Learn how to make Homemade Fajita Seasoning from scratch to use for chicken fajitas, taco salads, soups, and more!
As a food blogger, I don’t always share every recipe I make, especially when I cook for fun. Sometimes it is someone else’s recipe and I don’t change it enough to reblog. Other times the recipe is so simple, it doesn’t even occur to me about sharing.
I’ve been cooking dinner for myself ever since I studied abroad in Ireland back in 2007. It was my first time with a kitchen and no meal plan on campus. I learned to get over my fear of touching raw meat very quickly (with the help of a housemate).
One dinner that I made a lot throughout college and even now is fajitas, whether it’s beef, chicken, or shrimp. My secret weapon to making dinner quick and easy is having a jar of Homemade Fajita Seasoning ready to go in my pantry.
If you have basic spices in your pantry, you don’t need to run out and buy a packet. You can easily make this fajita seasoning recipe right now.
Is there a difference between taco seasoning and fajita seasoning?
I’ve been researching this question quite a bit. Turns out nobody really knows the answer!
What I personally concluded is although they contain the same spices, they have a different ratio, which alters the taste slightly.
I personally use this fajita spice mix for both fajitas and tacos. I don’t think there’s any hard rule to follow.
What spices are in fajita seasoning?
Typically fajita seasoning is made up of chili powder, cumin, black pepper, salt, smoked paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. If you really like it spicy, you can also add crushed red pepper.
I have a well-equipped spice collection, so why go out and buy a packet of fajita seasoning when it’ll take me 5 minutes to make some at home? Not to mention no funky chemicals or a high amount of sodium.
Fajita seasoning is only as good (and spicy) as your spices. I’ve made it with cheap chili powder from the dollar store and with good quality chili powder. Huge difference (no surprise there).
Don’t get me wrong – if all you have is the cheap dollar spices, by all means it still makes a good dinner. Trust me – I didn’t have the money to splurge on good quality ingredients until after college, and I’ve been making this recipe longer than that.
Make a big jar of it now, then use a tablespoon or two as you need it. You can make chicken fajitas or spice up some chili. Throw it in taco meat or do a spice rub for chicken. Your limit is your imagination. Be sure to gradually add some so you can taste and adjust as necessary.
Recipes To Make With Homemade Fajita Seasoning
- Homemade Enchilada Sauce – A tomato-based sauce for enchiladas
- Salsa Chicken Enchiladas – Chicken enchiladas with a homemade enchilada sauce
- Slow Cooker Beef Enchiladas For Two – Spiced up beef enchiladas
- Fajita Shrimp Tacos – Spicy shrimp tacos made easy
- Chicken Enchilada Dip – When you’re tired of buffalo chicken dip
- Chicken Fajita Dip – A different take on eating fajitas. The dip also makes a great quesadilla filling!
- Chicken Fajita Fettuccine – When you’re in the mood for Tex Mex but you also want pasta
Homemade Fajita Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Mix together all of the spices. Store in an airtight container.
Alex says
Beautiful, beautiful combination!
Renee says
You are so right that making your own seasoning is the way to go. I like that you can control the amount of sodium and adjust flavors to taste. I love your photos with the spices in layers. So cool!!
diabeticFoodie says
Great way to control sodium!
Miriam @ overtimecook says
I’m loving this mix and I need to make some because having things done beforehand is my idea of awesome. Also love how you layered it!
Gina says
Hi Carla, found you through Kim. Great looking seasoning. Will have to come back and see what else you are up to soon. Have a great weekend.
-Gina-
Angie @ Big Bears Wife says
I am with you on that, why go out and buy when you can make it at home. I always make taco seasoning, but don’t ever to think to make Fajita Seasoning. Saving this recipe now
[email protected] says
I totally agree! I make a similar version It’s been one of my most popluar “recipes”. I have never bought a packet again!
Your photos are beautiful!
Caroline says
This sounds great! I like to make my own too. It’s so much better and no chemicals! I’m going to give your version a try this weekend!
Tracy says
I’m excited to find recipes for homemade seasoning mixes because I need to omit salt from my diet. I’d like to know what is the difference between between Fajita & Taco seasoning as the store bought packages seem to list identical spices yet the flavor outcome is different, why?
Carla says
I think it’s the amount of spices you use. One may have more cumin or chili powder than the other. They are similar enough where if you ran out of one, you can substitute the other.
Corrine says
Love this recipe! Found it by googling for a fajita seasoning recipe. My hubby could not believe that made it (he thought it was a pkg). Thank you :)
Carla says
It’s so simple, isn’t it? Happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe!
Donna says
I was so glad I didn’t have to run out to the store for fajita seasoning! This was awesome!!!!!
Alex S. says
Not so much a reply but a reiteration, we just got home with everything except the seasoning so you’re about to be a life saver! Mwah!
Kellie Grady says
Very yummy….. but very hot!!!
Carla says
The spice level depends heavily on the type of chili powder you use. Some are spicier than others.
Anh says
Really awesome recipe. Thank you.
Now please tell me how to cook the meat so it comes out tender and not chewy.
Thank you.
Carla says
Using the right cut of meat and not overcooking the meat are several ways to make the meat more tender. I highly recommend checking out this guide for more info http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/steak_fajitas/
Tanya says
Try useing boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Doesnt take long to cook, absorbs flavor wonderfully and less trans fat.
Maryanne says
Made this tonight after googling “Fajita seasoning.” It was a huge hit! Thank you!!
Carla says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Leah says
Magical fajita seasoning. All three of my kids went back for seconds and they are so picky! I didn’t add red pepper flakes for that reason but the seasoning was so flavorful. Thank you!
Carla says
Yes! Glad the whole family enjoyed.
Katie says
I made this tonight for fajitas and it was great! My husband even asked me “what seasoning did you use? Those were really good” and he never normally does that! Thanks for the great recipe!
Carla says
Excellent! Glad you both enjoyed it.
Karen says
No more packages for me … easy and delicious! We had pork fajitas tonight.
Carla says
Glad you enjoyed the recipe!
J says
Threw this together for a last minute meal tonight. Great taste. Thanks for the recipe.
Carla says
Glad you liked it!
Sandi says
We are always making our own seasonings just for safety reasons since we are gluten free. I also think it makes the flavor so much better.
Carla says
Smart! You never know about cross contamination with packaged goods.
Aimee Shugarman says
LOVE the jar :) And homemade seasonings are the bomb.
Carla says
Thanks!
Sues says
Homemade seasoning is ALWAYS so much better than store-bought! And I love the way it looks all layered in that jar! Suddenly I’m in the mood for fajitas :)
Carla says
Yes it makes for a pretty presentation, especially if you gift them for Christmas!
Danielle says
We always have a jar of this in the cupboard. It’s so good sprinkled on salmon before grilling.
Carla says
Oh I haven’t tried it with salmon. Great idea!
Stephanie says
These are all of my favorite seasonings. I never think to make a blend and have it ready to go. Need to give this a try especially since I love fajitas and tacos.
Carla says
Once you make and keep this in your pantry, you’ll be having fajitas every night! ;)
Katie says
This is a great recipe! I love mixing my own blends of spices for things, and this could even make a great gift!
Carla says
I love the gift idea! Especially if you package it in a thoughtful way.
kim says
Love this! I always keep it on hand!
Carla says
Happy to hear that!
Marjory says
Love this fajita blend…and the red pepper flakes are a must at our house!
Carla says
Yes! The best part is you can add as many (or as little) red pepper flakes as you want based on preference.
jessica thompson says
Hello! I’m a retired Army vet of 20yrs. I love to cook and barbeque. My daughter keeps asking me “Mom, can you make homemade Beef Fajitas instead of buying them?” So I have experimented with many fajita seasoning recipes and nothing came close to this one. I did leave it over night in the fridge and the meat came out tender and very flavorful. My husband loves it. Plus, this recipe has saved us so much money. Buying marinaded fajitas is much more expensive. So now I buy the fajita meat from the butcher and marinate it myself. Thank You!!!!
Carla says
Oh yes that’s one thing I learned in college – buying the fajita kits is much more expensive, especially on a college budget! Glad you and your family enjoyed the seasoning.