Chicken Fajita Seasoning Recipe made with pantry spices, fresh ingredients, and no packet needed. Ready in just 5 minutes!

chelsea

authorโ€™s note

The Homemade Swap I Wish I Started Years Ago!

I used to buy fajita seasoning packets without thinking twice. They were easy, always in the pantry, and seemed like one less thing to worry about on busy nights. But one day I ran out right before making chicken fajitas and figured Iโ€™d just mix together whatever spices I had on hand.

I honestly wasnโ€™t expecting much.

But after one batch, I never looked back. The flavor is bolder, fresher, and I love knowing exactly what was going into it. Plus, I can tweak the heat level depending on what the kids are feeling.

Now I keep homemade packets tucked right in my spice cabinet because fajita night happens often around here. Chicken fajitas, steak fajitas, sheet pan dinners, rice bowls, taco saladsโ€ฆ this seasoning gets used constantly.

And the best part? It takes less time than finding scissors to open a store-bought packet.

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Quick Tip

This chicken fajita seasoning recipe perfectly replaces one packet of store-bought seasoning.

Chicken fajita seasoning recipe ingredients measured and added to a bowl, ready to mix into a homemade spice blend recipe.

How To Make Chicken Fajita Seasoning Recipe

Simply measure out all the spices and whisk them together in a small bowl or add directly to the dish youโ€™re preparing. Use immediately or store; more on this below!

chelseasโ€™s recipe tip

How To Season Chicken With This Mix

No packet needed. Works with 1 pound chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders.

  1. Trim chicken and pat dry.
  2. Whisk 2 tbsp olive oil, zest and juice of 1 lemon, and the seasonings. Set aside 2 tbsp.
  3. Coat chicken with the rest. Marinate 30 minutes to 5 hours or cook right away.
  4. Cook on the grill, in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the air fryer.
  5. Also great for steak fajitas.

Quick Tip

Making a big batch? One recipe makes 7 teaspoons seasoning, which equals 1 store-bought packet. Measure out 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon per pound of chicken.

Storage

  • Store: Keep this chicken fajita seasoning recipe in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, like a cabinet or pantry. Use small bags, a jar, or a spice container.
  • Shelf life: Homemade fajita seasoning lasts 6 months to 1 year when stored well.

More Homemade Seasoning Blends:

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5 from 2 votes
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Homemade Chicken Fajita Seasoning

By Chelsea Lords
Skip the store-bought packets. This easy homemade Chicken Fajita Seasoning is packed with flavor and made from spices you probably already have!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 packet (equivalent to one store-bought packet, 10 servings)

Video

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons ground chili powder see note 1
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper optional, see note 2

Instructionsย 

  • Measure out all the spices and stir them together in a small bowl or add directly to the dish youโ€™re preparing. Use immediately or store.
  • Read note 3 for how to season chicken with this seasoning blend!
  • Make Ahead: When I make this recipe, I typically make 5 or 6 more โ€œpacketsโ€ of the seasoning. Measure out the spices, put them in labeled individual snack-size bags, and store those packets with your spices. If using bulk seasoning blend, 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon is the equivalent of 1 packet.
Final step! Please let us know how it was by leaving a review.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Be sure to useย chili powderโ€”not to be confused with chilli powder which is very hot. I use American chili powder in this fajita seasoning recipe. I find McCormick to be a relatively mild brand (not sponsored).
Note 2: Ground cayenne pepperย has a lot of heat! Omit if you are sensitive to spice or increase if you like it hot.
Note 3: Fajita Seasoning recipe for chicken:
  • Start by preparing 1 pound of chickenโ€”trim off excess fat and pat dry with a paper towel.
  • In a small bowl, add in 2 tablespoons olive oil, juice and zest of 1 lemon, and the seasonings in this recipe. Whisk until smooth. Set aside 2 tablespoons of this mixture, saving for later.
  • Pour the remaining mixture over the chicken and knead it into the chicken, coating all the surfaces of the chicken.ย 
Storage: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (like a cabinet or pantry). I like to store these homemade packets in small plastic bags or make a big batch to store in a jar or spice containers (I love these!) As long as it is stored properly, homemade fajita seasoning can last 6 months up to a year.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 2kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.5g | Sodium: 0.1mg | Sugar: 0.4g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

Meet Chelsea

Hello, and welcome to Chelseaโ€™s Messy Apron! Iโ€™m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. Iโ€™m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

Thanks for stopping byโ€”I hope you find something delicious to make!

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5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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4 Comments

  1. Char says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious!! This is one of the best homemade fajita seasoning recipes I have ever used. Thank you Chelsea

    Reply
    1. Chelsea says:

      Yay! Iโ€™m so happy to hear this! Thanks Char!

      Reply
  2. Shari says:

    4 Ingredients?????
    Canโ€™t you count, or do you just lie to people to click and come to your website. And yes, I know, you wonโ€™t have the integrity to post this.

    Reply
    1. Chelsea Lords says:

      Iโ€™m confused; where are you seeing 4 ingredients being advertised anywhere?

      Reply