Homemade Southwest Spice Blend

This homemade Southwest spice blend is a refreshing change from the standard rubs we all use when grilling. If you’re looking for warm Tex-Mex flavors, you’ve found them.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

I am always pleasantly surprised when enjoying a dish out at how it’s seasoned when compared to the standard and comfortable rubs and spices we have at home. It’s good to mix things up because it just really opens up the types of dishes you can do at home.

This spice blend does that. It can be a seasoning, a rub, a marinade, or a lovely creamy sauce. Or all of the above in the same dish!

It’s just a matter of mixing the spices together and then applying them to whatever you’re doing. I find it goes especially well with grilled chicken.

And as this is a homemade Southwest spice blend, you can add and subtract to your liking. Want some more heat? Add a bit more cayenne. Want it smokier? Add a touch more cumin and smoked paprika.

So mix it up a bit. We all have our go-to spice blends and rubs. Give this one a whirl, and you may find that you use it more often than you thought.

Spices: Ancho chili powder, Chipotle powder, Cumin, Smoked paprika, Paprika, Garlic powder, Onion powder, Kosher salt, Ground coriander, Mexican oregano, Black pepper, and Cayenne pepper. Optionally, Cinnamon.

How To Make This Southwestern Spice Blend

It’s so easy, I almost feel foolish typing this out. Add all the spices to a bowl and whisk them together until well combined. That’s it.

Southwest spices in a stainless steel bowl, unmixed.

Southwest spices in a stainless steel bowl, mixed.

As previously mentioned, this spice blend can be used to rub meat or as a base for a Southwest marinade and Southwest sauce. Here, we marinated chicken using the spice blend and made an extremely tasty grilled chicken. We then diced chicken and made some fabulous Southwestern Tex-Mex-flavored tacos with a sauce using the same spice mix. Flavor on flavor!

Grilled Southwest chicken on a bed of greens with grilled corn in the background.

So, if you like Southwest seasoning, keep this stuff stocked in your pantry, and you’ll be ready anytime the need hits.

Tips

Use Fresh Spices – The fresher your spices, the better the flavor. If your cumin or paprika has been sitting in the pantry for two years, it might be time to restock.

Double or Triple the Batch – This blend keeps well in an airtight container, so go ahead and make a big batch. You’ll thank yourself the next time you’re grilling or roasting.

Use as a Finishing Dust – Sprinkle a small amount on fries, popcorn, or even scrambled eggs just before serving for an unexpected Southwest twist.

Try It On Grains – Add a teaspoon or two to rice, couscous, or quinoa while they cook to infuse that Tex-Mex flavor straight into the grains.

Adjust the Heat – If you’re spice-sensitive, cut back on the cayenne or skip it altogether. On the flip side, spice lovers can bump it up—or even toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper.

Keep It Airtight – Exposure to air dulls the flavor. Store the blend in a small glass jar or spice tin with a tight-fitting lid.

Label and Date It – Once you mix it up and store it, slap a label on the container with the name and date. Trust me, you’ll appreciate it later.

Variations

Taco Night Twist – Add a touch of cocoa powder (just 1/4 tsp) for a mole-inspired richness—surprisingly great for beef or beans.

Lemon-Lover’s Version – Mix in 1 tsp dried lemon peel for a bright pop of citrus that pairs well with fish or grilled asparagus.

Extra Earthy Blend – Add 1 tsp ground coffee for a bolder, earthy depth—great for red meat or black bean dishes.

Sweet Heat Version – Stir in 1 tsp ground cinnamon and 1/2 tsp allspice for a unique flavor that works well with roasted carrots or squash.

Low-Sodium Version – Omit the salt entirely and use the blend freely, then salt to taste when cooking.

FAQs

How long does this spice blend last?

Stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container, it’ll stay fresh for about 6 months. But if you’re anything like us, you’ll use it all long before then.

Can I use this as a taco seasoning?

Absolutely. This blend is perfect for tacos—especially chicken or shrimp. Just sauté your protein with a little oil and a tablespoon or two of the blend.

Is this spice blend spicy?

It has a mild to medium kick, depending on your sensitivity. The cayenne and chipotle bring the heat, but you can easily tone it down or leave them out.

What’s the best protein to use this with?

It shines with grilled chicken, pork, or shrimp. But don’t sleep on roasted vegetables or even sprinkling it on popcorn for a Tex-Mex twist.

Can I use it as a dry rub?

Yes! It’s fantastic as a dry rub for anything going on the grill—just pat it onto the meat before cooking.

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