Fajita seasoning is incredibly easy to make at home and beats store-bought packets for many reasons—from flavor to quality and more! Make a batch and use it throughout the year on a variety of delicious fajita dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Fajita Seasoning
Over the years, Mexican food has become a big part of my cooking routine. It’s one of my favorite cuisines, which is why you’ll often find me making chicken fajitas, shrimp fajitas, steak fajitas, and even fajitas veggies. But the key to mastering all of them is this homemade fajita seasoning. Here’s why my recipe is miles ahead of store-bought packets:
- No fillers: Store-bought packets often contain modified starches, citric acid, and excess sugars to balance out the acidity. But when you make it from scratch, sugar isn’t necessary. And for acidity, I prefer to add fresh lime juice for even fresher tang.
- Pure flavor: Freshly made seasonings allow every spice to shine, providing a bolder, vibrant, and more authentic flavor.
- Easy to make and store: I always make a double (or triple) batch and keep it in my spice drawer for quick and easy fajita nights!
Fajita Seasoning Ingredients
- Chili Powder: I’m using American chili powder, but you could always use a simple ground chili spice for a stronger chili flavor.
- Cumin: Its warm, earthy, and slightly sweet flavor is my favorite!
- Garlic Powder: Mine is pure garlic powder, and not a blend with salt. If yours contains salt, you may want to reduce the added salt.
- Paprika: I typically use sweet paprika, but you can use sweet or smoky.
- Dried Oregano: While Mexican oregano is more authentic, Italian oregano works just fine.
- Salt & Pepper: A little kosher salt and ground black pepper balance out this flavorful spice blend.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below
How To Make Fajita Seasoning
- Mix the spices. Add all the spices to a small mixing bowl and stir them together.
- Use immediately or store away. Use the fajita seasoning as you make your meals, or store it in an airtight container for future use. It will last for up to one year (assuming your spices were fresh to start with). I usually quadruple this recipe and store it in these glass spice jars using a kitchen funnel to avoid spilling. Then, I use an extra-fine paint pen to write a label on the jar.
How Much Seasoning To Use
This recipe makes about 2 tablespoons of fajita seasoning, which is equal to one packet of store-bought seasoning. This is the perfect amount for seasoning one pound of protein, whether that’s chicken, shrimp, or beef. And if you want to make a fajita marinade, follow my chicken marinades post!
The Difference Between Taco Seasoning and Fajita Seasoning
While taco seasoning and fajita seasonings have common ingredients, they differ in 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 fresh lime juice. To achieve quick tanginess, store-bought fajita seasonings typically add citric acid. But with this homemade version, a fresh squeeze of lime over the fajita will do the trick and avoid any additives.
- In taco recipes: Slow-cooked meat is often used (like carnitas, birria, barbacoa, etc), which doesn’t require as much acidity. So, taco seasoning has bolder flavors with extra chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and chili flakes 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.
More Mexican Recipes
- Carne Asada: Made with the best marinade for carne asada tacos!
- Guacamole: The only guac recipe you need!
- Pico De Gallo: The ultimate fresh topping or dip.
- Grilled Fish Tacos: My favorite summertime taco.
- Huevos Rancheros: Most delicious Mexican breakfast.
If you make this fajita seasoning recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re hungry for more healthy food inspiration and exclusive content, join my free newsletter here.
Description
Video
Equipment
- Glass Spice Jars My favorite jars for making homemade seasonings.
- Sharpie Water Based Marker I use the white marker to label all my jars!
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- ½ tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Stir all the spices together in a bowl. Use immediately or store in an airtight container.
Lisa’s Tips
- Storage tip: This seasoning will last for up to one year. To see inside my spice drawer, don’t forget to watch my spice drawer organization video!
- 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.
Nutrition
©Downshiftology. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
This recipe was originally posted February 2020, but updated to include new photos and information for your benefit!
Always great recipes! Thank you!
Hi Rene – Sure thing! Glad you’re loving this fajita seasoning.
This is the best fajita seasoning there is!! Its become a staple in the house. Was wondering if you had a chilli seasoning recipe? Thanks for all the great recipes Lisa!!!!
Glad this fajita seasoning has become a staple in your house, Laura! I don’t have a chili seasoning yet, but I’ll keep that in mind for a future recipe!
Another excellent recipe.
Thanks muchly
Thrilled to hear you’re loving this homemade fajita seasoning, Robert!
This was so simple and so delicious! I can always count on you for the best of everything. :)
Aw, thank you, Denise! So glad you enjoyed this homemade fajitas seasoning.
My new go to! Ran out of pre-made and tried this way better love it.
Homemade fajita seasoning is the best. And now you’ll have some on hand for the future as well!
Everything looks so good! I will be trying some of these recipes. I am impressed! Thank you !
This simple spice blend has changed my attitude about fajitas from just OK to a favorite meal. It is so easy and so flavorful. I usually make a big batch of fajitas using it so that I can use leftovers for a fajita salad and over rice as a fajita bowl.
Sometimes, homemade versions are still the best! Glad you love fajitas now, Carol.
I have a one pint jar filled with your Fajita Seasoning. Now when cooking Fajitas, I only have to prepare the chicken for Chicken Fajitas or the shrimp for Shrimp Fajitas.
Very good recipe and the flavor it gives to Fajitas is amazing.
Wonderful! I’m glad your putting your fajita seasoning to good use now.
I just ran out of this seasoning and panicked because I didn’t save it. 😫 You were the first place I checked to see if it was yours and YESSSSSS. So happy I found it again because I use it all the time. Such a great seasoning, not too spicy but tons of flavour!
I have saved it this time. 😏
Oh yay, happy it was my recipe, haha!
Really tasty!
Glad you enjoyed this fajita seasoning, Therese!
Love this recipe wont buy the package anymore
Homemade fajita seasoning is always the way to go (and so easy!).
Made it twice. Awesome!
Happy to hear you’re loving this fajita seasoning so much, Paula!
LOVE this – it REALLY IS better than store bought. I made, as directed BUT I added a pinch of cilantro spice and a pinch of sriracha powder spice to taste. OMG! So good!
I’m so glad you love this homemade fajita seasoning, Jennifer!
Love it
Glad you love this seasoning!
This Fajita seasoning recipe is the best and deserves 5 stars! Its always my go to when making Chicken Fajitas and sometimes I double or triple the recipe just to keep on hand. Thank you!
You’re very smart to make extra of this fajita seasoning! ;) So happy you love it.
I LOVE this recipe for fajitas!! So easy to make over and over again. I use this for chicken and veggies and then add them to a burrito bowl!! Thank you Lisa, for a recipe I come back to probably once a week!!
You’re more than welcome, Emily! I’m so thrilled you love this seasoning.
Very easy and tasty. My husband and father do t like the spicy foods. This has just enough flavor but not over the top heat. Thanks for your help.
Hi Sandy – Happy to hear you love this fajita seasoning!
You don’t have a video how do you put together like do you cook the chicken with the seasoning or do you put it on later?
Hi Pat – You can find the chicken fajitas recipe on a separate page :)
Simply the BEST!!
I was looking for spice blends without added sugar and thankfully I found your amazing fajita seasoning recipe!! This is a winner!! I always make a quadruple recipe!! I have made jars of this for friends as gifts and every single person raves about it. So much better than store bought mixes with unnecessary sugar added. I’ve got all my friends and family making it now too. I gifted a jar to a friend and she put it in her purse. A few days later on a family vacation to a cabin in Washington state kinda in the middle of nowhere, her family realized that no one brought salt or pepper or any spices to cook with. She remembered that she had the fajita seasoning in her purse! They used it on meat, vegetables and eggs during their vacation. Everyone loved it!! Thank you so much for this yummy recipe. I’ve made fajitas with chicken, steak and shrimp-all delicious!! I’m making up more jars for Christmas gifts this year! 😋
Hi Christine – I’m so glad you love this fajita seasoning!
I absolutely adore this recipe! I’ve been making it for over a year now and just love how versatile it is. I use it on chicken, pork, fish, vegetables and anything else that I want to taste yummy. Thank you thank you thank you for this awesome recipe. I’m certain I’ll be making it for years to come!
Always a good idea to keep this fajita seasoning on hand!
Awesome spice blend! Used it as a start to Chicken Fajita Lasanga. Outstanding. Definitely a keeper.
Glad you enjoyed this fajita seasoning Susan!
It would have been much better if you had given amounts — how much of each of the ingredients for the seasoning? 1/2 tsp? 1 tablespoon? 1/4 teaspoon or tablespoon!
I wanted to try the recipe, but without specified amounts, the recipe won’t work for me.
Please let me know — or else I am reduced to guesstimmating!!!
Hi Karen – You can always find all the specific measurements in the recipe card if you scroll towards the bottom :)
Everyone loved this recipe!! Super easy and not salty!
Thank you!!
Making more today
This fajita spice blend recipe is fabulous! Thank you.
I made this recipe of homemade fajita seasoning mix, but did not add salt, as I have Kidney Disease. Instead, i added 1/4 teaspoon of Mrs. Dash Lemon Pepper. Perfect! Thank you for your very good recipe.
How would you rate the heat of this recipe… Mild? Medium?
I would say more on the mild side!
Can you provide a photo/link to what type of chili powder?
I use Simply Organic Chili powder.
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.
I’m confused as ever, in some answers to others with the question, you say you use chili powder seasoning, and in one you said you use a chili powder mix. So which is it, chili seasoning sold in a packet with other ingredients, or plain chili powder sold in a jar?
Hi Vicki – You’ll need chili powder sold in a jar. You can also reference the ingredients linked in the recipe card to see exactly what I’m using. Hope that helps!
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.