Southwest Spice Mix

This Southwest Spice Mix is smoky, spicy, and just the right amount of bold. Made with simple pantry spices, it’s your go-to blend for easy, flavor-packed meals all year long.

about this southwest spice mix

This homemade spice mix is one of those pantry must-haves that you’ll reach for constantly. Whether you’re tossing it with chicken, sprinkling it over roasted veggies, or adding a kick to soup or chili, it delivers serious flavor with minimal effort.

It’s got the warm smokiness of paprika and cumin, a zing of chili powder, and layered heat thanks to both cayenne and crushed red pepper flakes. Basically, it tastes like something you’d find in your favorite Southwestern-inspired dishes, exceptwithout the mystery ingredients or extra sodium that come with store-bought blends.

I love having a jar of this in my spice drawer at all times. It’s especially handy for quick dinners like Southwest chicken salad or sheet pan fajitas. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked—and probably wondering why you didn’t make your own seasoning mix sooner.

ingredients

chili powder. Adds a mild kick and earthy flavor. Stick with standard chili powder, not pure ground chiles.

smoked paprika. Brings a smoky depth. Sweet paprika can be used, but it won’t have the same richness.

garlic powder. Adds savory depth. Don’t substitute with garlic salt—it’ll throw off the balance.

salt. Use kosher or sea salt. If using table salt, reduce the amount slightly.

dried oregano. Adds a fresh, herbal note. Mexican oregano is best, but any variety works.

ground coriander. Adds citrusy brightness. You can skip it if needed, but it adds a nice lift.

ground cumin. Gives a warm, earthy flavor that’s essential to the blend.

onion powder. Adds mellow sweetness. Skip it if you’re out—no fresh onion subs here.

black pepper. Brings sharpness. Freshly cracked is best, but pre-ground works too.

cayenne pepper. Adds heat. Use less or omit for a milder blend.

crushed red pepper flakes. Brings a slow, lingering heat. Adjust to your spice level.

this recipe’s must-haves 

Grab your measuring spoons to measure out all the ingredients!

All you need is a small bowl to mix together the ingredients.

Store your spice mix in an airtight glass container (like a small mason jar) in a cool, dry place.

how to make this southwest seasoning blend

stir

Add all of the ingredients to a medium bowl.

Stir until thoroughly combined. You want the mixture to be uniform so every scoop packs in the same flavor punch.

store

Transfer to an airtight jar or spice container and store it in a cool, dry place. It’ll keep for 6 months to a year—just give it a shake now and then if it settles.

tips and tricks 

Adjust the heat. If you’re not a fan of too much spice, skip the cayenne or reduce the crushed red pepper flakes.

Double it. This makes about ½ cup, but you can easily double or triple the recipe if you cook with it often.

Label your jar. A simple sticker with the name and date helps you keep track of freshness.

Grind it finer. If you want a more uniform powder, pulse the mix in a spice grinder or small food processor.

Need more inspiration for a sweet treat? Check out my dessert recipes page!

can I make this spice mix less spicy?

Yes! Just leave out the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes, or reduce them to taste. You’ll still get tons of flavor without the heat.

what’s the best way to store this mix?

Use an airtight container—think spice jar, small mason jar, or even a resealable bag—and keep it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. It’ll last for 6 months to a year.

can I double or triple the recipe?

Definitely. This mix scales up easily, which is great if you use it often. Just stir well to keep everything evenly distributed.

is this seasoning gluten-free?

It is! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, just double-check your individual spice labels if you’re cooking for someone with celiac.

what does this taste good on?

Besides chicken? Use it on roasted veggies, grilled shrimp, taco meat, potatoes, or stir it into chili or soups for a Southwest twist.

can I use this as a dry rub?

Absolutely. It works beautifully on chicken, pork, steak, or even tofu before grilling, roasting, or pan-searing.

Need more inspiration for a sweet treat? Check out my dessert recipes page!

how to use this southwest spice mix

There are endless ways to use this spice blend. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Southwest Chicken Salad: Toss chicken breast in olive oil and a generous sprinkle of the mix, then grill or bake until cooked through. Serve over greens with black beans, corn, avocado, and a zesty lime dressing.
• Taco Night: Season ground beef, turkey, or tofu for quick Southwest-style tacos or burrito bowls.
• Roasted Veggies: Sprinkle over sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or bell peppers before roasting.
• Breakfast Boost: Mix into scrambled eggs or sprinkle on top of avocado toast for a spicy twist.
• Soups + Stews: Add a spoonful to chili, black bean soup, or tortilla soup to punch up the flavor.

how to store

Store this spice mix in an airtight container like a glass jar, spice tin, or sealed plastic container. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight—think pantry or spice cabinet, not next to the stove.

The mix will stay fresh and flavorful for 6 months to 1 year. Just give it a quick sniff or taste test if it’s been sitting for a while. If the aroma’s faded, it’s time for a fresh batch.

more of our favorite seasonings

Our Best Steak Seasoning adds bold, savory flavor to any cut of beef. With a mix of garlic, onion, and crushed red pepper flakes, it’s a go-to blend for grilling or searing.

This Homemade Chili Seasoning gives your chili a smoky, spiced boost with chili powder, cumin, and paprika. It’s richer and more flavorful than anything from a packet.

Chicken Taco Seasoning brings just the right amount of heat and warmth to taco night. Try it on chicken, turkey, or veggies for an easy, flavorful upgrade.

Finally, if you make this southwest spice mix recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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