Chicken Fajita Seasoning

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

author’s note

The from-scratch Swap I Wish I Started Years Ago!

I used to buy fajita seasoning packets without thinking twice. They were straightforward, 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 I’d just mix together whatever spices I had on hand.

I honestly wasn’t expecting much.

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

Now I keep from-scratch packets tucked right in my spice cabinet because fajita night happens often around here. Chicken fajitas, steak fajitas, sheet pan dinners, rice bowls, taco salads… this seasoning gets used constantly.

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

Quick Tip

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

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 you’re preparing. Use immediately or store; more on this below!

chelseas’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. keep nearby 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: from-scratch fajita seasoning lasts 6 months to 1 year when stored well.

More from-scratch Seasoning Blends:

Seasoning Mixes

Taco Seasoning Recipe

Dressings

Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe

Seasoning Mixes

Blackened Seasoning Recipe

Dressings

Apple Pie Spice Recipe

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 (skippable, see note 2)

Method

1. Measure out all the spices and stir them together in a small bowl or add directly to the dish you’re preparing. Use immediately or store.
2. Read note 3 for how to season chicken with this seasoning blend!
3. Make Ahead: When I make this recipe, I typically make 5 or 6 more “packets” 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.