The Best Chicken Quesadilla Seasoning
Make the most delicious and flavorful chicken quesadillas with this Chicken Quesadilla Seasoning! I’ve included simple directions for using the seasoning with both raw chicken breast and cooked shredded chicken.
Ingredients for Spice Mix
Chili Powder: This is the main spice in the blend and gives the chicken that classic quesadilla flavor.
Cumin Powder: A staple Tex-Mex spice that adds a warm, slightly nutty flavor to the quesadillas. There isn’t a direct substitute for cumin, but you can leave it out if you don’t have it or don’t enjoy the flavor.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor to the chicken. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular or sweet paprika works well as a substitute.
Salt: I use one teaspoon of table salt. If you’re using kosher salt, use 1¼ teaspoons, or use one teaspoon of fine sea salt. The amount varies because different types of salt have different levels of saltiness.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These spices add savory, rich flavor to the chicken and provide that classic garlic and onion taste without having to cook fresh ingredients. There isn’t a direct substitute for either one, but if you’re missing one, you can use extra of the other.
How to Make Quesadilla Seasoning & How to Use It
Combine all the spices in a bowl, then transfer the mixture to an airtight container for storage. This recipe makes about two tablespoons of seasoning, which is enough for three cups of shredded chicken, two pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or one pound of ground chicken.
If you want to prepare a larger batch, make enough to use within about three months. When kept in an airtight container away from heat and moisture, the seasoning mix can stay fresh for several months.
