This Southwest Spice Blend is my go-to mix for quick, flavorful meat! It’s perfect for two pounds of chicken or one pound of ground meat. With smoky, bold flavors, this blend is versatile, easy to make, and brings a Southwest kick to every dish.
Why You'll Love This Southwest Spice Mix
- Smoky & Bold – The mix has bold flavors with smoky paprika and chipotle powder, adding a rich warmth to any meat without overwhelming other ingredients.
- Simple Ingredients – Made with just five spices and salt, this mix is easy to throw together with pantry staples you likely already have in your spice cabinet.
- Customizable Heat – Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chipotle powder, making it just right for everyone’s taste.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Table Salt – Use 1 teaspoon for chicken seasoning or ½ teaspoon if you're seasoning ground meat. You can also substitute with kosher salt, adjusting the quantity to taste.
- Chipotle Powder - This adds a medium spice and smoky flavor. For less spice, reduce the amount to ½ teaspoon and replace it with regular chili powder for a milder option. For no heat- complete replace the chipotle powder with chili powder.
- Chili Powder - Adds depth and warmth to the spice mix.
- Smoked Paprika - Adds a vibrant color and smoky flavor to the chicken. You can use regular paprika, but I really love the flavor smoked paprika gives to the chicken.
- Cumin - Adds an earthy, warm flavor that is essential to a Southwest seasoning blend.
- Garlic Powder - If you don’t have garlic powder, you can also use onion powder.
Full ingredient list with quantities in the recipe card below
Tips & Notes
Keep Spices Fresh: Ground spices are at their peak freshness for about three months after bottling but can retain their flavor for up to 2–3 years. To test, check the expiration date and give them a sniff—if they lack a strong aroma, it’s time to replace them.
Storage Matters: Store this spice blend in an airtight container, away from heat and moisture, to keep the flavors vibrant.
Extra Southwest Flavor: For an added touch of freshness, squeeze a bit of lime juice over your seasoned chicken or beef before serving.
How to Make a Southwest Spice Blend
Small Batch: This homemade seasoning is perfect for seasoning about two pounds of chicken or one pound of ground beef. Mix up the recipe and use what you need.
Big Batch: If you plan to use this spice blend regularly, make a batch that will last you up to three months. Store it in an airtight container, away from heat and moisture, to keep the flavors at their best for several months.
Cooking Tips for Spice Blend
Chicken Breasts
Combine the seasoning with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Place 2 pounds of chicken breasts on a sheet pan, coat them thoroughly in the oil and spice mixture, and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Chicken Thighs
Rub the seasoning on to 2 pounds of chicken thighs. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Ground Beef
After browning and draining the excess fat from the ground beef, add a batch of seasoning and ⅓ cup of water. Stir and let it simmer over low heat until the water evaporates and the spices have fully coated the meat.
More Homemade Seasonings
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Southwest Spice Blend
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of table salt only use ½ teaspoon for ground meat
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder use for medium spice; swap with regular chili powder for a milder taste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together. This recipe is good for 2 pounds of chicken (boneless breast, thighs, or tenderloins) or 1 pound of ground meat (beef, chicken, or turkey). Make sure to reduce the amount of salt accordingly for ground meat.
- Store any unused seasoning in a sealed container in a cool, dry place.
Notes
Cooking Tips
Chicken Breasts: Combine the seasoning with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Place 2 pounds of chicken breasts on a sheet pan, coat them thoroughly in the oil and spice mixture, and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Chicken Thighs: Rub the seasoning on to 2 pounds of chicken thighs. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Ground Beef: After browning and draining the excess fat from the ground beef, add a batch of seasoning and ⅓ cup of water. Stir and let it simmer over low heat until the water evaporates and the spices have fully coated the meat.Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the ingredients used.
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