Jake Harper
Chicken is a versatile meat that can be seasoned in a variety of ways to enhance its flavour. While some prefer the simplicity of salt and pepper, others opt for more complex blends of herbs and spices. Making your own spice mix allows you to customise the flavours and control the sodium levels. Common ingredients in chicken seasoning blends include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried herbs such as thyme, basil, oregano, and parsley, and salt and pepper. These seasonings can be applied as dry rubs, brines, marinades, or sauces, and can be used on various chicken dishes, from grilled breasts to wings and nuggets.
Characteristics and their values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Simplicity | Easy to put together |
| Taste | Aromatic, spicy, sweet, tangy, garlicky, smoky, herby, fresh, mild, tender, spicy, earthy |
| Use | Wings, breasts, legs, thighs, grilled, roasted, fried, baked, sandwiches, nuggets, salads, veggies, steak, shrimp, beef, lamb, pork |
| Storage | Can be stored for about a year in a sealed container in a cool, dry place |
| Ingredients | Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs (oregano, thyme, basil, parsley, rosemary), olive oil, chicken bouillon powder, vinegar, celery, butter, cayenne pepper, cumin, chilli powder, brown sugar, beef tallow, avocado oil, coconut oil, bacon fat, Italian seasoning, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, MSG, steak seasoning |
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Herbs and spices
If you're looking for a more aromatic blend, you can try adding dried basil, thyme, parsley or rosemary. These herbs add an earthy, fresh touch to your chicken seasoning. You can also use Italian seasoning, which is a blend of these herbs, to save time and add convenience.
For a smoky, subtly sweet flavour, smoked paprika is a great option. You can also add a hint of sweetness with brown sugar, as some spice blends do. Alternatively, you can use regular paprika for a hint of colour and a mild, sweet flavour.
Garlic powder and onion powder are strong aromatics that add depth of flavour to chicken. However, be cautious when using garlic powder in breaded chicken, as it may burn. Seasoning the chicken a few hours before cooking can also enhance the flavour.
Finally, you can use oil or butter to help your dry rub stick to the chicken. Avocado oil, coconut oil, olive oil and beef tallow are all good options.
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Dry rubs
There are endless combinations of spices and herbs that you can use to make a dry rub for chicken. The best spices for chicken tend to use a balance of herbs and spices, brought together to enhance the flavour of the meat. Depending on your palate, you can lean towards an aromatic blend or a smoky, subtly sweet flavour.
Some popular spices and herbs to use in a dry rub for chicken include:
- Paprika (smoked, hot, or mild)
- Dried oregano, thyme, basil, parsley, or rosemary
- Garlic powder and onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Cumin
- Cayenne pepper
- Chicken bouillon powder
You can mix and match the spices and herbs you have on hand to create a unique and delicious dry rub for chicken. It's a good idea to make a big batch of your favourite dry rub and store it in a sealed container or closed jar in a cool, dry place so that it's readily available when you need it.
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Brines and marinades
Brines are a mixture of salt, sugar, and water that chicken is soaked in before cooking. The brine helps to add moisture and flavour to the chicken, as well as helping to tenderize the meat. A basic brine solution is made with 4 cups of water, 1/4 cup of salt, and 1/4 cup of sugar. You can also add other ingredients such as herbs, spices, or citrus juice to add additional flavour to the chicken.
Marinades are similar to brines in that they are used to add flavour to chicken, but they are typically thicker and contain more ingredients such as oil, acid, and spices. Marinades are applied directly to the chicken and allowed to sit for a period of time before cooking, which helps to infuse the chicken with flavour.
There are a variety of different marinades that can be used on chicken, depending on the desired flavour profile. Some popular options include Italian marinade, made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs; or a spicy marinade made with chili peppers, cumin, and lime juice.
When creating a brine or marinade, it is important to consider the flavour profile you want to achieve and to choose ingredients that will complement each other. It is also important to ensure that the chicken is soaked in the brine or marinade for long enough to absorb the flavours, typically between 12 and 24 hours.
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Homemade spice mixes
Basic spice mix
A simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika is a great starting point for seasoning chicken. You can adjust the proportions of each spice to suit your taste and even add other spices to this basic mix to create your own unique blend.
Herbaceous mix
For an herby flavour profile, combine dried thyme, basil, oregano, and parsley. This mix adds an earthy, fresh touch to your chicken dishes. You can play around with the quantities of each herb to find your perfect blend. If you don't have all these herbs on hand, you can use Italian seasoning, which typically includes a blend of these herbs.
Aromatic blend
For a potent aromatic blend, mix garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. You can also add soy sauce and a dash of your favourite vinegar to this mix for an extra kick of flavour. This blend is perfect for spatchcock chicken or any dish where you want the spices to be the star.
Cajun spice mix
If you like a bit of heat, a Cajun spice mix is a great option. Combine paprika, cayenne pepper or cumin (depending on how spicy you like it), garlic, and herbs. This blend is perfect for baked, roasted, or fried chicken and will give your dish a nice colour and a subtle sweetness.
Bell's seasoning
For a traditional New England flavour, try Bell's Seasoning. This herb-and-spice mixture is strong on powdered sage and other dried herbs, making it a delicious choice for chicken, turkey, and duck dishes.
When making your own spice mixes, it's best to use fresh, good-quality ingredients to ensure the flavours really shine through. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your taste and create unique blends that you can use again and again.
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Pre-made blends
If you're short on time or ingredients, there are plenty of pre-made seasoning blends that can be used to flavour chicken. These blends are versatile and can be used on other meats and vegetables too.
One popular option is Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute, which is an "all-purpose" blend that's great for bulk prep. Another option is Cavender's, which is specifically recommended for chicken. For a basic yet flavourful option, Alpine Touch is a spice blend with no heat that works well on chicken breast. For a traditional New England option, Bell's Seasoning is a herb-and-spice mix with a strong sage flavour that's perfect for chicken, turkey and duck.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own Cajun seasoning blend with paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, garlic and herbs. This can be used before baking, roasting or frying chicken.
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Frequently asked questions
The best seasoning for chicken depends on personal preference, but a blend of herbs and spices is usually best. Some common ingredients in chicken seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, dried oregano, thyme, basil, parsley, rosemary, and olive oil. You can also use pre-made blends such as Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute or make your own Cajun seasoning.
A basic chicken seasoning can be made with just salt and pepper, or salt and pepper with garlic powder and paprika.
There are many pre-made chicken seasonings available, including Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute, Cavender's, and Alpine Touch.
To make your own chicken seasoning, combine your desired spices and herbs in a bowl or jar. You can then use a paper towel to pat your chicken dry and transfer it to a clean bowl or dish. Sprinkle the seasoning over the meat and use your hands to gently rub it in.
For a spicy kick, you can add cayenne pepper, chilli powder, or cumin to your chicken seasoning.
