BEST Chipotle Seasoning Recipe (Perfect for Chicken)

This Chipotle Seasoning Recipe has the BEST blend of spices to use in Mexican-inspired dishes. It is perfect for chicken, shrimp, nachos, and tacos. It can even be used in your favorite Mexican soup. Our favorite way to serve this seasoning is in a Chipotle Chicken Fresh Mexican Bowl or on Chipotle Chicken Nachos. Prepare to be amazed!

Do you love Mexican food? Chipotle seasoning is a robust spice blend with a smoky, peppery flavor that can add a delightful kick to your favorite dishes. It is a staple ingredient in our household and is used frequently. Whether you're a fan of the Chipotle Chicken Fresh Mexican Bowl or crave the boldness of Chipotle Chicken Nachos, this seasoning will become your go-to companion for incredible Mexican-inspired meals.

Why we love this recipe:

• It's addictive - Once you try the smoky and peppery flavors of this chipotle seasoning, you'll find it hard to resist!
• It's easy - With just a few simple steps, you can create a homemade chipotle seasoning that will transform your chicken. Grab a few measuring spoons and get to mixing.
• 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.
• It's tasty - It has the BEST flavor and is one of our favorite spices to put on chicken.

Looking for more amazing Mexican recipes? Try these Air Fryer Tostadas Mexicanas, this Fresh Restaurant Style Guacamole, or this trendy Cowboy Caviar dip. You may also love this Chipotle Corn Salsa Copycat Recipe!

What Ingredients Will You Need?

• 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 - An herb from the mint family. Also one of our favorite Mediterranean spices.
• 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 - Kosher salt should be added to this blend.
• Black pepper - To taste (optional)

Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.

Instructions

How to Make this Chipotle Seasoning Recipe

STEP ONE: Measure Ingredients

Start by gathering all the required ingredients and measuring them accurately into a bowl.

STEP TWO: Mix Together

Blend the spices thoroughly, ensuring they are well combined. You can either mix them well in the bowl or use a large container with enough room to shake and distribute the flavors evenly.

STEP THREE: Store

Transfer the chipotle seasoning into a sealed, air-tight container, preserving its freshness and potency for future use.

STEP FOUR: Season Chicken and Serve

If you're using the seasoning for chicken, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap to flatten, then sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons of the chipotle seasoning onto each piece. You could also try boneless skinless thighs.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the seasoned chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and continue cooking for about 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Finally, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

What Are Some Good Substitutions?

• Paprika - Smoked paprika can be substituted for regular paprika.
• Garlic powder - Instead of garlic powder, you can use minced fresh garlic. One teaspoon of garlic powder is roughly equivalent to two to three cloves of fresh garlic.
• 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.

How Can You Change This Recipe Up?

• 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. Skewer the seasoned chicken and grill them until cooked through. The smoky, tangy, and spicy combination of this marinated chicken will be a hit at your next barbecue or gathering.

What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?

_{This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.}

• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Storage container

How Should You Store This?

Store in the pantry until ready to use. Refer to the shelf life of each ingredient.

Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.

What Are Some Expert Tips?

Make all of your favorite seasoning blends in one day. Store them in labeled containers to use throughout the year.

Let the prepared chicken rest before serving. This will help the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more tender chicken.

Marinate chicken in the chipotle seasoning mixture. The marinating time should be for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight. This easy marinade will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and enhance its taste.

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Have Leftover Ingredients?

• Paprika is versatile and pairs well with many types of meat and in rice blends, soups, and stews. We used this ingredient in this delicious Authentic Cuban Ropa Vieja.

Have leftover chipotle seasoning?

• Toss vegetables like sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts with chipotle seasoning before roasting to add a kick of flavor.
• Mix chipotle seasoning into guacamole for a smoky and spicy twist on this classic dip.
• Add chipotle seasoning to black bean soup for a bold and smoky taste.
• Coat mixed nuts with a blend of chipotle seasoning, olive oil, and honey, then roast them in the oven for a savory and spicy snack.
• Enhance the flavor of your chili by incorporating chipotle seasoning into the spice mix.
• Sprinkle chipotle seasoning on sweet potato fries before baking for a deliciously spiced side dish.
• Lightly brush some grilled corn with melted butter infused with chipotle seasoning for a smoky and spicy twist.
• Taco Seasoning - Combine chipotle seasoning with other spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic powder to create a homemade taco seasoning blend to serve with tacos, nachos, quesadillas, or tostadas.
• Stir chipotle seasoning into mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to create a zesty and smoky dipping sauce or sandwich spread.
• For a flavorful marinade, immerse shrimp in a mixture of chipotle seasoning, lime juice, and olive oil. Grill them to perfection on your favorite grill pan for a spicy seafood dish.

Need Something To Pair This With?

• Use this chipotle seasoning on chicken and place it on top of your favorite salad as we did with this Nashville Hot Chicken Salad.
• Use this chipotle seasoning on shrimp and make a salad that is similar to this Blackened Shrimp and Avocado Salad.
• For a copycat Chipotle chicken recipe, serve chipotle chicken in your favorite burrito bowl with cilantro lime rice, these delicious chipotle pinto beans (or black beans), pico de Gallo, corn salsa, sour cream, red onion, and any other favorite toppings you choose! Burrito bowls make a great meal prep.
• Check out our Chipotle Chicken Nachos below! Yum!

More Mexican recipes you will love:

Frequently Asked Questions

📖 Recipe

BEST Chipotle Seasoning Recipe (Perfect for Chicken)

Jami Powell

This Chipotle Seasoning Recipe is the BEST blend of spices to use in Mexican-inspired dishes. It tastes great on chicken, shrimp, nachos, and tacos. It can even be used in your favorite Mexican soup. Our favorite way to serve this seasoning is in a Chipotle Chicken Fresh Mexican Bowl on Chipotle Chicken Nachos. Yum!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

1x2x3x

Course Seasoning

Cuisine Mexican

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ ½ cup Chipotle powder
• ▢ ½ cup Cumin
• ▢ ¼ cup Smoked paprika
• ▢ ¼ cup Paprika
• ▢ 3 tablespoon Garlic powder
• ▢ 3 tablespoon Oregano
• ▢ 3 tablespoon 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.

Keyword chipotle, seasoning

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Important Food Safety Tips

Cook chicken to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)

• Create a clean work area.
• Wash hands after touching raw meat or seafood.
• Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
• Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
• Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
• Never leave cooking food unattended.
• Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.