Authentic Fajita Seasoning Mix for Juicy Chicken & Steak

Mixing your own fajita seasoning at home is simple and lets you control the spices and the amount of salt. Make a large batch to keep in your pantry for quick meals—it’s perfect for seasoning fajita or taco meat.

Homemade seasoning mix

Store-bought packets are convenient, but a homemade mix is faster, fresher, and fully customizable. This fajita seasoning is very similar to a homemade taco seasoning and can be used interchangeably. If a recipe calls for taco seasoning, this blend works just as well.

When you make your own spice mix you decide what goes in it. Omit any spice you don’t like, increase the garlic if you prefer, or leave out the salt. The result is an all-spice blend with just a little salt and no unnecessary additives—no sugar, corn maltodextrin, caramel color, or vague “natural flavor” ingredients often found in commercial packets.

This recipe yields about ½ cup of seasoning—roughly the equivalent of three store packets. A typical starting amount for seasoning meat is 2 tablespoons of the homemade mix, but 1–2 tablespoons works for most recipes.

Spices

• Chili powder – This provides the bulk of the flavor. Chili powder is itself a blend, so choose one you enjoy.
• Garlic powder – Use garlic powder, not garlic salt.
• Onion powder
• Salt – Coarse salt, like kosher salt, works well.
• Pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds the best flavor.
• Ground cumin – Cumin brings that classic Mexican warmth.
• Paprika – Plain paprika is used here; smoked paprika is a tasty alternative.
• Red pepper flakes – A small amount adds gentle heat.

Easy to make

Making the mix is straightforward: measure the spices, combine them, stir well, and store in an airtight container at room temperature. That’s it—no cooking required.

Variations

• Use cayenne pepper instead of red pepper flakes for a smoother powdered heat.
• Add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar for a touch of sweetness.
• Include ½ teaspoon ground oregano for additional herbaceous notes.
• Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika to introduce smokiness.
• Add a pinch of chipotle powder for both smoke and heat.

More homemade spice blends

• Taco seasoning
• Jamaican jerk seasoning
• Pickling spice
• Onion soup mix

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it—leave a comment and share a photo on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

Be sure to explore other homemade spice mixtures to expand your pantry.