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Iโve been making homemade spice blends my whole life, and this Chili Seasoning recipe is my go-to for Chili season!
As a classically-trained chef, Iโve perfected the art of creating spice blends that are full of flavor and properly-balanced. You always have the option to make them spicer if you love that, but they are family-friendly as written.
Actual reader comment: โI was making my chili and I just couldnโt figure it out because it was bland. I decided to throw this together because I have never had a Culinary Hill recipe fail me. BADA BING! It was the best chili I had ever made.โ Thanks a lot, Barb!
Put this Chili Seasoning to work in your next homemade chili, of course, but you can also try it on grilled corn, roasted vegetables, smoked meats, and more. Make a big batch and keep in the pantry because trust me, youโll reach for it again and again!
Table of Contents
Chili Seasoning Recipe Ingredients
At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe.
Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.
- Chili powder: If you shop at an international food market and buy โchili powder,โ sometimes this is just straight-up ground dried red chiles (cayenne pepper), not the Americanized chili powder blend youโre thinking of. You should be able to tell by the color of the powder.
- Chipotle chili powder:ย Chipotle chili powder is spicy! If youโre unsure, start with 1 teaspoon (or less) until the chili is fully cooked. Then, taste and add more at the end. You can also substitute ยฝ teaspoon cayenne pepper or omit it entirely.
- Thyme
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Coriander
How to make Chili Seasoning
- In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, oregano, chipotle chili powder, thyme, and coriander.
- Stir to combine.
- Store covered for up to 6 months.
Homemade Chili Seasoning Tips and Variations
- Yield: This recipe makes ยฝ cup homemade chili seasoning, enough to make 8 servings of chili from 2 pounds ground meat or sweet potatoes.
- Customize your blend: Tweak your spice mix with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or ancho chili powder. Crank up the heat with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Salt and pepper: I prefer to keep salt and black pepper out of my seasoning blends and add them directly to my finished dishes.
- Classic Beef Chili:ย This easyย Beef Chili recipeย tastes just like the one mom used to make! Itโs also easy to customize with your own special additions if you want to.
- Venison Chili:ย If youโre lucky enough to have some ground venison in your freezer, thisย Venison Chili recipeย is the one youโll want to make all winter long.
- Chili con Carne: Made with boneless beef chuck roast instead of ground beef, this delicious Chili con Carne recipe has layers of flavor from bacon, fire-roasted tomatoes, lots of garlic, and all the classic chili spices. And itโs made right in your slow cooker!
- Turkey Chili:ย This deliciousย Turkey Chili recipeย is made with ground turkey, so itโs a little bit lighter than the standard beef version. Itโs full of vegetables and classic spices and itโs ready for all your favorite healthful toppings like diced avocado, green onions, and fresh cilantro.
- Hot Dog Chili:ย Make a batch ofย Hot Dog Chiliย to spoon overย Chili Dogsย for the ultimate tailgate recipe! Itโs perfect for any game day celebration.
- Sweet Potato Chili:ย This hearty veganย Sweet Potato Chiliย is loaded with black beans, vegetables, and all the classic spices. Like all chilis, it freezes well and makes a great meal prep option.
- Cincinnati Chili:ย Made famous by Skyline Chili in Ohio, thisย Cincinnati Chili recipeย is full of secret ingredients like cinnamon and chocolate or cocoa powder. Itโs served on spaghetti with lots of toppings like shredded cheese, raw onions, and kidney beans. Which โwayโ do you want yours?
- White Chicken Chili:ย When the temperature drops, slow cookerย White Chicken Chiliย is the ultimate comfort food. Tender chunks of chicken simmering in a creamy broth studded with white beans, green chiles, and corn make for a most satisfying meal.
- White Turkey Chili:ย This is my favorite soup to make after Thanksgiving when leftovers are abundant. Itโs hearty, creamy, and a refreshing way to enjoy leftover turkey all over again. To keep things easy, makeย White Turkey Chiliย right in your slow cooker.
- Chili Mac:ย Made in just one pot in 25 minutes or less, this easyย Chili Mac recipeย is like a great bowl of chili in casserole form. Itโs perfect for the busiest, hungriest weeknights.
- Chili Cheese Burrito:ย Put leftover chili to work in this easyย Chili Cheese Burrito. Just fold up leftover chili withย cooked riceย and shredded cheese, then toast in a dry skillet.
How to use this Chili Seasoning Mix
Whether youโre making beef, turkey, chicken, or venison chili, having a batch of homemade chili seasoning on hand means food is.ready faster. But you can do more than just make chili! Here are some other ideas for putting your chili seasoning to work:
- Sprinkle over buttered grilled corn. Add mayonnaise, lime juice, and grated Parmesan cheese if youโre craving Mexican Street Corn (Elote).
- Toss with potato wedges before roasting.
- Add to marinades for steak and chicken.
- Rub over pulled pork before roasting or smoking.
- Use to make taco and fajita seasoning.
Storing Homemade Chili Seasoning
Store in an airtight container in a dark, cool place for up to 6 months.
Chili Seasoning FAQs
They are the same thing; itโs really just a matter of naming conventions. โChileโ is the Spanish word for capsicums such as jalapeรฑos, serranos, habaรฑeros, poblanos, and so on. Americans sometimes spell it โchiliโ but now we are moving towards โchileโ because โchiliโ is theย stew with the meat.
More homemade spices
Spice Blend Recipes
How to Make Fajita Seasoning
Spice Blend Recipes
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Spice Blend Recipes
Cajun Seasoning
Spice Blend Recipes
Montreal Steak Seasoning
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Chili Seasoning Mix
Ingredientsย
- 1/4 cup chili powder (see note 1)
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder or ยผ teaspoon cayenne pepper (see note 2)
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
Instructionsย
- In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, oregano, chipotle chili powder, thyme, and coriander. Stir to combine. Store covered for up to 6 months.
Notes
- Chili powder: If you shop at an international food market and buy โchili powder,โ sometimes this is just straight-up ground dried red chiles (cayenne pepper), not the Americanized chili powder blend youโre thinking of. You should be able to tell by the color of the powder.
- Chipotle chili powder: Chipotle chili powder is spicy! If youโre unsure, start with 1 tsp. (or less) until the chili is fully cooked. Then, taste and add more at the end. You can also substitute ยฝ tsp. cayenne pepper or omit it entirely.
- Yield: This recipe makes ยฝ c. chili seasoning, enough to make 8 servings of chili from 2 pounds ground meat or sweet potatoes.
- Storage: Store in a dark, cool place for up to 6 months.
Made this chili recipe for todayโs football game. Everyone loved it!!
So glad everyone enjoyed, thanks Diana! โ Meggan
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup.of Chile powder plus cayenne powder. The notes say in that in the US Chili powder is often cayenne so what is the 1/4 cup made of ?
Hi Brian, chili powder in the US is a spice blend that typically has paprika, cumin, garlic powder, oregano and can have a variety of dried chilis such as cayenne, New Mexico and Ancho Chilies. The blends vary by brand, and so just take a look at the label of the chili powder you will be using and try to avoid the kind that is primarily cayenne so itโs not too spicy and you get those other great flavors. Thanks for the question! โ Meggan
I had never used a chili seasoning before this. I was making my chili and I just couldnโt figure it out because it was bland. I decided to throw this together because I have never had a Culinary Hill recipe fail me. BADA BING! It was the best chili I had ever made. Iโll just go to this recipe every time now. Thanks (again) Meggan!