Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a chili-making mission, only to realize you’re fresh out of that trusty seasoning packet? Or perhaps you’re just keen on knowing every element that goes into your chili’s flavorful profile. I put on my food scientist cap and deconstructed those store-bought chili seasoning packets, allowing you to replicate the exact flavor you love effortlessly.
Why you’ll love it
It has the exact measurement as store-bought (35 grams – I measured!), meaning you can use this whole recipe to replace a store-bought packet (and easily scale up or down) for a batch of chili. It’s full of ingredients you can pronounce, unlike the ingredients in most store-bought chili packets, which often have preservatives. It doesn’t have any artificial flavors that we found in store-bought packets during our research.
what you’ll need
The most time-intensive part of this recipe is locating all the spices you’ll need because there’s a bunch! Jump down to the recipe card for exact measurements; this is just an overview!
Chili Powder: Earthy, Spicy Cumin: Warm, Nutty Salt: Flavor-enhancing Garlic Powder: Savory, Aromatic Onion Powder: Sweet, Aromatic Ground Black Pepper: Peppery, Pungent Paprika: Smoky, Mild Oregano: Herbaceous, Slightly Bitter Cocoa Powder: Rich, Bittersweet Cayenne Pepper: Fiery, Hot
Here’s how to make it
This only takes 2 steps; could this recipe get any easier?! This is just a brief overview of how to make it, jump to the recipe card for the full printable instructions. If you want to add a thickening element to your chili mix, we recommend masa harina. Masa harina, which is a type of corn flour made from dried corn kernels that have been treated with lime, is a thickener commonly used in chili seasoning. It not only contributes to the thickness of the chili but also imparts a distinctive corn flavor, which is characteristic of many traditional Mexican chili recipes. Masa harina is a versatile ingredient in Mexican cuisine and is known for its unique taste and ability to create rich, hearty textures in dishes like chili.
adjust the spice level
Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of cayenne pepper based on your spice preference. I started recipe testing with ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and reduced it to ¼ for a little less kick, more similar to the store-bought packets (I’m middle of the road when it comes to spicy liking).
Fun Ways to Use Chili Seasoning
This homemade chili seasoning recipe was bound for so much more than just chili!
Chili Vegan Mac and Cheese: Mix it into the cheese sauce for a zesty twist on a classic favorite. High Protein Vegan Chorizo Taco Filling: Use it to season ground meat or plant-based alternatives for taco night (high protein vegan chorizo). Popcorn Seasoning: Sprinkle it over freshly popped popcorn for a unique snack.
