Chicken Taco Seasoning (Clean & Easy)

Are you tired of bland, store-bought taco seasoning packs that lack depth and flavor? Are you concerned with the purity of what you are buying? Look no further! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a homemade chicken taco seasoning that will take your tacos to the next level and give you control over the ingredients.

Try seasoned taco chicken on top of these nachos!

Jump to:

• Flavors in Chicken Taco Seasoning
• Why Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning Reigns Supreme: A Clean and Customizable Choice
• A Personal Journey With Seasonings
• Spice is the spice of life- Chicken Taco Seasoning Ingredients and Their Health Benefits
• Let’s Make a Taco with Chicken Taco Seasoning
• Slow-Cooked Chicken Tacos Using Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning
• Why the Crockpot is King
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Equipment
• Storage
• Get To Making Chicken Taco Seasoning
• Top tip
• Chicken Taco Seasoning (GF & DF)
• Food safety

Flavors in Chicken Taco Seasoning

• Chili Powder: This provides the classic warmth and earthiness essential to any taco seasoning. It’s not overly spicy but adds a subtle kick.
• Cumin: Known for its warm, slightly nutty flavor, cumin brings depth and complexity to the seasoning blend.
• Sea Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors and balancing the dish.
• Ground Pepper: Adds a hint of heat and a subtle peppery flavor, elevating the overall taste.
• Paprika: Delivers a vibrant red color and a mild, sweet pepper flavor with a subtle smokiness.
• Garlic Powder: Intensely aromatic with a pungent flavor, garlic powder adds depth and richness to the seasoning.
• Onion Powder: Offers a sweet and savory onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions, ensuring even distribution throughout the dish.
• Cayenne: For those who like it spicy, cayenne brings the heat, but it’s balanced by other ingredients for a well-rounded flavor.
• Oregano: With its slightly bitter and earthy taste, oregano adds a refreshing herbal note to the seasoning mix.

Why Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning Reigns Supreme: A Clean and Customizable Choice

In a world where convenience often trumps quality, it’s no wonder that store-bought seasoning packets have become a pantry staple for many. But what if I told you that making your own homemade chicken taco seasoning is not only easy but also far superior in terms of flavor and purity? Let’s explore why taking control of your seasoning blend is the best choice for your health and taste buds.

The Pitfalls of Store-Bought Chicken Taco Seasoning:

It’s no secret that many commercial seasoning blends contain a laundry list of ingredients, including fillers, preservatives, and artificial additives. These additives can not only compromise the flavor and quality of the seasoning but also pose potential health risks, especially for those with dietary restrictions or sensitivities.

Why Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning is the Way to Go:

When you make your own chicken taco seasoning at home, you have complete control over the ingredients that go into the blend. No fillers, no preservatives, just pure, clean spices that you likely already have in your pantry. By using simple dried seasonings, you can create a seasoning blend that is not only delicious but also free from unwanted additives.

A Personal Journey With Seasonings

For many, the decision to make homemade seasoning blends stems from a desire for transparency and control over their diet. When I first transitioned to a gluten-free lifestyle, I quickly realized that store-bought seasonings were a potential minefield of hidden gluten and other unwanted ingredients. The uncertainty surrounding pre-packaged seasoning mixes became a source of anxiety, as I never knew if a seemingly innocent spice blend would trigger a reaction.

Seasonings became one of the trickiest items to navigate on my gluten-free journey. I found myself meticulously reading labels, scouring ingredient lists for hidden gluten, and ultimately feeling frustrated and disappointed by the lack of transparency in the food industry.

The Empowerment of Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning:

Making my own chicken taco seasoning was a game-changer. Not only did I regain control over what went into my food, but I also discovered a newfound appreciation for the art of seasoning. Experimenting with different spice combinations allowed me to tailor the flavor to my preferences, resulting in tacos that were bursting with freshness and depth.

Take Control of Your Seasoning:

By making your own homemade chicken taco seasoning, you not only ensure the purity and quality of your ingredients but also reclaim the joy of cooking. Say goodbye to mystery fillers and hello to clean, customizable flavor. Trust me, once you experience the difference homemade seasoning makes, you’ll never look back.

Spice is the spice of life- Chicken Taco Seasoning Ingredients and Their Health Benefits

My college roomate, who was a phenomenal nutrient dense chef, once said “spices are the spice of life.” I loved that. Seasonings can have so many healthy factors. Therefore, it is important to use them in your cooking as often as possible! If you have bland food, you are missing out on potential benefits!

Here is a list of ingredients in Chicken Taco Seasoning and the benefits these plants are known to have. Although, still be careful since you can overdo some herbs! Simply spice your food a little bit each day and you will get your fill!

Chicken Taco Seasonings & Their Benefit

• Chili Powder: Contains capsaicin, which may help reduce inflammation and pain.
• Rich in vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health.
• Cumin: May aid digestion. Contains antioxidants that can potentially help fight inflammation.
• Sea Salt: Provides essential minerals like sodium and chloride, which are necessary for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.
• Ground Pepper: Contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption and improve digestion. Has antioxidant properties that may protect against cellular damage and oxidative stress.
• Paprika: Rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health. Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and aid in weight management.
• Garlic Powder: Has antimicrobial properties that may help fight infections and support immune health. Contains allicin, a compound with potential cardiovascular benefits.
• Onion Powder: Rich in antioxidants like quercetin, which may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases. Contains prebiotic fibers that support gut health and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
• Cayenne: Contains capsaicin, which may help reduce appetite and increase calorie burning, potentially aiding in weight loss. Has been shown to improve circulation and cardiovascular health by promoting blood flow and reducing blood pressure.
• Oregano: High in antioxidants like rosmarinic acid and thymol, which can help protect against oxidative damage

Let’s Make a Taco with Chicken Taco Seasoning

One of the best things about this chicken taco seasoning is its versatility. While it’s designed for chicken, you can use it with any meat you desire. Whether it’s beef, pork, shrimp, or even tofu, this seasoning blend will infuse your protein with authentic taco flavor.

Pair your perfectly seasoned chicken tacos with an array of delicious accompaniments:

• Guacamole: Creamy avocado mashed with lime juice, cilantro, and diced tomatoes creates a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the chicken.
• Avocado Slices: For a simpler option, thinly sliced avocado adds a creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the tacos beautifully.
• Fresh Pico de Gallo: Diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice come together in a vibrant salsa that adds brightness and freshness to each bite.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Cool and tangy, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt provides a creamy contrast to the bold flavors of the tacos.
• Shredded Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, shredded lettuce adds a satisfying crunch and a touch of green to your taco ensemble.
• Vegetarian Nachos

Slow-Cooked Chicken Tacos Using Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning

There’s something undeniably satisfying about the aroma of tender, flavorful chicken simmering away in a crockpot, especially when it’s destined to become the star of delicious chicken tacos. By combining the convenience of a crockpot with the irresistible flavors of homemade chicken taco seasoning, you can elevate Taco Tuesday to new heights without breaking a sweat. Let’s dive into the simple yet sensational process of making slow-cooked chicken tacos that will have your taste buds singing.

Ingredients

1 to 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Homemade chicken taco seasoning (recipe below)

Instructions for Chicken Tacos Using Chicken Taco Seasoning (See recipe for seasoning below)

• Prepare the Chicken: Place 1 to 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the crockpot. You can use either fresh or frozen chicken for this recipe. Make sure it is thawed.
• Slow-Cook: Set the crockpot to the 6-hour setting and let the chicken cook low and slow until it’s tender and easily shreds with a fork. The gentle heat of the crock pot will ensure that the chicken becomes beautifully moist and flavorful, perfect for tacos.
• Add the Seasoning: Once the chicken has cooked completely, sprinkle the homemade chicken taco seasoning evenly over the chicken. Use a spoon or tongs to toss the chicken, ensuring that it’s coated in the seasoning blend.
• Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the seasoned chicken directly in the crockpot. The tender meat should effortlessly fall apart, soaking up all the delicious flavors of the seasoning.
• Serve and Enjoy: Now comes the fun part—building your tacos! Warm up your favorite tortillas, whether they’re soft flour tortillas or crispy corn shells. Pile on the flavorful shredded chicken and top with your favorite taco fixings, such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Why the Crockpot is King

Using a crockpot to cook the chicken for your tacos is a game-changer for several reasons. First, the slow-cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and juicy, making it easy to shred and ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Additionally, the gentle heat helps the chicken absorb the flavors of the homemade taco seasoning, resulting in a dish that’s bursting with authentic Mexican-inspired taste.

Ingredients

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Cayenne
• Oregano

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Equipment

You will not need any special equipment unless you are crushing whole spices. In that case, make sure you have a mortar and pestle!

Storage

Store chicken taco seasoning in an air sealed jar for up to a year.

Get To Making Chicken Taco Seasoning

When you make your own chicken taco seasoning at home, you’re not just creating a blend of spices; you’re crafting a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds with every bite. From the earthy warmth of cumin to the fiery kick of cayenne pepper, each ingredient plays a crucial role in elevating the taste of your tacos to new heights. Beyond the incredible flavor, homemade chicken taco seasoning boasts a plethora of health benefits thanks to its nutrient-rich ingredients. From the anti-inflammatory properties of chili powder to the digestion-aiding effects of cumin, each spice brings its own unique contribution to the table.

Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.