The Ultimate Guide to Making Perfect Chicken Seasoning at Home

Are you tired of bland chicken? Looking to spice up your dinner game? I’ve got you covered! As someone who cooks chicken at least 3 times a week I’ve experimented with countless seasoning combinations over the years. Today I’m sharing my secrets on how to make amazing chicken seasoning from scratch that’ll make your family think you’ve suddenly become a professional chef.

Why Make Your Own Chicken Seasoning?

Before diving into recipes, let’s talk about why homemade chicken seasoning is totally worth the effort:

• Control over ingredients: No mystery additives or preservatives
• Cost-effective: Save money by using spices you already have
• Customizable: Adjust to your family’s taste preferences
• Fresher flavor: Nothing beats the aroma of freshly mixed spices
• Bragging rights: “Oh this? Just my secret homemade seasoning blend!”

Basic Principles for Seasoning Chicken

Let’s start with some fundamentals that’ll make your chicken taste amazing regardless of what spices you use:

The Golden Rule: Pat Dry First

Always, ALWAYS pat your chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning. This seemingly small step makes a huge difference because:

1. Seasonings stick better to slightly damp (not wet) surfaces
2. Drier chicken creates better browning and crisper skin
3. Less moisture means better flavor concentration

Salt is King

According to Laura Fuentes, you should use 1 teaspoon of salt per pound of chicken. For a whole chicken that’s about 1 rounded tablespoon. Don’t be shy with salt – it’s not just about saltiness! Salt actually helps

• Lock moisture inside the meat
• Enhance the flavors of other herbs and spices
• Create that delicious crispy exterior we all love

If you’re using a seasoning blend that already contains salt, reduce additional salt to about ½ teaspoon per pound.

Room Temperature Matters

For best results, let your chicken sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking. This is called “tempering” and helps the chicken cook more evenly. Don’t worry – the USDA confirms that raw chicken can safely sit out for up to 2 hours.

Basic Chicken Seasoning Recipe

Let’s start with a simple versatile chicken seasoning that works for practically any cooking method

Oh So Foodie’s Everyday Chicken Seasoning

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional for caramelization)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl
2. Stir until evenly mixed with no clumps
3. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months

This recipe makes about 5 tablespoons of seasoning, and you’ll need approximately 1 tablespoon per pound of chicken (or 1.5 tablespoons for smaller cuts like wings).

Simple Yet Effective Chicken Seasoning

If you prefer a more streamlined approach, here’s Sharon’s recipe from Lowcalicious:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1½ teaspoons paprika
• 1½ teaspoons dried parsley
• 1½ teaspoons fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl
2. Store in an airtight glass jar
3. Use within 6-12 months for optimal flavor

This makes about 4 tablespoons of seasoning and works great for any cut of chicken.

Epic All-Purpose Chicken Seasoning (Bulk Recipe)

If you cook chicken frequently like me, make this larger batch from Laura Fuentes:

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup granulated onion (or onion powder)
• ¼ cup granulated garlic (or garlic powder)
• ¼ cup dried parsley
• ¼ cup paprika

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl
2. Transfer to a lidded jar
3. Store in your pantry for up to 6 months

This makes enough for many meals, and you can customize it based on your preferences.

How to Apply Seasoning to Different Chicken Cuts

Different chicken parts require slightly different approaches:

Chicken Breasts

1. Pat dry with paper towels
2. Season both sides generously with your spice blend
3. For quicker, more even cooking, consider butterflying the breasts first

Chicken Thighs (Boneless/Skinless)

1. Pat dry with paper towels
2. Season both sides generously
3. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – thighs can handle bold flavors!

Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken

1. Pat dry thoroughly
2. Season both sides
3. Important: Gently separate the skin from the meat and season underneath the skin too – this creates amazing flavor!

Whole Chicken

1. Pat dry inside and out
2. Season generously all over with salt first
3. Add your spice blend over the salt
4. Get under the skin wherever possible to season the meat directly
5. Pro tip: Season up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate uncovered for extra crispy skin!

Flavor Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basics, try these variations to keep things interesting:

Smoky BBQ Chicken Seasoning

Simply replace the sweet paprika with smoked paprika and add an extra teaspoon of brown sugar. Perfect for grilled or roasted chicken!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Seasoning

Add 2 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and an extra teaspoon of garlic powder to the basic blend. Amazing for chicken tenders or thighs!

Spicy Chicken Seasoning

Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your basic blend for some heat. Adjust according to your spice tolerance!

Citrus Herb Chicken Seasoning

Add some lemon zest to your basic seasoning for a bright, refreshing flavor. Great for summer grilling!

Tips for Perfect Seasoned Chicken Every Time

1. Don’t overdo it: Start with a moderate amount of seasoning – you can always add more later
2. Let it rest: After seasoning, let the chicken sit for 15-30 minutes before cooking to allow flavors to penetrate
3. Use oil or butter: Coat chicken with a bit of olive oil or butter before adding dry rub to help seasonings stick
4. Make a marinade: For deeper flavor, mix your seasoning with olive oil, lemon juice, or vinegar to create a marinade. Let sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
5. Check your spices: If your spices don’t have a strong aroma anymore, it’s time to replace them!

Using Your Chicken Seasoning

Here’s how to get the most out of your homemade seasoning for different cooking methods:

For Grilled Chicken

1. Rub chicken with olive oil
2. Sprinkle seasoning generously on both sides
3. Let sit for 15-30 minutes before grilling
4. Grill over medium-high heat until done

For Roasted Chicken

1. Rub seasoning all over the skin and under the skin
2. For added moisture, mix the seasoning with olive oil or melted butter
3. Roast according to your recipe’s temperature and time

For Pan-Seared Chicken

1. Coat chicken with seasoning
2. Heat a bit of oil in a skillet
3. Sear chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through

For Chicken Wings

1. Toss wings in olive oil
2. Sprinkle with seasoning generously
3. Add a bit of baking powder for extra crispy wings
4. Bake or fry as usual

Common Questions About Chicken Seasoning

How much seasoning should I use per pound of chicken?
About 1 tablespoon per pound for most cuts, and 1.5 tablespoons per pound for smaller cuts like wings.

Can I season chicken overnight?
Yes! This is actually recommended for deeper flavor. Season with salt and dry rub, then refrigerate overnight.

How long does homemade chicken seasoning last?
In an airtight container stored in a cool, dry place, homemade seasoning will stay fresh for up to 6 months. For best flavor, use within 3-4 months.

Do I need to use all these spices?
Nope! The beauty of homemade seasoning is flexibility. Start with the basics (salt, pepper, garlic powder) and build from there based on what you have and what you like.

My Final Thoughts

Making your own chicken seasoning is one of those small cooking habits that makes a HUGE difference in your meals. Once you start seasoning chicken properly, you’ll wonder how you ever ate it any other way!

I encourage you to experiment with these recipes as starting points. Adjust the ratios, add or subtract ingredients based on your taste preferences. Before long, you’ll have your very own signature chicken seasoning that your family will request again and again.

Remember: the secret to great chicken isn’t complicated – it’s all about properly applying quality seasonings. Now go forth and create chicken dishes that’ll make everyone think you’ve been hiding professional cooking skills all along!