What Seasoning is Good for Chicken? The Best Chicken Seasonings Revealed

Chicken is a versatile and popular ingredient that forms the basis of many delicious home cooked meals, But plain chicken can be bland and boring This is where chicken seasoning comes in – the right blend of herbs and spices can transform your chicken into something truly mouthwatering,

So what seasoning is good for chicken? There are many tasty seasoning options to give chicken big, bold flavor From subtle to spicy, the possibilities are endless. In this article, we will uncover the best chicken seasoning combinations and simple recipes to make chicken pop with flavor.

Why Should You Season Chicken?

Chicken has a mild flavor on its own. Seasoning chicken before cooking infuses it with extra taste. It also forms a flavorful, textured crust. Here are some key benefits of seasoning chicken:

• Seasoning goes all the way through the chicken to make it taste better from the inside out.

• Enhances juiciness – Spices add moisture and prevent chicken drying out during cooking.

• Builds a crust—Dry rubs help the outside of chicken get a crispy, caramelized skin.

• Versatility – Different seasoning mixes allow you to vary the flavor profile of chicken to suit any cuisine.

• Food safety – Salt and acidic ingredients help kill bacteria on chicken.

With the right blend of spices and technique, seasoned chicken gets a major flavor upgrade over plain chicken.

Quick Guide to Chicken Seasoning Ingredients

Chicken seasoning can include both dried and fresh components. Here is an at-a-glance guide to key herbs and spices to flavor chicken:

Salt – Forms a flavor base and helps chicken retain moisture. Kosher or sea salt work best.

Pepper – Use fresh cracked black pepper for aroma and heat.

Paprika – Adds mild sweetness and red color. Smoked paprika has extra flavor.

Chili powder – Provides a touch of heat and smokiness.

Garlic and onion powders – Offer aromatic, savory notes.

Dried herbs – Oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary add Mediterranean flavors.

Spices – Cumin, coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg provide warmth.

Acid – Lemon juice or vinegar help tenderize chicken.

Sugar – A touch of brown sugar or honey helps chicken caramelize when cooked.

Oils and fats – Olive oil, butter help the seasoning stick and keep chicken moist.

8 Best Chicken Seasoning Recipes

Now let’s look at some specific seasoning blends perfect for any type of chicken dish.

1. Simple Chicken Seasoning

This easy 4-ingredient chicken rub only requires pantry staples but packs a flavor punch.

• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1⁄2 tsp pepper

Whisk together the ingredients until fully blended. It makes about 1/4 cup, which is enough for 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of chicken.

2. Chicken Fajita Seasoning

Southwestern flavors shine in this chicken fajita rub. Chili powder and cumin add warmth.

• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 1⁄2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1⁄2 tsp onion powder
• 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
• 1⁄4 tsp cayenne (optional)

Mix the spices to combine. Use 1-2 tbsp per pound of chicken.

3. Jerk Chicken Seasoning

Transport your tastebuds to the Caribbean with this spicy, herby Jamaican jerk chicken seasoning.

• 1 tbsp thyme
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1⁄2 tsp cayenne
• 1⁄2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp oil
• Juice of 1 lime

Blend wet and dry ingredients separately, then mix together. Marinate chicken for 1-2 hours before cooking.

4. Rosemary Lemon Chicken Rub

This citrus-flavored fresh herb rub tastes great on chicken that is going to the grill or oven.

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp minced fresh rosemary
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1⁄2 tsp salt
• 1⁄4 tsp pepper

Whisk ingredients to form a paste-like rub. Slather generously under chicken skin or all over bone-in chicken pieces.

5. Chicken Shawarma Spice Mix

Chicken shawarma is a Middle Eastern street food specialty. Recreate the flavors at home with this blend.

• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1⁄2 tsp cinnamon
• 1⁄4 tsp ground cloves

Combine the spices and use 1-2 tbsp to season chicken before cooking in a skillet, oven or grill.

6. Cajun Chicken Seasoning

For heat and robust flavor, try this homemade Cajun blend full of south Louisiana charm on your chicken.

• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp white pepper
• 1 tbsp salt

Mix all ingredients until well blended. Rub over chicken up to 24 hours before cooking.

7. Italian Chicken Seasoning

An Italian-herb seasoned crust makes chicken irresistible. Oregano and basil do most of the flavor lifting here.

• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried basil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1⁄2 tsp salt
• 1⁄2 tsp pepper
• 1⁄4 tsp dried thyme
• 1⁄4 tsp dried rosemary

Whisk spices together and use about 1 tsp per serving of chicken. Suitable for all cooking methods.

8. Chicken Taco Seasoning

Why buy packets when you can quickly mix up this versatile tex-mex blend for chicken tacos, fajitas or more?

• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1⁄2 tsp oregano
• 1⁄2 tsp salt
• 1⁄4 tsp cayenne (optional)

Combine spices. Use 1-2 tbsp to season 1 lb ground chicken or chicken pieces.

Tips for Applying Seasoning to Chicken

To get the most flavor and the best crust on your chicken, follow these handy tips:

• Pat chicken dry – Rub with paper towels so the seasoning sticks properly.

• Use an oil or fat – Lightly coat chicken in olive oil, butter or yogurt so spices adhere.

• Season generously – Use about 1-2 tbsp of dry rub per pound of chicken.

• Rub it in – Massage seasoning all over chicken to get full coverage.

• Under the skin – Loosen skin on pieces with skin and rub seasoning directly onto meat.

• Marinate – Let chicken soak in spices in the fridge for up to 24 hours for maximum infusion.

• Toss it – Put chicken pieces and seasoning in a bag and shake to coat.

• Cook ASAP – For food safety, cook seasoned chicken within 4 hours.

With the seasoning well distributed and direct contact with the meat, your chicken will become infused with lots of flavor.

What Are the Most Popular Chicken Seasonings?

Now you know how to make your own custom spice blends for chicken. But what premixed seasonings do people turn to most for flavoring chicken? Here are 5 of the most popular:

• Poultry seasoning – A blend of sage, thyme, marjoram and rosemary adds classic flavor.

• Adobo seasoning – A Puerto Rican blend with oregano, garlic, salt, pepper; great for Latin chicken dishes.

• Rotisserie chicken seasoning – Often contains thyme, marjoram, rosemary, garlic and onion. Replicates flavor of store-bought rotisserie chicken.

• Ranch seasoning – A mix of herbs like dill, chives, parsley, garlic and onion to give chicken zesty ranch flavor.

• Lemon pepper – Combination of lemon zest, black pepper and herbs adds citrus zing.

While premade mixes save prep time, homemade spice blends let you control ingredients and customize flavors. Both options can take chicken from bland to spectacular.

Cooking Methods for Seasoned Chicken

A flavorful rub or marinade transforms any chicken, no matter how you cook it. Here are some top cooking techniques to try:

• Baked – Whole chicken or pieces baked at 375-400F works well with most seasonings.

• Grilled – Gets nice char from dry rubs. Use medium heat to avoid burning.

• Pan-fried or sautéed – Cook chicken in batches in an oiled skillet over medium-high heat until browned and 165F internal temperature.

• Broiled – High heat helps chicken crust up. Watch it closely to avoid burning.

• Air fried – Gives incredible crispy crust to spiced chicken wings or thighs.

• Slow cooker – Layer seasoned chicken pieces with sauce or veggies in a multi-function cooker.

• Pressure cooker – Infuses chicken with spices in a fraction of the time.

• Poached – Submerge seasoned chicken breasts in gently simmering liquid until cooked through.

The options are endless for preparing chicken with these easy homemade spice blends. Get creative with the seasoning combos and cooking methods!

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about seasoning chicken? Here are answers to some common queries:

What is the healthiest chicken seasoning?

Chicken seasoning with minimal added salt and sugars, along with anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and ginger, are healthiest. Herb rubs are great for low-sodium options.

How long does seasoned chicken last in the fridge?

Raw chicken seasoned and marinated in the fridge is safe for 1-2 days. Cooked, seasoned chicken lasts 3-4 days refrigerated.

Can you freeze seasoned chicken?

Yes, freeze seasoned raw chicken up to 6 months, wrapped tightly. Or freeze cooked chicken 4 months. Defrost in fridge before cooking/reheating.

What seasoning goes well with chicken and rice?

Onion and garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, curry powder, saffron, cumin and coriander all complement chicken and rice dishes.

What spices go on rotisserie chicken?

Typical rotisserie chicken seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic, onion, paprika, thyme, rosemary, oregano. Poultry seasoning mixes mimic this flavor.

Conclusion

Seasoning is a quick trick that makes chicken dishes more interesting by boosting flavor. With the wide range of herbs, spices and ingredient combinations possible, you can give weeknight chicken dinners an exciting taste upgrade. Whip up a homemade blend or use a store-bought mix – either way, properly seasoned chicken delivers mouthwatering results.