Chicken Seasoning

Making chicken seasoning from scratch takes only a few minutes and adds so much flavor to your dishes, all without the additives or excess salt often found in store-bought blends.

Featuring a mix of smoky and sweet spices with a dash of dried herbs, this chicken seasoning is my absolute go-to for skinless chicken breasts, but it’s good on everything, not just chicken. From pork to fish and even potatoes, it will kick up the flavors by several notches no matter what you use it on. 

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Seasoning

• Quick and easy. Just gather your ingredients and mix them together. That’s it!
• Can be made in larger batches. If you are someone who cooks meats regularly, I suggest making a big batch and storing this seasoning mix in your pantry for all future use.
• Flexible. In addition to chicken, you can also use this seasoning blend on pork, beef or even salmon.

Ingredients

Ready to make your poultry taste even better? Below is the list of very simple ingredients you’ll need to create the ultimate seasoning for chicken!

• Salt: I suggest using 1/2 teaspoon of salt or 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, but you should adjust the salt quantity according to your taste or dietary requirements.
• Fresh ground pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper for the best result. An affordable pepper grinder and whole peppercorns can be found at most supermarkets.
• Paprika: Depending on your taste, you can use either sweet or smoked paprika.
• Cayenne pepper: This adds a subtle heat to the chicken. We’re using it sparingly to ensure the chicken isn’t overly spicy. Red pepper flakes, chili powder, or even a Cajun seasoning mix are excellent alternatives.
• Garlic powder: Added for flavor and aromatics.
• Onion powder: A key player in achieving the perfect taste.
• Dried thyme: Herbs add depth to the mix. Italian Seasoning can be substituted.
• Dried basil: Adds a sweet, aromatic, and peppery flavor.
• Dried rosemary: Provides a strong, concentrated flavor.
• Dried parsley: Helps to balance and round out the flavors in the dish.

How To Use Chicken Seasoning

Regardless of the cooking method, be it baking, grilling, or pressure-cooking, this dry rub consistently imparts delicious flavor to the chicken. If you’re wondering how to bake chicken breast that’s seriously tasty, this seasoning is perfect for enhancing the flavor and keeping the meat juicy.

• Dry the meat. Pat dry the chicken (or any other meat) with paper towels.
• Add the seasoning. Next, lightly coat the chicken pieces with a bit of olive oil, which will help the seasoning adhere to the meat. Rub the spice blend all over the chicken breasts – or any other cut of chicken or meat.
  • Aim to use about 1 tablespoon of the seasoning blend for every 1 pound of chicken.
• Let it sit. While you can cook the chicken immediately, allowing it to marinate in the rub for 30 minutes or up to 12 hours results in a more flavor-packed outcome. If marinating for over an hour, continue the process in the refrigerator.
• Discard extra seasoning. As a food safety precaution, get rid of any remaining rub that has been in touch with the raw chicken or your hands during the process.

What Tools Do I Need?

To make and store this seasoning, you’ll need a few essential tools.

• Measuring spoons are vital for adding just the right amount of each spice.
• Mixing bowls provide the space needed to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
• Spice jars serve as the perfect storage solution, keeping your seasoning blend fresh and ready to use for your next recipe. Airtight containers are a good alternative.

How Long Will It Last?

If stored in a spice jar or airtight container and kept in a dark, dry place, this seasoning blend can last up to 3 months. I like to make a larger batch and have it on hand whenever I need a delicious spice rub.

More Spice Blends

• Homemade Fajitas Seasoning Mix
• Homemade Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
• Homemade Taco Seasoning