With tons of page views you can see why this chicken seasoning is one of my most popular recipes. With spices from your pantry, this spice mix is the best way to season chicken and make it taste better.
Are you cooking chicken for dinner tonight? One of the most asked questions in the kitchen is “how do I make chicken taste good?”.
So how do you add flavor to chicken? The easy way is adding a combination of herbs and spices.
I like to put this mix on skinless chicken breasts with a little olive oil or mix it with flour and fry it.
You can make it with spices you already have in your pantry. It tastes great on vegetables, seafood, and chicken tonight!
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People love chicken because it has a mild flavor that works well in many different types of food and cooking methods. It doesn’t taste bad by itself, but without the right spices, it can get boring. Picking the right herbs and spices to go with chicken can turn a normal dish into a truly amazing culinary experience.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about seasoning chicken, from understanding the flavor spectrum to mastering spice combinations. With the tips provided here, you’ll be able to unlock the full flavor potential of chicken.
An Overview of Chicken’s Flavor Profile
The mild taste and tender texture of chicken make it a blank canvas for absorbing and enhancing other flavors. Unlike beef or other meats with a more pronounced taste, chicken does not overpower spices. Its receptive nature allows spices to shine through.
Chicken’s mild profile also means that care must be taken to avoid overwhelming it with excessively strong spices. A balanced, nuanced approach usually yields optimal results. By thoughtfully layering spices, herbs, and seasonings, you can create depth and complexity.
The Spice Spectrum for Chicken
With chicken’s versatility, the possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to spices and seasonings. Here is an overview of flavor profiles commonly paired with chicken:
- Smoky – Smoked paprika, chipotle powder, liquid smoke
- Savory – Onion, garlic, parsley, celery seed
- Spicy – Chili powder, cayenne, crushed red pepper
- Herbaceous – Rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, basil
- Citrus – Lemon, lime, orange
- Sweet – Brown sugar, honey, maple syrup
- Salty – Sea salt, soy sauce
- Tangy – Vinegar, mustard, bbq sauce
- Earthy – Cumin, coriander, turmeric
- Warming – Ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice
These represent just a sampling of possibilities. Feel free to get creative and combine flavors in innovative ways. The key is achieving balance between contrasting taste elements.
Essential Spice and Herb Families for Chicken
When putting spices together, it helps to know about their flavor “families.” Here are some of the most essential categories:
Herbs
Herbs offer fresh, aromatic qualities that pair beautifully with chicken. Basil, thyme, rosemary, parsley, cilantro, and oregano are especially complementary.
Chili Peppers
Chili peppers can give you anything from a mild kick to intense heat, from mild to scorching hot. Options like paprika, chili powder, and cayenne are popular.
Warming Spices
Warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice lend comforting flavor nuances. They are ideal for autumnal chicken dishes.
Citrus Spices
Lemon and lime zest, in both fresh and dried form, give chicken a bright, tangy boost. They help balance out richer ingredients.
Savory Spices
Onion, garlic, celery seed, and mustard add savory umami elements, building depth and complexity of flavor.
Earthy Spices
Cumin, coriander, turmeric, and fennel impart an earthy quality, providing a savory base layer of flavor.
Pungent Spices
Black pepper, white pepper, and spicy mustard pack some punch. They accentuate other seasonings.
Tips for Complementing Chicken with Spices
Here are some key tips for using spices to maximize chicken’s flavor potential:
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Rub spices under the skin for enhanced flavor absorption
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Marinate chicken in spice mixtures for tenderizing and infusing effects
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Balance mild and assertive spices to avoid overwhelming chicken
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Layer flavors with spice blends, herbs, aromatics, and fresh ingredients
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Cook low and slow with tougher cuts to allow spice infusion
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Grill over moderate heat to prevent spices like paprika from burning
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Bloom spices like cumin and coriander in oil to intensify their flavors
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Finish with fresh herbs for a final punch of brightness
Recommended Spice Blends for Chicken
Spice blends offer convenience, synergy, and global flavor inspiration. Here are some excellent options:
- Jerk Seasoning – Spicy, herby blend perfect for grilling
- Tandoori Masala – Warming Indian spice mix, great for marinades
- Moroccan Seasoning – Zesty North African blend with cumin and coriander
- Italian Seasoning – Classic herby mix of basil, oregano, rosemary
- Cajun Seasoning – Robust bayou spice blend, perfect for blackening
- 5 Spice Powder – Savory and mildly sweet Chinese blend
- Shawarma Spice – Middle Eastern blend with warm spices like cumin
- Za’atar – Bright Middle Eastern mix with thyme, sesame seeds, sumac
- Garam Masala – Warm, earthy Indian blend with cumin and cinnamon
Final Tips for Cooking with Chicken and Spices
Follow these tips for successful results when seasoning chicken:
- Always taste and adjust spices to your preferences
- Cook a test piece first to check spice flavors
- Keep it simple – 2 to 4 spices often works best
- Toast whole spices like cumin to boost their flavor
- Sprinkle some spices under the skin for maximum infusion
- Brine chicken first for juicier, more flavorful meat
- Use spice rubs on bone-in chicken pieces with more flavor
With the guidelines provided here, you’ll be ready to make kitchen magic with chicken. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new spice blends and combinations. The possibilities for transforming chicken into an unforgettable dining experience are infinite. Happy seasoning!
How To Make Chicken Seasoning
- Put all the spices in a bowl and mix them together with a whisk.
- Keep in a cool, dry place in a container that won’t let air in.
For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
After you mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl, store it in a cool, dry place. It will last up to 3 months.
I keep all of my spice mixes in glass jars because they can be used again and again, don’t let air in, and don’t hold on to the smells of other mixes.
Herbs: basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, oregano.Spices: garlic powder, onion powder, salt.Heat: paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper.
General rule for me is 1 tablespoon per pound of chicken but I like to just make sure that when I sprinkle on the seasoning, I don’t have too many open or empty spots on the meat. For a whole chicken, roughly 3-4 pounds, I like to use 1/4 cup. However you like to season yours, just be sure to start small. You can always add more but you can’t take it off once it’s on there. Don’t forget that salt and pepper go a long way too!.
It’s best to put dry seasonings on before you cook it. I like to add mine about 30 minutes before I grill the chicken so it has a chance to stick to the meat and won’t fall off right away. You can also sprinkle a little additional seasoning when it comes off the grill. It’s your meat, so season it how you see fit.
Best Way To Season Chicken
You can get the best seasoning by getting a specific spice rub like Greek or Italian seasoning. If you have picky eaters, you can use an all-purpose seasoning like this one instead.
The best part of chicken is that it goes with just about every flavor profile you can think of!.
This easy chicken seasoning is made with herbs and spices from your pantry. It makes meat that is juicy, tender, and full of flavor. If you are grilling, baking or roasting chicken, this is perfect for a whole chickens, breasts, wings or thighs.
See recipe card for complete information on ingredients and their quantities.
- Use only the highest quality spices.
- Check the dates to see when they go bad and buy the freshest ones you can find.
- Rub the oregano, thyme, and parsley together with your fingers to get their oils out and make them stronger.
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My (Formerly Secret) Chicken Seasoning That You Can Make At Home | Chicken Rub Recipe
FAQ
What spices go well with chicken?
Spices can turn a simple chicken dish into a flavorful and mouthwatering meal. From aromatic herbs to bold spices, there are numerous options to enhance the taste of your chicken. Here, we explore the most popular spices that pair perfectly with chicken: Do you like this article? 1. Garlic Powder 2. Paprika 3. Cayenne Pepper 4. Cumin 5. Thyme 6.
What herbs go with chicken?
So, what are the best herbs that go with chicken? We would recommend a wide variety of robust herbs like rosemary, thyme, lemongrass, sage, and bay leaves. You can also use soft herbs for more refreshing flavors including oregano, tarragon, marjoram, parsley, cilantro, and basil.
What spices go well with chicken thighs?
When cooking chicken thighs, I recommend using a pinch of ground cinnamon to get just the right amount of sweet and woody flavor. Cinnamon has a slight citrusy note that pairs especially well with poultry. Plus, its spicy taste is powerful and reminiscent of cloves; it’s the perfect way to add warmth and richness to your dish!.
What spices do you put in chicken poop?
It’s a versatile blend of savory spices (plus a little brown sugar) that enhances the natural flavor of chicken and poultry, and helps it caramelize perfectly no matter how I cook it. I mix a delicious blend of salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, 2 kinds of paprika, and oregano to create this DIY spice blend.
What flavor goes well with chicken?
Rosemary can have an overpowering flavor, so use it sparingly. It tends to have a hint of citrus flavor, so try it with lemon or marjoram. Sage is a good flavor to use with chicken, but a little goes a long way. Pair sage with garlic, paprika, parsley, or thyme. Thyme has a similar flavor to marjoram, but without the lemony undertone.
Is salt a good spice for chicken?
The list does not include salt because it is an essential ingredient in whatever you cook rather than a ‘spice’ (unless you avoid it for medical reasons). Other herbs and spices good for chicken dishes include allspice, cardamom, tarragon, mustard, cilantro, and parsley.
What spices pair well with chicken?
Many spices pair well with chicken, including classic choices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, as well as herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
What brings out the flavor in chicken?
Almost no spices can be mixed with water well enough to season the inside of a chicken with a brine. Bay, cinnamon, vanilla, and ginger will all work. Apart from those, what you are adding to the muscle fibers by brining is salt water.
What is a nice seasoning for chicken?
Ingredients1 ½ teaspoons sea salt. 1 teaspoon dried basil. 1 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary. ½ teaspoon garlic powder. ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder. ½ teaspoon paprika. ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. ½ teaspoon ground dried thyme.
What spices can you sprinkle on chicken?
WHAT HERBS You could use chili powder, ginger, cumin, cayenne, paprika, oregano, sage, rosemary, and thyme instead of salt, pepper, basil, and garlic.