Fajita Seasoning
Fajita seasoning is a quick way to give your recipes some authentic Mexican flair. Just mix together seven earthy spices – that’s it! Make this right at home and avoid unnecessary fillers and additives in store-bought versions.
Once you’ve got your seasoning mixed, whip up a fresh batch of chicken fajitas or steak fajitas. Easy and delicious!
I’ve always been curious about what ingredients go into packaged food products. But, it wasn’t until I started reading labels that I found so many extra fillers. Yes, even in simple things like seasonings. You might not even notice, but you’ll frequently find various starches, food colorings, preservatives, and additives in store-bought seasonings.
But you’re in luck because making your own fajita seasoning couldn’t be any easier. Just gather a few spices, mix it all together, and use it right away or store it for months.
Fajita Seasoning Recipe Video
It’s super easy to make this homemade seasoning by stirring together a few delicious and fragrant spices. Watch the video below!
What’s In Fajita Seasoning?
Fajita seasoning is made up of a blend of common spices found in Mexican cuisine, including:
- Chili Powder
- Ground Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Salt
- Pepper
How To Make and Store Fajita Seasoning
In a small bowl, simply stir together all the spices. That’s it! You now have fajita seasoning. The recipe below creates about 2 tablespoons, which can easily be used for 3-4 chicken breasts.
But you can also double, triple or quadruple this recipe and then store in my favorite glass spice jars. After you’ve filled the jar, label it with a fine water based paint pen and store it with your other spices. The seasoning will stay fresh for up to a year (assuming your spices were fresh to start with).
The Difference Between Fajita And Taco Seasoning
While taco and fajita seasonings have common ingredients, they differ in terms of acidity and spice levels. In fajita recipes, seared meat and fresh vegetables take center stage. That means the seasoning needs to be robust but not overly spicy, with more bright and tangy flavors from lime juice.
To achieve that quick “tanginess,” store-bought fajita seasonings typically add citric acid into the mix. But with this homemade version, a fresh squeeze of lime over the fajita will do the trick and avoid any additives.
On the other hand, taco seasoning doesn’t have any acidity to it. Tacos are typically made with slow-cooked meat, which doesn’t require acidity. So taco seasoning has bolder flavors. That’s where the extra chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper and chili flakes come into play, to give it that extra kick.
But in all honesty, the two seasonings are quite interchangeable. It’s simply personal preference based on your flavor palate.
Do You Need Sugar In Fajita Seasoning?
In short, no. Some fajita seasonings contain sugar, which is added to balance out the acidity. But when you’re making everything fresh from scratch, I sure don’t think sugar is necessary.
More Healthy Mexican Recipes
Satisfy your Tex-Mex cravings with these delicious, homemade recipes!
- Carne Asada
- Carne Asada Tacos
- Huevos Rancheros
- Best Ever Guacamole
- Pico De Gallo
- Mexican Chicken Zucchini Noodles
- Grilled Fish Tacos
Fajita Seasoning (Better Than Store-Bought)
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Mix all the spices together in a bowl. Use immediately or store in an airtight container.
Lisa's Tips
- You can easily double, triple or quadruple this recipe to make a larger batch. Then, in the future just use two tablespoons of your fajita seasoning mix for 3 chicken breasts.
Can you please tell me the difference between this and Chili Powder? They both have the same ingredients…. I’ve given this 5⭐️ because I love the idea of blending your own seasoning mixes.
Hi Michelle – often it’s just a slight change in the proportions between the spice blends. And yes, making spice blends at home is the way to go!
Perfect! Exactly what I needed in a pinch!
When you say ‘chili powder’ do you mean the single ingredient chili powder (come in mild and hot) or do you mean the chili powder mix which has things like cumin and coriander in it?
I’m referring to the chili powder mix.
This seasoning is the BOMB! Just perfect:)
Glad you enjoyed this fajita seasoning! It’ll be great to add tons of flavor to all sorts of meals.
Great flavors! Super simple.
When you say chili powder, do you mean a particular chili or a chili powder mix?
A chili powder seasoning, which you can find the your market’s seasoning section!
I didn’t check the measurements properly as I was skim reading, put half a tablespoon of everything in except salt as I forgot the salt. I used chopped garlic instead as I don’t have any garlic powder. Was the best fajitas I have ever made.
Happy to hear this fajita seasoning turned out perfectly Tom!
Better than store bought? You’re not kidding. Best tasting chicken fajitas I’ve made in a while. Won’t look back.
Can’t beat homemade fajita seasoning!
Absolutely delicious!! I love that I don’t have to use pre-made seasoning anymore.
Homemade fajita seasoning is the best!
Hi, how much of your seasoning would equate to a store bought 30g packet? I assume less than 30g as it more concentrated
Measure out 30 grams.
Deliousssssssss
Can you use cheese also?
Liz
Hi Liz – do you mean on your fajitas? Yes, absolutely! Feel free to add whatever toppings you’d like.
I have not found a fajita seasoning that does not taste like taco seasoning….. until this one! Lisa, you always have the best recipes! Thank you so much! My boys love this and says this fajita Seasoning tastes more authentic than any others that we have tried.
Wow, thanks so much Sharon! Happy to hear you and the whole family love this fajita seasoning :)
I’ve made veggie fajitas 4 times now with variations on this recipe. Tonight I added 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper and it was fabulous. Thanks!
Hi Matt- Wonderful! Glad to hear you’ve enjoyed this recipe!
Can you please tell me why the sodium content is so high when there is so little salt in this recipe? I would love to make this but I’m on a low sodium diet.
Hi Lisa – yes, that’s the accurate amount of sodium for a 1/2 teaspoon of salt. You can always leave the salt out if you’d like.
How will I make this not spicy?
Hi there- This seasoning is actually not that spicy. But, you can always reduce the amount of paprika in this :)
I’ve used this fajita seasoning for your chicken fajita recipe but also for tacos! I used to use the store bought mix that came in the taco kit…I will no longer be using that mix! This seasoning will be my GO TO from now on! Thanks for sharing Lisa!
Hi Saskia – Wonderful! Sometimes, homemade seasoning blends are so much better than store-bought. Plus, it’s so easy to make!
I used this seasoning recipe to make dinner for my kids. They loved the fajitas when I made them using this recipe. I added a 1/2 a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, as my kids and I love a little heat. This has now become a regular meal for us since they enjoyed it so much.
Hi Mike- Happy to hear everyone in your family enjoyed this fajita seasoning! Definitely would be a good idea to whip up a double batch and store it in a container for future use as well :)
This seasoning is amazing! I omit the chilli powder personally, but it is just the right amount of kick for us. Even my two boys (13mo & 5yo) enjoy chicken in the fajita seasoning. We have used it 3 times in the last week because it is so darn good! First was as chicken fajitas in tortillas (there wasn’t enough to fill our bellies!). Second time was chicken fajita bowls (definitely enough food). And tonight was the seasoned chicken served with white rice and broccoli for hubby and I (all done in 20 mins), and the boys had their chicken with buttered pasta. Not a scrap of chicken left! And no complaints! Hubby barely noticed that it was the same flavour and meat, and I love the way the chicken thighs cook. This is now a go-to seasoning/protein for us! Thank you so much!
Hi Bel – So glad to hear this seasoning was a hit! It really is such a versatile seasoning, so I’m glad you found so many different ways to use it :)
Hi Lisa,
Could you give a few more spice mix tips or video’s?
So great full.
Regards, Oriane
Hi Oriane – I will definitely keep that in mind for future seasonings I make :)
I have all the spices at home to mix my own fajita seasoning. I’m guessing I’ll be cooking some fajita soon. :)
Hi Anita – Wonderful! Homemade seasoning is the best :)
Love the idea of making my own seasonings! Thanks for this simple recipe!
Yes, homemade seasonings are the best (and so much more flavor!). Enjoy the recipe Vicky!
I really love making my own seasonings at home. Then I don’t have to worry about what might be in them.
Hi Krissy – I couldn’t agree more!
Homemade seasonings are the best! I can’t wait to try this one. :)
Hi Carrie – You’re going to love it! It’s got tons of flavor :)
I love homemade spices! This one looks so good! I love the photos you put in your post! A must make for sure!
Hi Haley – Thanks so much! Homemade spices are definitely the best and so easy.