McCormick Dark Chili Powder, 20 oz – Backyard Grill & Smoker Dry Rub for Beef, Pork, and Chicken
McCormick Dark Chili Powder, 20 oz – Backyard Grill & Smoker Dry Rub for Beef, Pork, and Chicken
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Why you'll love it
- Slightly sweet and noticeably hotter profile delivers richer, deeper flavor than standard chili powder
- Made from whole, ripe peppers rather than pre-processed blends for more authentic taste
- Versatile across cuisines, proteins, and vegetarian dishes, reducing the need for multiple spices
- Larger 20 oz and 1.25 lb sizes suit frequent cooks and reduce repurchase hassle
- Compatible with vegan, vegetarian, low-carb, and kosher diets without reformulating meals
- Trusted McCormick brand heritage removes guesswork around pepper sourcing and freshness
- Deemed a winter staple when local stores don't carry it
- Bold chili color and flavor when used on many different foods
- Has 'zip' (more kick) than competitor brands like Tones
- Can be used as a versatile base to customize by adding more garlic, cumin, or other spices
- Fresh product with 'best by' date nearly a full year out
- Long-lasting 20 oz. container that lasts a long time even with frequent use
Perfect for
- Seasoning a pot of Southwestern-style chili
- Rubbing onto beef, pork, or chicken before grilling
- Sprinkling into Tex-Mex tacos, burritos, and fajitas
- Boosting flavor in vegetarian bean soups, stews, and meatless dishes
- Blending a custom spice mix for slow-cooked or smoked meats
- Seasoning fajita chicken
- Adding to soups and stews
- Blending into sauces and marinades
- General all-purpose seasoning on a wide variety of dishes (not just chili)
Product Information
McCormick Dark Chili Powder always starts with whole, ripe peppers
A robust blend of ripe peppers, garlic, salt and spices
Slightly sweet flavor that is just a little hotter than our regular chili powder
Adds rich earthy flavor and deep color to Southwestern chili and Tex-Mex tacos
Rub Dark Chili Powder on beef, pork or chicken before grilling
While Texans lay claim to the invention of chili powder, everyone agrees that using chili powder is a lot easier than choosing the right chili peppers to dry, toast and grind. At McCormick, we�ve done that for you � our dark chili powder always starts with whole, ripe peppers that we expertly blend with garlic, salt and spices. McCormick Dark Chili Powder has a slightly sweet flavor that is just a little hotter than our regular chili powder. It gives rich earthy flavor and deep color to Southwestern chili and Tex-Mex tacos. This chili powder is a natural for the grill. It makes a delicious rub for beef, pork or chicken. Perk up the flavor of meatless dishes, bean soups and stews with a sprinkling of robust dark chili powder.
Ingredients
Chili Pepper, Spices, Salt, Silicon Dioxide (Added to Make Free Flowing), and Garlic.
Items Details
Coin Variety 1: Chili
Item Form: Powder
Diet Type: Kosher
Specialty: Kosher, Vegan, high-fructose-corn-syrup-free, low-carb, vegetarian
Produce Sold As Format: Pre-packaged
Global Trade Identification Number: 00052100106212
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 20 oz container hold up well in a hot grill station or outdoor smoker area?
Yes. The rigid canister is built to sit safely on a prep table next to your grill or smoker. Just close the lid after each use to keep outdoor dust, ash, and moisture out of the powder.
Can I use this as a dry rub for brisket, ribs, and other long smokes?
Absolutely. The dark-roasted whole-pepper blend and layered spice profile make it an ideal base rub for brisket, ribs, pork shoulder, and chicken thighs on low-and-slow smokes. Many pitmasters layer it under a finishing rub for deeper color and flavor.
Will the chili powder clump or cake if I keep it outside by the grill?
Silicon dioxide is added to keep the powder free-flowing, so it resists clumping during normal use. For best freshness, we still recommend bringing the jar indoors between cookouts and resealing it tightly.
Is this strong enough to season a full competition-style chili pot outdoors?
Yes. The 20 oz and 1.25 lb sizes are popular with chili cook-off competitors because the bold, slightly sweet heat holds up over a long simmer and stands out in blind judging.
Can I take this on camping trips without it spilling in my gear?
The shaker lid is designed to control pour, and the container is solid enough for coolers and camp bins. For backpack camping, you can pre-portion some into a small zip bag and leave the main jar at the car or RV.
Is this a good rub for flank steak or skirt steak fajitas on the grill?
Yes. The deep red color and roasted-pepper flavor pair especially well with skirt and flank steak. Pat the meat dry, coat generously, and let it sit 15–30 minutes before hitting a hot grate for classic carne asada-style fajitas.
Can I mix it with other dry spices to build a custom BBQ rub?
Definitely. Many grill enthusiasts use it as a base and add brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, or garlic powder to customize. The flavor backbone is strong enough to support extra layers without disappearing.
How does McCormick Dark Chili Powder compare to a standard chili powder on ribs?
It delivers noticeably more heat and a deeper, slightly sweet roasted flavor than standard grocery-store chili powder, which means you get richer bark and color on ribs with the same amount of rub.
Is it better than a salt-heavy commercial BBQ rub for chicken?
It is lower in salt than most pre-made BBQ rubs, so you control the seasoning. You can apply it generously without over-salting chicken, and add finishing salt to taste.
Will the bold color stain my grill grates or smoker interior?
The deep red-brown pigment can leave color on grates like any chili-based rub, but it cooks off easily with a hot grill brush. It will not permanently stain stainless steel or porcelain finishes.
Does the heat hold up at low smoker temperatures, or does it fade?
The roasted-pepper flavor is built for long cooks and actually deepens during a low-and-slow smoke, rather than fading, which is why it works so well as a base rub.
What if I have never grilled with chili powder before and am worried about getting it wrong?
It is very forgiving. Start with one tablespoon per pound of meat, rub it on, and adjust up or down next time. The flavor profile is rich enough that even a light coating makes a noticeable difference.
Is the 20 oz size too much for a casual weekend griller?
Not at all. Frequent grillers actually prefer the larger size because it lasts through many cookouts and reduces trips to the store. Even casual users typically finish it well before the best-by date.
Can I bring it to a friend's cookout as a shared seasoning?
Yes, it is a great potluck-style addition. Just scoop what you need into a small bowl rather than dipping into the main jar at the party to keep it clean.
Does the aroma attract bugs when used outdoors?
The roasted chili aroma is released during cooking, not from the sealed jar. A tightly closed container stored off the ground will not draw insects any more than other pantry spices.
How much McCormick Dark Chili Powder should I use per pot of chili?
A good starting point is two to three tablespoons per pound of meat, or about one tablespoon per cup of beans and liquid. Taste as you go and adjust up for a bolder pot or down for a milder family-style chili.
Can I use it as a dry rub, and how long should the rub sit on the meat?
Yes, it works well as a dry rub on beef, pork, chicken, and even tofu. Coat the meat generously, let it rest at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes, then cook. For deeper flavor, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before grilling or smoking.
What is the best way to store it to keep it fresh?
Keep the lid tightly closed and store it in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight and the stove. Properly stored, it stays fresh well past the printed best-by date, which is typically close to a year out.
Is this compatible with vegan, vegetarian, low-carb, and kosher diets?
Yes. The blend contains no animal products, no added MSG, and is kosher-certified, so it fits vegan, vegetarian, low-carb, and kosher eating patterns without modifying your recipes.
Does it work in slow cookers, Instant Pots, and other appliances?
Yes. It dissolves cleanly into liquids, so it works in slow cookers, Instant Pots, stovetop pots, and sous vide bags. Add it early in the cook for stews and chilis, or at the end for a brighter top note on fajita fillings.
What is in the container when it arrives?
You receive a single canister of McCormick Dark Chili Powder in your chosen size, sealed for freshness. No additional accessories are required to use it. You may want a small measuring spoon if you prefer precise portions.
Is this product safe to consume past the printed best-by date?
Like most dried spices, it is generally safe well past the best-by date if stored properly, though flavor and color will gradually fade. For the best taste, we recommend using it within the printed window.
Does it contain any major allergens like dairy, wheat, or soy?
No. The standard formulation does not contain dairy, wheat, soy, or tree nuts, making it suitable for most common allergen households. Always check the current label for the most up-to-date allergen information.
What is the difference between chili powder and a chili seasoning blend?
Chili powder is a roasted-pepper-based ground spice, while chili seasoning blends often include additional starches, thickeners, and salt for a one-step chili mix. McCormick Dark Chili Powder gives you the pure pepper base so you can build your own flavor and control salt levels.
