The Ultimate Guide: What Should The Chicken Be Seasoned With?

Hey there. fellow food enthusiasts! Today I’m gonna tackle one of the most common questions I get from readers what should the chicken be seasoned with? As someone who’s obsessed with creating mouth-watering chicken dishes I can tell you that the right seasoning transforms an ordinary chicken dinner into something extraordinary!

Chicken is basically a blank canvas waiting for your creative touch. It’s no wonder chicken remains the most popular protein worldwide since the Middle Ages! But with literally hundreds of spice combinations available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when staring at that package of chicken in your fridge.

Let me walk you through everything you need to know about seasoning chicken – from basic spice combos to global flavor profiles that’ll make your taste buds sing. Trust me, by the end of this article, you’ll be seasoning chicken like a pro!

The Basics: Essential Spices for Chicken

Before we dive into fancy blends and marinades, let’s talk about the foundation of good chicken seasoning These are the spices that should be in everyone’s pantry

• Salt and pepper: These might seem basic, but they’re the foundation of all great chicken dishes. Try going beyond regular table salt and experiment with sea salt, kosher salt, or even smoked salt for more depth.

• Garlic powder and onion powder: These add a savory depth (what chefs call “umami”) to chicken. They work in practically any style of cooking!

• Paprika: Available in sweet, hot, and smoked varieties. Paprika adds beautiful color and a subtle warmth to chicken.

• Dried herbs: Thyme, rosemary, oregano, and sage are classic herbs that complement chicken beautifully.

• Lemon pepper: This zesty blend brightens up chicken dishes and works especially well with grilled or roasted chicken.

When I’m in a hurry, sometimes I just use a simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of dried herbs. Even this basic combination can make chicken taste amazing!

Building a Simple Herb Rub

One of the easiest ways to level up your chicken game is with a homemade herb rub. Here’s my go-to all-purpose chicken seasoning blend:

All-Purpose Chicken Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried dill

Simply mix these ingredients together and rub generously on your chicken before cooking. This blend works for any cooking method – grilling, baking, or pan-searing.

Three Fantastic Seasoning Blends for Different Flavors

Why stop at just one seasoning blend when you can have multiple options? Here are three amazing seasoning combinations that I use regularly in my kitchen:

1. All-Purpose Chicken Seasoning

I already shared this above, but it bears repeating because it’s so versatile!

2. Mexican Chicken Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)

This blend is perfect for tacos, fajitas, or Mexican-inspired grilled chicken!

3. Italian Chicken Seasoning

• 1½ tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Great for chicken parmesan, pasta dishes, or Italian-style roasted chicken!

The Art of Marinades: Taking Chicken Flavor to the Next Level

While dry rubs are fantastic, marinades can infuse chicken with even deeper flavor and help tenderize the meat. A good marinade has three key components:

1. Acid: Lemon juice, vinegar, yogurt, or buttermilk
2. Oil: Olive oil, vegetable oil, or sesame oil
3. Seasonings: Your choice of herbs, spices, garlic, etc.

My favorite quick marinade combines:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Let your chicken sit in this marinade for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 2-12 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes!

Global Flavor Inspirations

One of the reasons I love cooking chicken is how beautifully it adapts to different global cuisines. Here are some international spice blends that’ll transport your taste buds around the world:

Italian

Basil, oregano, rosemary, garlic, fennel seed, and a touch of crushed red pepper.

Mexican

Cumin, chili powder, garlic, oregano, with a hint of cinnamon and coriander.

Indian

Turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, garam masala, and curry powder create deep, complex flavors.

Moroccan

Warm spices like cinnamon, cumin, coriander, ginger, paprika, and cloves.

Jamaican Jerk

Thyme, allspice, black pepper, onion, and fiery habanero pepper for heat lovers!

Classic BBQ Rub

Brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic, onion, and mustard powder.

I personally LOVE using Jamaican jerk seasoning during summer grilling season – there’s something about that combo of heat and spice that just screams “backyard BBQ” to me!

Brining: The Secret Technique for Juicy Chicken

If you’ve ever had chicken that’s both flavorful AND incredibly juicy, chances are it was brined. Brining is the process of soaking chicken in a saltwater solution with seasonings before cooking.

A basic brine consists of:

• 4 cups water
• ¼ cup kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Optional aromatics (bay leaves, peppercorns, herbs)

Submerge your chicken in this mixture for 1-4 hours (depending on size) in the refrigerator before cooking. The salt helps the chicken retain moisture during cooking, resulting in juicier meat. This technique is especially helpful for chicken breasts, which tend to dry out easily.

Seasoning Different Cuts of Chicken

Different parts of the chicken benefit from different seasoning approaches:

Chicken Breasts

Since breasts are lean, they benefit from marinades that add moisture. Herb-based seasonings work beautifully, as do citrus-based marinades.

Chicken Thighs

With more fat content, thighs can handle bolder, spicier seasonings. They’re perfect for global spice blends like Mexican or Indian-inspired flavors.

Chicken Wings

Wings are perfect vessels for strong flavors! Buffalo, BBQ, garlic parmesan, or Asian-inspired seasonings all work wonderfully on wings.

Whole Chicken

When seasoning a whole bird, focus on creating a flavorful skin with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage. Don’t forget to season the cavity too!

Cooking Methods That Highlight Seasonings

The way you cook chicken affects how the seasonings develop:

• Roasting: Great for herb rubs as the chicken browns and crisps.
• Grilling: Dry rubs or marinades help chicken get beautifully charred.
• Pan-searing: Seals in moisture and flavor; deglaze the pan with wine or broth for a simple sauce.
• Baking: Gentle heat allows marinades to permeate the meat evenly.
• Slow cooking: Perfect for wet marinades or spice pastes that infuse deep flavor.

My Personal Favorite Chicken Seasoning Combo

After years of experimenting, my absolute favorite everyday chicken seasoning is what I call my “Magic Dust” – it works on EVERYTHING:

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon cayenne (adjust to taste)

I keep this in a mason jar near my stove and use it several times a week. It’s especially amazing on grilled chicken thighs!

Tips for Getting the Most from Your Seasonings

1. Season generously: Chicken needs more seasoning than you might think. Don’t be shy!

2. Season under the skin: For skin-on chicken, gently loosen the skin and rub seasonings directly on the meat for maximum flavor.

3. Let seasoned chicken rest: Allow your seasoned chicken to sit for at least 15-30 minutes before cooking to let the flavors penetrate.

4. Store spices properly: Keep them in airtight containers away from heat, light, and moisture. Most ground spices lose potency after about a year.

5. Toast whole spices: Before grinding, toast whole spices in a dry pan to enhance their flavor.

Quick Solutions for Bland Chicken

We’ve all had those moments when we’re in a hurry and just need something quick. Here are some instant solutions for boring chicken:

• Pre-made spice blends: Lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, or poultry seasoning.
• Sauce it up: Use BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, buffalo sauce, or salsa.
• Compound butter: Mix softened butter with herbs and spices, then top hot chicken with a pat of this flavored butter.
• Finishing touches: A squeeze of lemon, chopped fresh herbs, or a drizzle of flavored oil can transform plain chicken.

When it comes to seasoning chicken, there’s no one “right” answer. The best seasoning depends on your personal taste preferences and what you’re in the mood for!

I encourage you to experiment with different combinations. Start with the basic blends I’ve shared, then tweak them to suit your taste. Add a little more of what you love, a little less of what you don’t.

Remember, cooking is about enjoying the process as much as the result. Don’t be afraid to try new flavors and combinations – that’s how you’ll discover your own signature chicken seasoning!

Happy cooking!

---

Got questions about seasoning chicken or any other cooking topics? Drop them in the comments below or reach out on social media. I’m always happy to help fellow food enthusiasts elevate their cooking game!