Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (2024)

05 minutes

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4.84 from 24 votes

by Lisa Longley

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posted: 08/15/23

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

Jump to Recipe

by Lisa Longley

|

posted: 08/15/23

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

Jump to Recipe

This Fajita Seasoning Recipe is quick to make and perfect for easy dinners! With this recipe you can make enough for one dish, or make a big batch to keep in your pantry!

This is the best chicken fajita seasoning, try it in my Chicken Fajitas! And find more great recipes to use it in below!

Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (2)
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The first time I made fajitas using this recipe, my husband looked at me and said, “Something is different.” He immediately tasted the difference between this amazing homemade fajita seasoning and the store bought packet, and he thought the fajitas were way better.

There are just a few simple ingredients needed to make this recipe, and I bet you already have them in your pantry. I love this recipe because you get two different sets of measurements. With the small batch, I’m giving you what you need to replace the packet if it is called for in recipes. Or you have the measurements to make a big batch and always keep it on hand.

Reader Review

My husband was doubtful homemade fajitas would be as good as restaurant, but your seasoning convinced!! We love it!

How to Make Fajita Seasoning

This is a brief overview of how to make this delicious recipe. For the full recipe with all of the measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  1. Choose what size you are making. I always choose to make a big batch (and that is what you will find in the recipe card) and then just use 3 tablespoons of it to replace the packet purchased from the grocery store.
  2. Mix together the spices.
  3. Store it. This recipe can be stored in an airtight container for up to 6 months in a cool dry place.
Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (3)

What is in Fajita Seasoning

People make their fajita seasoning all differently, but I was going after the taste you get from a fajita seasoning packet, and based on my family’s reviews, this one is even better.

For the full list of measurements, please scroll to the bottom of the post.

  • Chili Powder comes in both dark and regular. Either one can be used here, it is a matter of personal preference.
  • Kosher Salt is always my go to when it comes to cooking. If you use table salt, make sure to cut the amount by half to start.
  • Paprika also comes in different types. We used regular, but if you like smoked paprika, go for it.
  • Oregano is great in this recipe, and if you grow your own, dry it for the perfect fresh taste.
  • Onion Powder is the perfect addition and brings that onion flavor while skipping over the texture of actual onions for my picky eaters.
  • Garlic Powder is a must here, just make sure to grab the powder and not garlic salt.
Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (4)

Small Batch Fajita Seasoning

The recipe you find in the recipe card is enough to make 8 batches of fajitas. Once you whip it up, you just use three tablespoons of it per batch. If you would rather test this out with just one batch of fajitas, you will need the following amounts.

  • 1tablespoonchili powder
  • 2teaspoonspaprika
  • 2teaspoonoregano
  • 1teaspoonkosher salt
  • 1/2teaspoononion powder
  • 1/2teaspoongarlic powder

Using Cornstarch

When I originally published this recipe, years ago, I had cornstarch in it. It is great in this because it helps the seasonings bind to the meat while cooking. But that being said, it isn’t strictly necessary. I find this revised version works just as great without that added ingredient.

So I will leave it up to you. If you would like in your marinades, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the small batch version of this recipe.

Why Make Your Own Seasoning Mixes

If you go to grocery stores in the United States, there is a whole section full of seasoning packets. You can find everything from spaghetti seasoning to taco seasoning to fajita seasoning.

This recipe isn’t meant to be the final word on how to make fajita seasoning. This recipe is meant to replace what you would find in the grocery store. This is a great way for those who like to cook from scratch to use other recipes they find online.

Additionally, making your own seasoning mixes allows you to control the ingredients for particular dietary restrictions like low sodium diets.

Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (5)

How do you use this Fajita Seasoning Recipe

This recipe can be used as part of a marinade or a sauce that is mixed with meat. Usually I combine three tablespoons of this mix with 1/4 cup olive oil and 1 tablespoon lime juice. With something like skirt steak, you will want to then marinate it for a few hours. When using chicken or shrimp, I typically just toss it all together and cook it in the oven or a skillet.

Steak Fajita Recipe

Steak fajitas are the ideal dinner to make this week. Made with the perfect steak fajita marinade, whip this up the night before for a quick dinner the next day.

view recipe

FAQ

Does fajita seasoning have gluten?

Our recipes does not, but you should always double check the spices that you are using, especially if you are cooking for someone with a gluten allergy.

How much fajita seasoning do you use per pound of chicken?

You need three tablespoons of fajita seasoning for one pound of chicken.

Is this spicy?

While spice is a matter of taste, I think the average person would not find this seasoning mix spicy. My kids are pretty spice intolerant, and they love this.

Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (7)

Recipes that Use Fajita Seasoning Mix

I have so many recipes that call for this great fajita seasoning!

  • Baked Chicken Fajitas
  • Steak Fajita Recipe
  • Shrimp Fajitas
  • Fajita Steak Kabobs
  • Steak Fajita Soup Recipe
  • Chicken Fajita Stuffed Peppers
  • Shrimp Fajita Pasta Salad

If you make any of these recipes, or this fajita seasoning mix, please leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (8)

4.84 from 24 votes

Fajita Seasoning Recipe

Serves: 8 servings

(tap # to scale)

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Total: 5 minutes minutes

This Fajita Seasoning Recipe is so simple to throw together and perfect for making easy dinners even easier! With this recipe you can make enough for one dish, or make a big batch for lots of recipes! This is the best chicken fajita seasoning!

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chili powder
  • 1/3 cup paprika
  • 1/3 cup oregano
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt (if you only have table salt, start with half this amount)
  • 4 teaspoons onion powder
  • 4 teaspoons garlic powder

Instructions

  • Combine all of the ingredients.

  • Use 3 tablespoons in place of a packet of seasoning mix or for one pound of meat. (This recipe makes enough for 8 batches of fajitas. If you would prefer to make just one batch worth, you can find those measurements here: Small Batch Fajita Seasoning.)

Notes

Please note that the video shows using cornstarch in the recipe. The recipe has since been updated and there is a note in the post about this.

Author: Lisa Longley

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: Mexican

Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (9)

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Fajita Seasoning Recipe

I’d love to see what you made! Tag me @lisasimplejoy and hashtag it #simplejoyrecipes!

you might also like . . .

  • Homemade Taco Seasoning
  • Italian Seasoning
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  • Homemade Old Bay Seasoning Recipe

Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (14)

Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (15)

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MEAL PLAN LIKE A BOSSdownload my free top 10 easy dinner ebook!

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Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

Reader Interactions

    LEAVE A COMMENT

  1. Candy says

    We did the crockpot fajitas and this seasoning and we couldn’t taste anything it was really bland. Maybe it was the cooking method.

    Reply

    • Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (17)Lisa Longley says

      That’s what I’m thinking. I would need to know more before I could tell you what happened there. Like what type of meat, was it marinated, how much liquid got added to the crockpot, etc.

      Reply

  2. Elisa Silkwood says

    Hi there,

    I am making chicken fajitas tonight and I wanted to know when adding the 3 Tablespoons to my chicken do I mix the seasoning with water or just put it on the chicken dry?

    Thank you. I’m excited to try this recipe.
    Elisa Silkwood

    Reply

    • Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (18)Lisa Longley says

      Hi Elisa! There is actually a section in the post on how to use it where I recommend combining it with 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Enjoy the fajitas!

      Reply

older comments

Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (2024)

FAQs

What is fajita seasoning made of? ›

What Is in Fajita Seasoning? Most fajita seasoning mixes are made up of a few simple Mexican spices, like cumin and chili powder, plus some additional spices, like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.

What spices are in Old El Paso fajita mix? ›

Sugar, onion powder (13%), salt, hydrolysed SOY protein, spices (black pepper, cayenne pepper, ginger) (6%), acidity regulator (citric acid), flavouring, smoke flavouring, natural flavouring, yeast extract, colur (plain caramel), garlic powder, anti caking agent (tricalcium phosphate).

How do you cook fajita meat so it's not tough? ›

Marinade with an Acid.

Acids like citrus juice or vinegar tenderize meat by breaking down its fibers. Even 30 minutes of marinade time makes a difference. Don't skip it!

Can you use McCormick fajita seasoning as a marinade? ›

McCormick Culinary Fajita Marinade & Seasoning Mix's uniform texture is perfect for marinating protein and infusing signature flavor before grilling, broiling or roasting.

Can I use fajita seasoning in place of taco seasoning? ›

Can I Use Fajita Seasoning in place of Taco Seasoning? The short answer is yes. Since these seasonings are similar, you can use fajita seasoning in place of taco seasoning if you're currently all out. They both have a great Mexican flavor that can be used in many recipes.

What kind of onion for fajitas? ›

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to choosing the right onion for your fajitas. You can go for the traditional white or yellow onions, offering a more savory option, or experiment with sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla to add a subtle sweetness to your dish.

What is traditionally in a fajita? ›

Fajitas are a popular Tex-Mex dish made from grilled meat, usually beef or chicken, which is served on a sizzling hot skillet along with grilled onions and peppers. The meat and vegetables are served with warm tortillas, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa, allowing diners to create their own unique flavor combinations.

Does McCormick make a fajita mix? ›

McCormick Culinary Savory Fajita Seasoning & Marinade Blend offers the balance of authentic Mexican spices with a savory flavor profile that will speak to every guest's palate. Specially made for chefs to inspire extraordinary menus and deliver consistent recipes.

Does fajita seasoning mix go bad? ›

Fajita seasoning, like most spices, does not really 'expire' but rather loses its potency over time. Unopened, a commercial packet of fajita seasoning can last about 3-4 years beyond the printed expiration date. Once opened, it's best used within 1-2 years for utmost flavor.

Is there a big difference between taco and fajita seasoning? ›

While they use many similar ingredients, taco seasoning has more chili powder and oregano than fajita seasoning. Compare our recipes and you'll see this fajita seasoning is more cumin heavy, whereas taco seasoning is more chili powder heavy. That makes the taco seasoning a bit spicier, too.

What is in El Paso fajita kit? ›

Each dinner kit comes with 10 flour tortillas, fajita seasoning mix and mild fajita sauce. Simply choose your protein of choice and your favorite fajita toppings and get started making an easy weeknight dinner. This fajita kit is great for both chicken and beef fajitas.

How do I get my fajita meat tender? ›

Beef Fajitas

Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until meat is cooked and tender, adding a little water as needed to prevent ingredients from sticking to pot. Remove meat; slice into thin strips (or shred if meat is too tender to slice) and return to pot with pepper mixture.

What cut of meat do Mexican restaurants use for fajitas? ›

The question of “what is a fajita” would usually be referred to as sliced skirt steak, the cut of beef first used in the dish. In restaurants, the meat is usually cooked with onions and bell peppers and toppings that are served on the side.

What is the best tender meat for fajitas? ›

Skirt steak is the traditional cut used for fajitas. It used to be inexpensive, but now it's not so cheap; oftentimes flank steak costs less. Either will be a good choice.

Do you add water to Old El Paso fajita seasoning? ›

Heat oil in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook and stir until no longer pink. 2. Stir in water and seasoning mix; add bell pepper and onion.

Do you put taco seasoning on meat before or after? ›

Mix the seasoning into the meat before cooking!

To get the most seasoning flavor in your taco meat, mix it into the meat and let it rest in the fridge like you would ground sausage.

What's the difference between taco seasoning and fajita seasoning? ›

What is the difference between fajita seasoning and taco seasoning? The two are similar, but taco seasoning has more chili powder and oregano, while fajita seasoning has more cumin. In general, fajita seasoning is less spicy than taco seasoning, although when you make your own, it can be as spicy as you want it!

How to make fajita melt the kit? ›

In the middle, add the ingredients (baby spinach, chicken, onion, avocado). Close the wrap by folding the lower section halfway towards the middle of the wrap. Then repeat for the top and sides. Toast your Fajita Melt on a heated pan (grill ideally) for a few seconds, starting with the side with the folds.

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