This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy.
Don’t have chili powder, or realized you’re all out while you’re cooking? Here’s the best chili powder substitute to use in recipes.
Making a recipe that calls for chili powder and don’t have it? Here’s a few options that are suitable as a substitution. Chili powder is a spice blend made with dried chilis and other spices. It’s the main spice in chili, and is used often in Mexican cuisine. There’s really nothing like it! But, here’s the good news: you can fake it if you need to. Here are a few ideas for substitutions for this spicy ingredient.
Best chili powder substitute
1. Homemade chili powder mix
The best substitute for chili powder? A homemade chili powder mix! To make homemade chili powder, simply combine the following spices (makes ¼ cup chili powder):
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- ½ tablespoon cumin
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ¾ teaspoon cayenne
2. Paprika, cumin and cayenne
The next best substitute for chili powder? A mix of paprika, cumin and cayenne. If you don’t have all the spices above, you can make a “cheater” version. Here’s the ratio to use:
- Substitution Ratio: For every 1 tablespoon chili powder, use 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, and a scant ¼ teaspoon cayenne. You can customize the cayenne to taste based on your spice preference.
Related recipes
Here are some recipes that use chili powder:
- Vegetarian Chili and Ultimate Vegan Chili
- Quick Chili Recipe
- Vegan Sloppy Joes
- 3-Bean Healthy Chili Recipe
- Easy Baked Flautas (Taquitos!)
- Easy Instant Pot Pinto Beans
- Best Ever Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili
- Homemade Refried Beans
- Easy Refried Bean Dip
- Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Homemade Chili Powder Substitute
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: ¼ cup 1x
Description
Here’s how to make homemade chili powder! Mix this all natural blend into a batch of chili, or use it for grilled or roasted veggies, dips, and more.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- ½ tablespoon cumin
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ¾ teaspoon cayenne
Instructions
- Whisk the ingredients together in a small bowl. Transfer to an airtight container or jar. Store for 6 months to 1 year in a cool, dry place.
- Category: Seasoning
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Spice Blend
- Diet: Vegan
Keywords: Chili powder substitute
Needed chili powder in a hurry for enchilada sauce. I’m in Russia, I even have to make the tortillas. So your recipe was just in time for lunch. Thanks, you two!
You’re welcome!
I wanted to make a chilli for my daughter that wasn’t spicy at all, I’ve been using this substitute without the cayenne and it tastes great! Thanks
How much do I use per pound of meat
1 to 2 tablespoons, to your preference.
One or two is a big difference. 1teaspoon to 1 cup. lol