Chili Lime Chicken Taco Seasoning
On August 15, 2025
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With just 9 simple ingredients, this Chili Lime Chicken Taco Seasoning brings bold, authentic Mexican flavors with a bright lime twist that’ll have your family asking for taco night every single week!
Chili Lime Chicken Taco Seasoning
Store-bought taco seasoning packets are fine in a pinch, but they don’t hold a candle to this homemade chili lime blend. I created this when our weekly taco nights needed a serious flavor upgrade, and let me tell you, it delivered in a big way. This seasoning uses Mexican oregano, chili powder, cumin, and a bright pop of lime zest for flavor that’s both authentic and exciting. If you’re ready to turn your Taco Tuesdays into the envy of the neighborhood, let’s get started.
Ingredients for Chicken Taco Seasoning
This seasoning blend comes together with just 9 simple ingredients that you probably already have in your spice cabinet. Here’s what you’ll need to create this awesome blend:
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon lime zest (1 lime, optional)
Note on Lime Zest
Now, let’s talk about that lime zest. It adds an incredible bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the spices. Just remember, lime zest affects storage. Add it now and refrigerate for a few days, or wait and add fresh zest when ready to use.
How to Make Chicken Taco Seasoning
Making this seasoning is incredibly simple. It takes about 5 minutes and requires zero cooking. Here’s how to pull it all together:
- Make the chicken taco seasoning. Combine the salt, chili powder, black pepper, cumin, Mexican oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl, then mix until you have an even mixture. I recommend using a whisk or fork so you can break up any clumps and get everything evenly distributed. You can add the lime zest now for immediate use, or wait to add it later when you’re ready to use the seasoning for the brightest possible flavor.
- Use or store for later. You can use your seasoning right away on chicken tacos, shrimp tacos, grilled meats, and so much more. If you’re storing it, here’s the deal: with lime zest added, keep it in the refrigerator and use within 2-3 days. Without lime zest, it’ll last 1-2 months in your pantry, and you can add fresh zest whenever you’re ready to cook.
That’s it! Now you have a homemade taco seasoning that’s going to blow any store-bought packet out of the water.
Ways to Use Your Seasoning
This chili lime seasoning is super versatile and goes way beyond just chicken tacos (though it’s absolutely perfect for those). Here are some of my favorite ways to use this flavorful blend:
- Grilled Shrimp Tacos: This seasoning is fantastic on shrimp. Just toss your shrimp with a little oil and this seasoning before grilling or sautéing.
- Grilled Fish Tacos: Try it on white fish like halibut or cod for delicious fish tacos with a kick.
- Grilled Chicken: Season chicken breasts, thighs, or even whole chickens before grilling. It creates a beautiful exterior and gives the meat with incredible flavor.
- Grilled Vegetables: Sprinkle it on vegetables before roasting for a Mexican-inspired side dish that’s anything but boring.
Storage and Shelf Life
How you store this seasoning depends on whether you’ve added fresh lime zest:
- With lime zest: Store in a glass spice jar or other airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 2-3 days. The fresh zest contains oils and moisture that can spoil at room temperature.
- Without lime zest: Store in your pantry like any other seasoning for 1-2 months. Add fresh lime zest when ready to use for the brightest flavor.
I like to make the dry blend in bigger batches and add fresh lime zest as needed. That way I always have seasoning on hand, and the lime flavor stays bright and fresh.
Susie’s Chicken Taco Seasoning Pro Tips
I’ve been perfecting my seasoning recipe for years so you don’t have to. Here are my top tips for getting the most out of this incredible seasoning blend:
- Give the seasoning time to work. For the most flavorful results, season your chicken (or whatever protein you’re using) and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This gives the spices time to penetrate the meat and develop deeper flavors.
- Add lime zest right before cooking. I know I keep harping on this, but for the brightest, most vibrant lime flavor, add your fresh lime zest right before you season.
- Work with what you have. Mexican oregano is fantastic and adds authentic flavor, but regular oregano works great, too. The goal is delicious food, not a packed pantry.
More Homemade Seasoning Recipes
If you love making your own seasoning blends (and trust me, once you start, you won’t want to stop!), here are some of my other favorite homemade seasoning recipes. You can find all my seasoning recipes (as well as over 700 more awesome BBQ recipes) here on the site, and in the Hey Grill Hey App.
Rubs & Seasonings
Carne Asada Seasoning
Rubs & Seasonings
Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Rubs & Seasonings
Homemade Vegetable Seasoning
When you’re ready to learn the secrets behind creating your own custom seasonings and rubs, head over to The Grill Squad. I’ve got a full Rubs & Sauces Pitmaster class where I teach you how to develop your own signature blends.
Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning Recipe
Make and use this seasoning, snap some mouthwatering pics, and tag @heygrillhey on Instagram and Facebook so I can see your creations. Don’t forget to give this recipe a 5-star rating and let me know in the comments how you used it. Here’s to making better BBQ, feeding the people you love, and becoming a Backyard BBQ Hero!
Chili Lime Chicken Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon lime zest 1 lime, optional
Instructions
- Make the chicken taco seasoning. Combine the salt, chili powder, black pepper, cumin, Mexican oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl, then mix until you have an even mixture. I recommend using a whisk or fork so you can break up any clumps. You can add the lime zest now for immediate use, or wait to add it later when you're ready to use the seasoning.2 teaspoons Kosher salt, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon lime zest
- Use the seasoning or store for later. Use your seasoning right away on chicken tacos, shrimp tacos, and more, or store it for later use. If you add the lime zest, store the seasoning in the refrigerator and use within 2-3 days. If you wait to add the lime zest at the time of use, your seasoning will last 1-2 months and can be stored in your pantry or spice rack.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
