: This information is based on product details available as of September 2025. Always check the current product packaging for the most up-to-date ingredient information, especially if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.