Instructions
What is Chili Powder?
Chili powder is a robust blend of fire-roasted chili peppers, garlic, and spices like cumin and oregano. McCormick’s FlavorSealed™ bottle ensures our chili powder has long-lasting fresh flavor, vibrant color, and aroma.
McCormick’s Chili Powder is a versatile spice that provides an earthy depth to any Mexican, Tex-Mex, or Southwestern dish. Whether you are simmering a pot of Texas-style chili con carne, or grilling up fish tacos, chili powder is a foundational spice that should be considered a pantry staple.
What Does Chili Powder Taste Like?
Chili powder is a savory blend that delivers a deep, rich flavor with mild to moderate heat. It has a warm, earthy, slightly smoky flavor, with notes of cumin, garlic and oregano.
Capturing a well-balanced profile means the heat of the peppers won’t overwhelm the other spices. Instead, they should work together to create a warm and toasted aroma. You’ll know your chili powder is fresh if it has a deep red color and a savory scent.
What is in Chili Powder?
A common mistake is that chili powder is just ground up chilies. Instead, chili powder is a unique, curated spice blend. Most often, chili powder combines:
- Fire-roasted chili peppers for the signature red color and smoky heat.
- Cumin for earthy undertones.
- Garlic for savory pungency.
- Oregano for a hint of sweetness.
- Salt to enhance all other flavors.
Chili Powder Substitutes
If you don’t have a bottle of McCormick Chili Powder on hand, you can make your own chili powder from spices already available. For a substitute mix:
- Equal parts Oregano Leaves, Paprika, Garlic Powder, and Ground Cumin
- For additional heat, add a dash of Ground Cayenne Red Pepper
- For additional smoke, add a pinch of Ground Chipotle Chili Pepper
Is Cayenne Pepper the Same as Chili Powder?
No, Cayenne Red Pepper and Chili Powder are not the same spices! Cayenne pepper is a single, very hot, chili pepper ground into a fine powder. Chili powder is a lower-heat blend containing other spices like cumin and garlic. Using cayenne as a 1:1 substitute for chili powder will make your dish significantly spicier and miss the savory depth intended.
How is Chili Powder Made?
At McCormick, we make Chili Powder by starting with whole, ripe chili peppers that are toasted to bring out natural oils. These fire-roasted peppers are then blended with our high-quality garlic and spices. At McCormick, our chili powder is non-GMO and gluten-free, ensuring a pure flavor you can feel good about. Our FlavorSealed™ bottles also help ensure the spices have long-lasting fresh flavor from the moment they leave our facility to the moment they hit your pot.
Is Chili Powder Spicy?
Despite the name, most standard chili powders are considered mild to medium in heat. It is designed to provide flavorful heat, rather than an intense burn. This helps make it a family-friendly choice that allows you to build a deep and warm flavor profile without making the dish too fiery.
How to Store Chili Powder
Like all spices, chili powder should be stored in a cool and dry place away from moisture and direct heat. To keep the vibrant red color from fading, avoid storing it on the ledge above your stove. McCormick bottles now use 50% post-consumer recycled plastic, which helps reduce our carbon footprint while keeping your spices shelf-stable and delicious.
Learn more about how long spices last and storage solutions, read more here.
Flavors that Go with Chili Powder
Chili powder is a natural spice for more than just chili or stews. It is a versatile partner for many pantry staples such as:
- Tomatoes: Chili powder adds depth and warmth that counters a tomato's natural acidity that makes salsas and soups even better.
- Chocolate: Add a sprinkle to chocolate cookies and flourless cake to give the sweetness an earthy edge.
- Beef and Pork: Rub chili powder on with a little salt before grilling for an instant flavor upgrade.
- Beans: Bean soups and stews can always use a generous sprinkling to round out the savory profile.
- Barbecue Sauce: personalize your favorite sauce by simmering it with a teaspoon or two of chili powder to mellow the flavors and add complexity.
Grab Your Chili Powder Products
- McCormick® Chili Powder, 2.5 oz
- Lawry's® Chili Powder, 2.5 oz
- McCormick Gourmet™ Organic Chili Powder, 1.75 oz
- El Guapo® Ground Chili Powder (Chile Molido), 2 oz
