Use this Southwest Spice Blend to add a smoky flavor to your dishes! Perfect for Tex-Mex recipes and a great way to add mild heat to your favorite meals. The first time you make it, you’ll be hooked!
I’m a big fan of this delicious seasoning. All the different spices combined create a spicy flavor that really does pair well with a lot of Southwest dishes. I’ll add this to new recipes that I’m excited to try, and I can assure you that I’m never disappointed in the flavor profile.
No matter if you’re a fan of spicy dishes or are just looking for a way to add a kick of flavor to your favorite dishes that you enjoy making, this Southwestern seasoning is a great choice. This simple recipe proves why I’m a fan of making my own spice mixes – and why I’ll continue to do so over buying anything at the store.
Use this simple seasoning mix on any dish that you want, but I think that it would taste great with my Keto Chicken Tacos. The added spices pair so well with chicken!
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Ingredients
Onion powder – Adds a nice hint of onion flavor.
Garlic powder – Garlic is a great way to increase flavor and add depth.
Smoked Paprika – If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika is also a great option for this recipe.
Cumin – Cumin has a nice earthy flavor. I always keep cumin on hand, so I’m able to whip up this spice mix.
Chili powder – Chili powder isn’t spicy and adds a lot of flavor.
Oregano – This gives this dish a hint of freshness. I like to use Mexican oregano.
Cilantro – Make sure that you’re using dried cilantro, and not fresh, so the spice blend is pantry stable.
Salt – You can use table salt, pink salt, or sea salt.
Chipotle powder – Chipotle chili powder adds a pop of heat. While this can be optional if you’re not a fan of spicy flavors, I highly recommend adding it.
Dried lemon zest – For a nice citrus flavor.
Black Pepper – Organic white pepper is yummy, too.
How To Make This Southwest Spice Blend Seasoning
Step One: Mix all the seasonings together in a mixing bowl. Store in an airtight container or jar.
How to Use: Use 2 tablespoons for each pound of chicken. Add more or less as needed. I use it in the Baked Southwest Chicken you see below.
Variations
The fun part about making this Southwest seasoning blend is that there is versatility in the options. While the ingredients listed on the recipe card offer a great flavor, you can have fun adding your own personal preferences.
Options to add could be red pepper flakes, ancho chili powder, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, and even course ground dried chipotle peppers or poblano peppers.
It’s simple to change the taste of this Southwest chipotle seasoning by altering a little bit of the added seasonings.
I love it in the Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad shown stuffed in avocados below.
Common Questions
How do I store this dry rub?
All you really need to store these southwest spices is an airtight container or small jar and a spice cabinet or cool, dry place. You can keep your own seasoning mixes at room temperature, but be sure to keep this flavorful Southwest seasoning away from direct sunlight. A kitchen pantry or spice rack is best.
You can make this ahead of time and have it sitting and ready to use. Since this recipe makes a larger batch than what is needed for one dish, it’s a great way to have a delicious homemade seasoning on hand for any time that craving strikes.
I make and store many seasoning mixes at home such as Blackened Seasoning, Italian Seasoning, and Fajita Seasoning.
Do I need a spice grinder?
You don’t unless you plan on using or adding an ingredient that needs to be ground. My recipe, as written, uses already-ground spices that add a delicious flavor. As the spice recipe is written on the recipe card below, no extra equipment is needed.
What foods do I use this homemade Southwest spice blend on?
The options are unlimited. You can use this in small batches on any foods that you want to add southwest flavors, too. This is an easy way to add flavor to meat or veggie dishes. You can also pair this with salad dressings, too.
Some of my favorite uses are for cooked chicken, but this recipe has so much flavor that I think it would be great as a taco seasoning and for fajita recipes as well.
Or try it in my Southwest Chicken Appetizer Bites.
What makes Southwest flavor?
The added smoked paprika, cumin, and lemon zest are really what make up a lot of the smoky and southern flavors of this homemade southwest seasoning. The fun thing about making this Southwest seasoning mix is that you can change or remove anything that you want and still have an excellent flavor profile outcome.
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Southwest Spice Blend
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon cilantro
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon dried lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Nutrition
Calories: 5.5Carbohydrates: 1.1gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 200.3mgPotassium: 27.7mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 249.4IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 9.1mgIron: 0.4mg