You don’t need a packet to get that fast, smoky fajita flavor at home. This easy copycat Taco Bell Chicken Fajita Seasoning Mix comes together in minutes with pantry spices, then shakes right into one small batch you can use whenever chicken fajitas are on the menu.
The blend makes about 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoning, which is roughly the amount in one store-bought packet. Keep it in a tightly sealed jar or bag in a cool, dry cabinet and it’s ready when you are. If you like homemade spice blends, you might also want to keep Chicken Fajita Seasoning Mix and Copycat Taco Bell Taco Seasoning on hand too.
🌶️ Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon crushed chicken bouillon cube
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
That little bit of cornstarch helps the seasoning cling to the meat and thickens the juices slightly as the fajitas cook, so you get more coating and less watery skillet nonsense.
🥣 Instructions
- Measure the cornstarch, chili powder, salt, paprika, sugar, crushed chicken bouillon cube, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and cumin into a small zip-top bag or jar.
- Seal the bag or cover the jar tightly, then shake well until the mixture is evenly combined and no clumps remain.
- Use the seasoning mix as you would one packet of chicken fajita seasoning. Prepare the fajitas using the same directions found on the original seasoning packet.
💡 Helpful Tips
- Crush the bouillon finely. Large pieces won’t blend evenly, and nobody wants one salty surprise in a single bite.
- Shake before each use. Fine powders settle over time, especially if you mix a double batch.
- Use a small jar if you can. It keeps the mix drier and easier to scoop than a floppy bag that lives its life under the cumin.
- Label the batch. Include the name and date so you don’t end up playing pantry roulette a month from now.
🔄 Variations and Substitutions
If you want a slightly milder blend, cut the cayenne to 1/8 teaspoon. For a deeper, smokier flavor, swap the paprika for smoked paprika. You can also make a larger batch and store it in an airtight spice jar, just keep the proportions exactly the same so the balance stays right.
If you like the flavor profile here but want a little more heat for tacos and burritos, Easy Taco Bell Hot Sauce Copycat makes a handy match at the table.
🫙 Storage
Store the seasoning mix in an airtight jar or sealed bag in a cool, dark, dry cupboard for up to 6 months for best quality. That’s a practical estimate based on the shortest quality window in a dried herb and spice blend. If the color fades or the aroma goes flat, it’s time to make a fresh batch.
Once you’ve used the seasoning on cooked chicken fajitas, refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use them within 3 to 4 days. For a longer hold, freeze the cooked fajita filling. The USDA recommends using refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days, which is the safest rule to keep in your back pocket.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Use this mix on sliced chicken for skillet fajitas with onions and bell peppers, then pile everything into warm tortillas. It also works well for fajita rice bowls, quesadillas, or chicken-topped salads when you want that same seasoned flavor without the drive-thru line.
💸 Budget101® Price Breakdown: Taco Bell Chicken Fajita Seasoning Mix
Ingredient |
Walmart Item |
Pkg Price |
Amount Used |
Cost Used |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cornstarch |
$1.92 |
1 T. |
$0.03 |
|
Chili powder |
$1.24 |
2 t. |
$0.09 |
|
Salt |
$0.62 |
1 t. |
$0.01 |
|
Paprika |
$1.24 |
1 t. |
$0.04 |
|
Sugar |
$2.98 |
1 t. |
$0.01 |
|
Crushed chicken bouillon cube |
$3.48 |
3/4 t. |
$0.04 |
|
Onion powder |
$1.24 |
1/2 t. |
$0.02 |
|
Garlic powder |
$1.24 |
1/4 t. |
$0.01 |
|
Cayenne pepper |
$1.24 |
1/4 t. |
$0.01 |
|
Cumin |
$1.24 |
1/4 t. |
$0.01 |
💸 |
Cost |
|---|---|
🧾 Total Batch Cost |
$0.27 |
👨👩👧👦 Cost Per Serving |
$0.27 |
📅 Walmart prices last verified August 26, 2026. Prices may vary by location and are subject to change. Learn how to calculate the cost of a recipe on your own!
🛒 Walmart Grocery List
- Corn Starch, 16 oz
- Chili Powder, 2.5 oz
- Plain Salt, 26 oz
- Paprika, 2.12 oz
- Granulated Sugar, 4 lb
- Chicken Bouillon Cubes, 2.53 oz
- Onion Powder, 2.62 oz
- Garlic Powder, 3.12 oz
- Ground Cayenne Pepper, 1.75 oz
- Ground Cumin, 1.5 oz
Not sure exactly what this batch costs you per serving? Here’s how to break down the real cost of any recipe so you know before you shop.
Frequently Asked Questions about Taco Bell Chicken Fajita Seasoning Mix
It makes about 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons total, which is roughly 4 1/4 teaspoons. That lines up closely with one small store-bought fajita seasoning packet, so you can use the whole batch for one recipe without doing pantry math before dinner.
Absolutely. Just keep the ingredient ratios exactly the same and mix it in a jar large enough to shake well. If you scale it up, label the container with the date so you use the oldest batch first instead of finding a mystery spice blend later.
It helps the seasoning cling to the chicken and thickens the cooking juices a bit as the fajitas cook. That gives you more flavor on the meat and fewer thin, watery drippings sliding around the skillet.
You can, but the flavor will be a little flatter and less savory. If you skip it, replace it with an equal amount of chicken bouillon powder if you have it, or add a small pinch of extra salt and expect a lighter overall flavor.
Store it tightly sealed in a cool, dry cabinet and use a completely dry spoon each time. If your kitchen runs humid, a small jar works better than a partially sealed bag because it keeps moisture out and the powders looser.
It has a mild-to-medium kick from the cayenne and chili powder, but it’s not wildly hot. If you’re feeding spice-cautious people, cut the cayenne to 1/8 teaspoon. If your crew thinks black pepper is a thrill ride, that small change helps.
It works nicely on shrimp, sliced steak, pork strips, roasted vegetables, rice bowls, and even quesadilla fillings. Start with the same amount you’d use for chicken, then adjust after the first batch if your protein or veggies need a little more punch.
Yes, you can leave it out if you want. The teaspoon of sugar rounds out the chili and paprika, so without it the mix tastes a little sharper and less like a packet seasoning, but it will still work just fine.
Check the smell first. If the mix has lost that strong chili, cumin, and onion aroma, the flavor has faded too. Dull color, hard clumps, or a stale smell are your signs to toss it and mix a fresh batch.
Warm tortillas, sauteed peppers and onions, shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, and rice all fit the job nicely. If you want a full copycat-style meal, add beans and a bold sauce on the side so the fajitas don’t have to do all the heavy lifting alone.
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🖨️ Print-Friendly Taco Bell Chicken Fajita Seasoning Mix
Taco Bell Chicken Fajita Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¾ teaspoon crushed chicken bouillon cube
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
Equipment
Instructions
- Measure the cornstarch, chili powder, salt, paprika, sugar, crushed chicken bouillon cube, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and cumin into a small zip-top bag or jar.
- Seal the bag or cover the jar tightly, then shake well until the mixture is evenly combined and no clumps remain.
- Use the seasoning mix as you would one packet of chicken fajita seasoning. Prepare the fajitas using the same directions found on the original seasoning packet.
Recipe Size Alteration
💡 If you altered the ingredients above by doubling or tripling the recipe, you may also need to change the pan/dish size and adjust the cook time.
Notes
Prep time is an estimate based on measuring and mixing the dry ingredients.
Estimated shelf life for the dry mix is up to 6 months in an airtight container stored in a cool, dry place.
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 to 1 1/4 lb.), cut into thin strips
2 tablespoons oil
1/3 cup water
1 green bell pepper, cut into strips
1 medium onion, sliced
Prepare the fajitas using the same directions found on the package of the original seasoning mix:
1. COOK and stir chicken in hot oil in a large nonstick skillet 5 minutes on medium-high heat. Add taco bell fajita seasoning mix, water, green pepper, and onion; cook and stir on medium heat 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
2. PLACE tortillas on microwavable plate. Cover with plastic wrap.
Microwave on high 1 minute.
3. spoon chicken mixture onto each tortilla. top as desired with taco bell salsa.
roll up tortillas.