BEST Chipotle Seasoning Recipe (Perfect for Chicken)

Chipotle Seasoning Recipe is a Mexican-inspired seasoning recipe made with chipotle powder, cumin, and a blend of spices. It delivers smoky heat, no-cook prep, and meal prep convenience in just minutes. Use it to season chicken, shrimp, tacos, or bowls, and try it with our Cast Iron Chicken Thighs and a side of Chipotle Pinto Beans.

Why We Love This Recipe

• It's Easy: Grab a few measuring spoons and mix everything in a bowl or spice jar. We usually make our homemade fajita seasoning at the same time.
• It's Versatile: The chipotle seasoning enhances a wide range of recipes, from chicken and shrimp to nachos and soups, offering endless possibilities in the kitchen.
• It's Crowd-Pleasing: The bold and flavorful nature of this seasoning ensures that it will impress and satisfy the palates of your family and friends.

Key Ingredients

• Chipotle Powder: Chipotles come in powder, flakes, and even in canned form with Adobo sauce. They are great for marinades and add a mild, earthy flavor to Mexican-inspired dishes.
• Cumin: Cumin is an aromatic spice with a warm, earthy flavor and a hint of smokiness. It adds depth and complexity to this great recipe.
• Smoked Paprika: Just like regular paprika, except the peppers are dried by smoking. The smokiness adds a unique flavor to this seasoning.
• Paprika: Made from ground, dried red peppers. This spice is flavorful and can also be used as a garnish for its bright red color.
• Garlic Powder: Made from dehydrated garlic and is a quick way to add some garlic flavor.
• Oregano: One of our favorite herbs.
• Onion powder: A little onion spice goes well in almost everything!
• Ancho Chili Pepper: This is a different type of dried chili pepper and helps layer the flavors of this spice blend.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings.

A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Substitutions & Variations

• Paprika: Smoked paprika can be substituted for regular paprika.
• Onion powder: If you don't have onion powder, you can use dried minced onions as a substitute. Use about one tablespoon of fresh onions or one teaspoon of dried minced onions as a replacement for one teaspoon of onion powder.
• Dried oregano: In place of dried oregano, you can use dried thyme or dried basil for a different flavor.
• Spice: For less heat, reduce the amount of chipotle pepper powder in the seasoning. You could try chili powder for a milder flavor profile. For a spicier kick, increase the quantity. Remember, it's all about finding the perfect balance of heat for your taste buds.
• Flavor: Add a touch of sweetness by incorporating honey into the chipotle seasoning mixture, or give your chicken a bright and tangy twist by adding citrus juice.
• Method: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate it in a mixture of chipotle seasoning, olive oil, and lime juice. Place on a skewer and grill until cooked through.

How to Make Chipotle Seasoning for Chicken

With these simple steps below, you can create a homemade chipotle seasoning that will transform your chicken.

STEP 1: Measure Ingredients

Gather all of the required ingredients and measure them accurately.

STEP 2: Mix and Store

Mix the spices thoroughly until evenly combined.

Transfer to an airtight container and store to keep the seasoning fresh and flavorful.

STEP 3: Flatten and Season

Preheat oven to 375°F. Flatten chicken breasts between plastic wrap, then season both sides with 1-2 teaspoons of chipotle seasoning.

STEP 4: Sear and Serve

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken 2-3 minutes per side until golden.

Transfer to the oven and cook 8-10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Storage

Store the chipotle seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Keeping it sealed helps preserve the flavor and prevents the spices from losing their potency. For best results, give the container a quick shake before each use to redistribute the spices evenly.

Chipotle Seasoning Recipe FAQs

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📖 Recipe

BEST Chipotle Seasoning Recipe (Perfect for Chicken)

Jami Powell

Chipotle Seasoning Recipe is a Mexican-inspired seasoning recipe made with chipotle powder, cumin, and a blend of spices. It delivers smoky heat, no-cook prep, and meal prep convenience in just minutes. Use it to season chicken, shrimp, tacos, or bowls, and try it with our Cast Iron Chicken Thighs and a side of Chipotle Pinto Beans.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

1x2x3x

Course Seasoning

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 16 (1 serving ≈ 2 tablespoons seasoning)

Calories 70 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ ½ cup chipotle powder
• ▢ ½ cup cumin
• ▢ ¼ cup smoked paprika
• ▢ ¼ cup paprika
• ▢ 3 tablespoons garlic powder
• ▢ 3 tablespoons oregano
• ▢ 3 tablespoons kosher salt
• ▢ 1 tablespoon onion powder
• ▢ 1 tablespoon ancho chili pepper

Instructions

 

Chipotle Seasoning

• In a bowl, carefully measure out all the ingredients for the seasoning. Mix the spices together thoroughly, ensuring they are well combined. Store the seasoning in an airtight container to preserve its freshness.

Chipotle Seasoned Chicken Breasts

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Take a chicken breast and place it between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken until it becomes flat. Sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons of the chipotle seasoning onto the chicken, evenly coating both sides.
• Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and sear it for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, until a golden crust forms. Transfer the skillet with the chicken into the preheated oven and continue cooking for around 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F.
• Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps to retain the juices and ensures a tender and juicy result.

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Notes

Cooking Notes

This Chipotle seasoning is a dry spice blend that comes together quickly and stores well for future use. Mixing thoroughly ensures the spices are evenly distributed so each use has a balanced flavor. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and potency over time.

This recipe yields about 2 cups of seasoning. One serving is approximately 2 tablespoons, but you’ll typically use 1–2 teaspoons per chicken breast.

Tips for Best Results

• Measure the spices carefully so the flavor stays balanced and not overly smoky or salty.
• Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the chipotle powder, cumin, and paprika throughout the blend.
• Store the seasoning in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent clumping.
• Use gradually when seasoning meats so you can adjust the intensity to taste.

How to Know It’s Ready

The seasoning should be evenly mixed with a consistent color and no visible clumps.

Nutrition

Calories: 70kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 1446mgPotassium: 405mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 4209IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 7mg

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