This chicken fajita seasoning mix is our go-to seasoning for perfect authentic fajitas every time!
Chicken Fajita Seasoning Mix is a flavorful blend of spices, including chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. It enhances the taste of chicken and vegetables, making it a convenient way to achieve that classic fajita flavor in your dishes.
There are several reasons for creating your own homemade seasoning mix aside from the fact that homemade mixes are considerably cheaper than their store-bought counterparts.
I love being able to control the amount of sodium in recipes, plus avoid suspected hormone disrupting chemicals such as msg (Monosodium glutamate), as well as gluten.
The Superiority of Homemade Fajita Seasoning: Why It Reigns Supreme
Homemade chicken fajita seasoning has several advantages over store-bought options, offering greater control over the flavor, quality of ingredients, and customization to suit your preferences.
Here’s an in-depth explanation of why homemade chicken fajita seasoning is often considered better:
- Quality Ingredients: When you make your own seasoning, you have control over the quality of each ingredient. You can choose premium spices and ensure they are fresh, free from additives, preservatives, and fillers that are often present in commercial blends.
- Customization: Homemade seasoning allows you to tailor the flavors to your liking. You can adjust the level of spiciness, saltiness, or other seasonings based on your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. For example, you can make it milder for kids or spicier for heat enthusiasts.
- Freshness: The spices in homemade seasoning are typically fresher, as they haven’t been sitting on a store shelf for an extended period. This freshness enhances the overall taste and aroma of your chicken fajitas.
- No Hidden Ingredients: Commercial fajita seasoning blends often contain additives like anti-caking agents, artificial flavors, and high levels of sodium. Homemade seasoning allows you to skip these unnecessary ingredients and maintain a healthier option.
- Cost-Effective: Buying individual spices in bulk and creating your seasoning mix can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to purchasing pre-made blends. You can also use the spices for other recipes.
- Reduced Allergens: Homemade seasoning gives you better control over allergens. If you or someone in your household has allergies, you can ensure that the ingredients you use are safe.
- Sustainability: By making your own seasoning, you can reduce packaging waste associated with store-bought spice blends, which often come in disposable containers.
- Freshness Retention: Homemade chicken fajita seasoning can be stored in airtight containers, helping to retain its freshness for longer periods compared to pre-packaged alternatives. This can extend the shelf life of your spices.
- Culinary Creativity: Crafting your own seasoning mix encourages culinary creativity. You can experiment with different spice combinations, herbs, and flavor profiles to create unique and exciting variations.
- Health Benefits: Homemade seasoning allows you to focus on using natural, wholesome ingredients, promoting healthier cooking and better overall health.
In summary, homemade chicken fajita seasoning offers greater quality, customization, and control over ingredients, making it a preferred choice for many home cooks. It enhances the overall taste of your dishes, ensures dietary compatibility, and empowers you to take charge of your culinary creations.
Chicken Fajita Seasoning Mix
You’ll Need:
3 tablespoons corn starch
2 tablespoons chili powder ( I prefer to use 1 tablespoon of chili powder and 1 tablespoon of Chipotle chili powder for more robust flavor!)
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons chicken Bouillon granules
1 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin powder
Combine the ingredients in a bowl, mixing well, then transfer to a spice jar. This makes approximately 2/3 cup of seasoning, or enough to make three batches of the best chicken fajitas, (or enough to season 3 pounds of poultry).
Use 3 slightly rounded tablespoons per pound of meat for seasoning.
How To Use the Chicken Fajita Seasoning Mix:
In a bowl, marinating dish or gallon size ziplock bag combine 1 pound of sliced chicken breast, 5 tablespoons of water, 2 Tbs olive oil, and 3 slightly rounded tablespoons of chicken fajita seasoning mix. Stir to coat, let it rest while preparing the veggies.
Cut 1 large vidalia onion, 1 large red bell pepper, and 1 large green bell pepper into thin strips. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat, add the onions and peppers, saute until crisp-tender. Remove and keep warm.
Add the seasoned chicken strips to the skillet, cooking 5-6 minutes until browned. Return the sauteed peppers and onions to the pan, stir to evenly season.
Serve with warm tortillas, guacamole, cheese, and sour cream, if desired.
Controlling the Ingredients
In lieu of recent commentary on the recipe, I thought I’d clarify a few points about the ingredients.
In order to control the sodium and MSG, you’ll need to pay attention to the ingredients and brands that you choose to use in your homemade chicken fajita seasoning mix.
If you want to lower the sodium, choose a sodium-free chicken boullion, such as Herb-Ox. You might also wish to replace the one teaspoon of salt in the recipe with a salt replacement of your choice.
If you want to avoid MSG, use a brand of boullion that does not contain monosodium glutamate, such as Knorr selects chicken boullion. That’s the best part about making recipes from scratch, you can control the ingredients or substitute for items that suit your own dietary needs and desires.
How long does fajita seasoning last
Homemade fajita seasoning, when stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, can last for up to six months or even longer.
The key to preserving its flavor and potency is to keep it away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. While fajita seasoning doesn’t actually spoil, over time, spices may lose some of their potency, which means considerably less flavor!
Wondering if your fajita seasoning is past its prime? Try the sniff-test! Take a small pinch, rub it in your hand, and take a good whiff. It should burst with a fresh, aromatic scent. If the aroma and taste have significantly diminished, it may be time to make a fresh batch – your taste buds will thank you! ?
Taco Seasoning vs Fajita Seasoning, What’s the difference?
What sets taco seasoning and fajita seasoning apart is their ingredient proportions, although their core components are quite similar. Here’s a breakdown:
- Taco seasoning typically contains less onion powder and garlic powder (about 75% less) because it’s meant to be prepared with fresh onions and garlic. This feature makes fajita seasoning a convenient option for days when you want all the flavor without the chopping.
- Taco seasoning incorporates ground coriander, which adds earthy, tart, and sweet notes. Fajita seasoning, on the other hand, doesn’t include coriander.
- Fajita seasoning includes sugar, as it’s often used with an acidic marinade. In contrast, taco seasoning doesn’t contain sugar.
- Commercial fajita seasoning may contain citric acid to replicate the taste of freshly squeezed lime juice, while taco seasoning typically does not. You can achieve a similar fresh zing by adding a squeeze of lime juice at the end of cooking, avoiding any additives.
Chicken Fajita Seasoning Mix Recipe – Print Now
Chicken Fajita Seasoning Mix
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons corn starch
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons chicken Bouillon granules
- 1 ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¾ teaspoon cumin
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients in a bowl, mixing well, then transfer to a spice jar. This makes 2/3 cup, the equivelent of 3 packets of store bought fajita seasoning mix, (or enough to season 3 pounds of poultry).
- Use 3 slightly rounded tablespoon per pound of meat for seasoning.
Equipment
Notes
1 tablespoon corn starch
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon chicken boullion granules
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon cumin Follow directions as listed above.
If you altered the ingedients above by doubling or tripling the recipe, you may also need to change the pan/dish size and adjust the cooking/baking time.
Nutrition
How to Make Chicken Fajitas using Homemade Chicken Fajita Seasoning Mix
Chicken Fajitas
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw chicken breast (thinly sliced)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons chicken fajita seasoning mix (slightly rounded)
- 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 large red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 large green bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 5 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (drizzle)
Instructions
- In a bowl, marinating dish or gallon size ziplock bag combinechicken breast, olive oil, chicken fajita seasoning mix and water. Stir to coat, let it rest while preparing the veggies.1 pound raw chicken breast2 Tablespoons olive oil3 tablespoons chicken fajita seasoning mix5 tablespoons water
- Cut 1 large onion, 1 large red bell pepper, and 1 large green bell pepper into thin strips.1 large onion1 large red bell pepper1 large green bell pepper
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat, add the onions and peppers, saute until crisp-tender. Remove and keep warm.2 teaspoons olive oil (drizzle)
- Add the seasoned chicken strips to the skillet, cooking 5-6 minutes until browned. Return the sauteed peppers and onions to the pan, stir to evenly season.
- Serve with warm tortillas, guacamole, cheese, and sour cream, if desired.
If you altered the ingedients above by doubling or tripling the recipe, you may also need to change the pan/dish size and adjust the cooking/baking time.
Nutrition
Unique & Exciting Fajita Flavor Variations to try
-
Smoky Chipotle Kick:
Add 1-2 teaspoons of smoked paprika for a rich, smoky flavor.
Increase the cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness for an extra kick.
Citrus Zest Infusion:
Grate the zest of one lime or lemon into the mix for a bright, citrusy twist.
Consider adding a pinch of ground coriander for a complementary citrusy note.
Herbaceous Freshness:
Incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of dried oregano or thyme for a delightful herbaceous aroma.
Mix in a tablespoon of fresh cilantro or parsley flakes for a burst of fresh flavor.
Savory Umami Blend:
Include 1-2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for a subtle umami boost.
Consider a dash of ground mustard for a unique depth of flavor.
Sweet and Spicy Fusion:
Replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a sweet and spicy combination.
Experiment with a touch of ground cinnamon to add a warm, exotic twist.
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this was great. my family loved it. chicken fajita is a must now in my house.
:purr::purr:
my hunnie kyle will love this will have too add extra hot stuff for him lol!
wendy04468
Love this mix sometimes I make it a little hotter sometimes not. But this is my go to mix.
Tried the mix on chicken wings and the result has been great. All my guests asked for the recipe
So nice to see a recipe at the beginning of the article.
Isn’t that the truth!!!!!
What does the corn starch do in this recipe?
The knorr chicken cubes are literally “msg”… so what’s the alternative if you said you’re avoiding MSG? This is really dumb.
Troll Much Veronica? I don’t see anywhere in the recipe where they said you needed to use Knorr chicken boullion cubes, just chicken boullion. You literally can choose whatever brand you want. Want low sodium, use a low sodium cube. What to avoid MSG, use a boullion without MSG.
The irony is that Knorr actually offers an all natural MSG free chicken boullion that doesn’t have any artificial flavors, colors, or MSG.
I guess I don’t understand your whining about the recipe- you’re the one choosing the ingredients, if you don’t like something, choose better.