This recipe for Homemade Chili Seasoning is the best and most frugal way to spice up your pot of chili! Naturally gluten and preservative free. Versatile for every type of chili and even roasted potatoes & roasted broccoli too!

Every year around this time, I start thinking about making a delicious and satisfying pot of chili, like my quick and easy Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili. Oh my goodness, it is so good, especially when it is served with fresh homemade skillet cornbread!

But what about the chili seasoning that makes it so good? Rather than buying store-bought spice packets, I like to make my own homemade spice mixes since I am definitely all about avoiding unnecessary fillers and additives in my food. In fact, I make my own Homemade Italian Seasoning & Homemade Poultry Seasoning, as well as this Homemade Chili Seasoning blend.

From bean chili, to turkey chili, to beef chili, to white chicken chili, this blend will work perfectly in any chili your family prefers. Plus, you can even season roasted potatoes with it! YUM!

Making your own homemade seasonings, like this homemade chili powder, is a great way to avoid the gluten fillers and additives found in store-bought seasoning packets.

Homemade Chili Seasoning

Not only does it make a great bowl of chili (among other recipes too!), but this blend is also:

Easy. Just combine your spices and store in an airtight container (these spice jars or 4oz mason jars are perfect).
Frugal. Pot for pot, this homemade spice blend makes it much more affordable to spice up your batch of chili rather than buying store-bought seasoning packets.
Versatile. Use it for every type of chili your heart desires, and also for crispy potato wedges and veggies too!
Gluten free. There are no gluten fillers or additives found in homemade seasoning!

What are the Ingredients in Homemade Chili Seasoning Mix?

chili powder
cumin
cayenne pepper
garlic powder
onion powder
salt (I highly recommend THIS SALT from Ava Jane’s Kitchen because it doesn’t contain MICROPLASTICS…gross, right? Plus, you can get a bag for just 1¢!! Get your penny bag HERE)
pepper

Chili powder takes center stage for this spice blend, and cumin adds a rich deep flavor. Onion and garlic powder add a sweet earthiness, and cayenne pepper gives you a spicy kick!

With 7 easy-to-find spice ingredients, this homemade chili seasoning is the most frugal way to spice up your chilis!

How Do You Make Chili Seasoning from Scratch?

Combine ingredients and store in an airtight container (these spice jars or 4oz mason jars are perfect).

That’s all there is to it!

How Much Chili Seasoning Should I Use for a Pot of Chili?

It’s best to follow the directions given with your recipe, as some recipes might be heavier on seasoning than others. But generally, you will use about 2 tablespoons at a time.

In addition to these 7 easy-to-find-spices found in homemade chili seasoning, two optional "secret ingredients" (for a richer tasting chili) are cocoa powder and cinnamon!

What Spices are in Chili Seasoning?

Some people might add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. My recipe for Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili has a couple of “secret ingredients” like cocoa powder and cinnamon for that extra depth of flavor! You might consider those as delicious options for your chili. Of course, red pepper flakes are always a popular choice as well!

What Recipes can I use Chili Seasoning in?

This homemade chili seasoning can be, of course, used in chili of all kinds from vegetarian (bean chili), to beef, turkey, and slow cooker white chicken chili. But did you know that there are many other ways to add chili seasoning to recipes? Here are several suggestions for inspiration: YUM!

And even Whole Roasted Chicken! Your options are endless!!!!

Use this chili seasoning blend in more recipes than chili! It goes great with roasted potatoes, veggies and even rice!

Can you Use Chili Seasoning for Taco Seasoning?

The answer is Yes. But my homemade taco seasoning is slightly more complex in flavor with smoky paprika, oregano and red pepper flakes.

Using chili seasoning for taco seasoning would give a simpler, less spicy flavor to Mexican-style dishes like my:

More Homemade Seasoning Blends

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