Skip the store-bought packets and learn how to make Fajita Seasoning from scratch to keep in your pantry! It’s perfect to spice up steak fajitas, chicken enchiladas, taco salads, and more.


Fajita seasoning on white spoon

As a food blogger I don’t always share every recipe I make, especially when I cook for fun. Sometimes I need a mental break from all the testing.

Other times the recipe is so easy, 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 I made a lot throughout college is easy steak fajitas. Sometimes chicken fajita salad or shrimp.

My secret weapon to making a quick and easy dinner is having a jar of Homemade Fajita Seasoning ready to go in my pantry.

If you have a well-stocked spice pantry, you don’t need to run out and buy a packet. You can easily make this affordable fajita seasoning recipe at home right now in 5 minutes.


Jar of Fajita Seasoning

What are fajitas?

Fajitas are a Tex-Mex dish of grilled meat (usually steak or chicken), bell peppers, and onions served in a tortilla.

Fajita seasoning refers to the spice mix used to flavor the meat.

What is in fajita seasoning?

Typically the ingredients for homemade fajita seasoning are:

  • Chili Powder – There will be a huge taste difference between dollar store chili powder and high quality chili powder. They also vary in spice level, so choose one you’re comfortable with.
  • Cumin
  • Black Pepper – Freshly cracked from a pepper mill is best.
  • Salt – Preferably kosher
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Dried Oregano
  • Garlic Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Crushed Red Pepper or Cayenne – Optional if you love your food extra spicy

Make sure you’re using high quality spices for the best fajita seasoning recipe.

Don’t get me wrong – if all you have is the cheap dollar spices, by all means it still makes a great dinner. That’s what I did in college.

However, if you can afford fresh spices from a reputable source, your taste buds will thank you.

How many tablespoons of fajita seasoning are in a packet?

Let’s say you’re following a recipe that calls for one packet store-bought seasoning. How much homemade fajita seasoning do you use instead?

I actually bought a packet, ripped it open, and measured.

You’d use 6 tablespoons fajita seasoning to substitute for one 1.25 ounce packet.


Fajita Mix on white spoon

What is the 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 my seasoning for both fajitas and tacos. I don’t think there’s any hard rule to follow.


Fajita Seasoning on white spoon

How To Make Fajita Seasoning

Making fajita seasoning is the easiest recipe ever!

Measure all of your spices into a bowl, stir them together, then store in a glass or plastic container in your pantry for up to 6 months in a cool, dry place away from direct light.

Heat will diminish your spices, so don’t store it near your hot stove or window.

How To Use Fajita Seasoning

Use a tablespoon or two for every pound of meat, depending on personal preference.

You can make Chicken Fajita Pasta or spice up Slow Cooker Beef Enchiladas.

Throw it in some taco meat or cook up some Fajita Shrimp Tacos.

You can also make Fajita Veggies and add them to your meals.

Hosting a cinco de mayo fiesta? Cook up a fajita bar!

For non-Mexican, spice up some Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy.

How To Season Chicken For Fajitas

To season chicken for fajitas, pat your chicken dry with paper towels then cut your chicken into 1-inch pieces.

Next, evenly sprinkle your chicken fajita seasoning then mix (with your hands or a spoon) until coated.

Your fajita chicken is now ready to cook! Check out my recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas for instructions.


Collage of Fajita Seasoning on a white spoon

Fajita Seasoning

Fajita Seasoning

Yield: 3 tablespoons
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Learn how to make Fajita Seasoning from scratch to keep in your pantry! This recipe for fajita seasoning is perfect to spice up steak fajitas, chicken enchiladas, taco salads, and more.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon ground chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt (preferably kosher)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper or cayenne pepper (optional - add for extra heat)

Instructions

  1. Stir together all of the spices. Store in an airtight container in a dry, cool place for up to 6 months.

Notes

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know what you think! Rate the recipe above, leave a comment below, and/or share a photo on Instagram using #HITKrecipes

First published November 1, 2012