What Seasoning to Use on Chicken: The Ultimate Guide

Chicken is a blank canvas that takes beautifully to all kinds of seasonings and spice blends. With the right seasonings, you can transform a basic chicken breast or thigh into a delicious, flavorful meal. But with so many seasoning options available, it can be tricky to know where to start. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best seasonings for chicken, from basic herbs to global spice blends.

Herbs and Spices That Pair Well with Chicken

Certain herbs and spices complement the mild flavor of chicken exceptionally well. Here are some of the most versatile seasonings to always have on hand:

• Salt and pepper are two of the most basic seasonings that are used to make most blends. Try sea salt, kosher salt, or smoked salt instead of regular table salt.

• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These aromatics provide a savory flavor base for chicken. Use them in a classic herb rub or mix into a marinade.

• Paprika Sweet paprika adds gentle warmth while smoked paprika provides a rich smoky taste. Sprinkle on chicken before roasting or grilling.

• Dried Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, oregano, and sage are herbs that pair perfectly with chicken. Use them alone or in spice blends.

• Chili Powder and Cayenne: Chili powder or cayenne pepper can be used to add a little heat. It goes well with warm spices like cumin and cinnamon.

• Lemon: Brighten up chicken with the zesty flavor of lemon. Use lemon pepper, dried lemon peel, or lemon juice and zest in marinades.

Building a Simple Herb Rub

An easy way to start seasoning chicken is with a basic herb rub. Combining 3-5 dried herbs and spices creates an incredibly flavorful blend that can be adjusted to suit any taste.

Here’s one recipe for a classic herb rub to try on chicken:

• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper

Just mix the ingredients together and rub them all over the chicken before roasting, baking, or grilling it. Store any extra spice rub in an airtight container.

Infusing Flavor with Wet Marinades

Another great way to infuse chicken with flavor is to marinate it in a wet marinade. The acidic ingredients help tenderize the meat while the seasonings penetrate deeply.

A basic marinade contains 3 core components:

• Acid: lemon juice, vinegar, yogurt
• Oil: olive oil, vegetable oil, sesame oil
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, herbs, spices, garlic, onion, etc

The marinating time can be as short as 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, it should be between 2 and 12 hours. Always marinate in the refrigerator.

Exploring Global Seasoning Blends

Once you’ve mastered basic herbs and spices, try experimenting with blends inspired by different cuisines around the world.

Here are some flavorful blends to try:

Italian: Basil, oregano, rosemary, garlic, fennel seed, crushed red pepper

Mexican: Cumin, chili powder, garlic, oregano, cinnamon, coriander

Indian: Turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, garam masala, curry powder

Moroccan: Cinnamon, cumin, coriander, ginger, paprika, cloves

Jamaican Jerk: Thyme, allspice, black pepper, onion, habanero pepper

BBQ Rub: Brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic, onion, mustard

Adjust ingredient amounts to make these blends as mild or spicy as you want. You can either use them as dry rubs or mix into a marinade.

Cooking Methods That Complement Seasonings

How you cook the chicken will impact how the seasonings develop and intensify. Here are some of the best cooking methods to highlight flavors:

• Roasting: Excellent for dried herb rubs as the chicken browns and crisps.

• Grilling: Dry rubs or marinades help chicken get nicely charred. Baste with marinade while grilling.

• Pan-searing: Cook chicken quickly to seal in moisture and flavor. Deglaze the pan with wine or broth.

• Baking: More gentle heat allows marinades to penetrate evenly throughout the meat.

• Slow cooker: Wet marinades or spice pastes infuse chicken with deep flavor over longer cooking.

Storing and Handling Spices Properly

To get the most flavor and lifespan from your seasonings:

• Buy spices whole and grind just before using. They lose flavor quickly once ground.

• Store spices in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. Keep away from light, heat, and moisture.

• Discard dried herbs and spices after 1 year as they degrade over time. Sniff to check freshness.

• When handling, use a clean, dry spoon to scoop spices to prevent contamination.

With the right techniques and a little experimentation, you can create incredible chicken dishes bursting with flavor. Mastering seasoning is a lifelong journey, so keep trying new spice combinations to discover your favorites!