Easy Homemade Fajita Seasoning Recipe

Okay, here we go! Let’s get real about fajitas… and how the right seasoning can change everything. Seriously, ditch the store-bought packets. This Easy Homemade Fajita Seasoning Recipe — yeah, I said it — is about to become your new best friend. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it tastes a million times better than anything you can buy. Trust me on this one.
My family inhales fajitas whenever I make them. It’s kind of ridiculous. My husband, bless his heart, will literally stand at the stove and pick at the chicken while I’m trying to get everything else on the table. And the kids? They actually ask for veggies when they’re covered in this seasoning! A miracle, I tell you. I remember the first time I made it; I was so proud of myself, I made way too much. We had fajitas for like three days straight. No regrets. It’s that good.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Fajita Seasoning Recipe
- Because you can actually taste the individual spices and, like, know what you’re eating!
- It’s ready in 5 minutes. Seriously. I time myself. Sometimes.
- You probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry, which means you can skip the grocery store and stay in your pajamas. Winning!
- It makes even the most boring chicken exciting. Okay, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration, but still… close.
How to Make It
Okay, so here’s the deal. You basically just dump everything into a bowl. No fancy techniques here, people! I usually use a whisk to mix it all up, but a fork works fine too. Just make sure you break up any clumps of brown sugar, otherwise you’ll end up with sugary pockets of flavor on your fajitas. Not necessarily a bad thing, but not the goal. Taste it (duh!) and adjust as needed. More chili powder if you like it spicy, more cumin if you’re a cumin fiend (like me!). Don’t be scared to experiment! That’s the beauty of homemade stuff, right? Once it tastes good to YOU, you’re done.
Ingredient Notes
- Chili Powder: The base! Don’t skip it. Unless you hate chili powder. Then… okay, fine, skip it. But maybe add a little smoked paprika instead?
- Cumin: This is what gives it that classic fajita flavor. I’m pretty generous with it. I love cumin, like, a lot.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth that makes everything taste fancy, even though it’s not. Shhh, don’t tell anyone.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: The dynamic duo! Don’t try to sub fresh garlic or onion. It won’t work the same. Trust me, I’ve tried.
- Dried Oregano: I always forget I have oregano, so this recipe is great to use some up. If you only have Italian seasoning, that’s fine too! But the flavor will be different.
- Salt & Pepper: Obvi. But don’t be shy! Seasoning is key.
- Brown Sugar: Just a touch to balance everything out. If you don’t have brown sugar, regular sugar works. Or even honey! I’ve even used molasses in a pinch. It was… interesting.
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Recipe Steps:
- Combine: Add all ingredients to a bowl.
- Whisk: Whisk or stir with a fork until well combined.
- Taste: Sample and adjust seasonings to your liking.
- Store: Store in an airtight container for future use.
What to Serve It With
Fajitas, obviously! But also:
- Tacos (duh)
- Sprinkled on roasted veggies
- In chili (double duh)
- On scrambled eggs (don’t knock it ’til you try it!)
- Mixed into ground beef for burgers
Tips & Mistakes
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste! More chili powder for heat, more cumin for that classic fajita flavor.
- Make sure your spices are fresh! Old spices lose their flavor, and nobody wants bland fajitas.
- If you’re using this seasoning on chicken or beef, marinate it for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight!) for the best flavor.
Storage Tips
Store this seasoning in an airtight container (like a spice jar or a Ziploc bag) in a cool, dark place. It should last for several months. I mean, it never lasts that long at my house, but technically it should. If you find it in the back of the pantry six months later, give it a sniff. If it smells okay, it’s probably fine. I’m not a food safety expert, though, so proceed with caution.
And if you accidentally eat a spoonful of it straight from the jar… well, I won’t judge. I might have done that once. Okay, twice.
Variations and Substitutions
- Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes. I usually do.
- Don’t have smoked paprika? Regular paprika will work, but it won’t have the same smoky flavor.
- Out of brown sugar? Use regular sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Or just skip it! It’ll still be good.
- Trying to be healthy? Use a sugar substitute. I haven’t tried it, but I’m sure it’ll work. Probably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Easy Homemade Fajita Seasoning Recipe

Easy Homemade Fajita Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder mild or hot according to taste
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavor
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a small mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients.
- Whisk until all the spices are well combined.
- Store the fajita seasoning in an airtight container.