Emily Carter
Chicken is a versatile dish that can be seasoned in a variety of ways. From dry rubs to brines, marinades to sauces, and store-bought blends to homemade mixes, there are endless options for spicing up chicken. While some prefer the simplicity of salt and pepper, others enjoy creating unique blends with herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano. Whether you're baking, roasting, frying, or grilling, the right seasoning can take your chicken dish to the next level.
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What You'll Learn
Dry rubs, brines, marinades, and sauces
Brines are a liquid solution, often made with water, salt, sugar, and other flavourings, that chicken is soaked in for a period of time before cooking. Brining helps to add moisture and flavour to the chicken and can be especially useful for leaner cuts like chicken breast. The basic ratio for a brine is 1/4 cup of salt per 4 cups of water, but you can also add other ingredients like sugar, honey, herbs, spices, or aromatics like garlic and onion. Brines typically need to be refrigerated and can be used for anywhere from a few hours to overnight, depending on the size and type of chicken.
Marinades are similar to brines in that they are a liquid solution that the chicken is soaked in before cooking, but marinades typically have a higher concentration of flavourings and are used for a shorter period of time. Marinades can be made with a variety of ingredients, including oils, acids like lemon juice or vinegar, herbs, spices, and sweeteners like honey or sugar. They can be used to add flavour and moisture to chicken and can be especially useful for more robust cuts like chicken thighs or drumsticks. Marinades can be used for as little as 30 minutes or up to a few hours, depending on the ingredients and desired intensity of flavour.
Sauces are another way to add flavour to chicken and can be used before, during, or after cooking. Barbecue sauce, hot sauce, teriyaki sauce, and sweet and sour sauce are all commonly used to flavour chicken. Sauces can be purchased pre-made or made from scratch and can be used as a glaze, dip, or finishing sauce. They can also be added to marinades to add extra flavour.
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Store-bought vs. homemade
There are numerous options for seasoning chicken, ranging from store-bought blends to homemade mixes. While store-bought blends offer convenience and a consistent flavour profile, homemade blends provide customizability and the ability to tailor the seasoning to personal preferences.
Store-bought chicken seasonings are readily available in most grocery stores and offer a quick and easy solution for flavouring chicken. These blends are typically a mix of dried herbs, spices, and other flavourings, and can be as simple as a basic blend or more complex with unique flavour profiles. For example, Adobo seasoning, a traditional New England herb-and-spice mixture, is a popular store-bought option that pairs well with chicken. Additionally, pre-made Cajun seasoning can be used before baking, roasting, or frying chicken.
On the other hand, homemade chicken seasoning offers a more customizable approach, allowing home cooks to mix and match spices to create a unique blend that suits their taste preferences. Basic ingredients for a homemade chicken seasoning blend include garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, dried parsley, smoked paprika, and extra virgin olive oil. Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary can also be added for additional flavour. The beauty of a homemade blend is that it can be adjusted to suit the specific dish being prepared, whether it's grilled chicken breasts, roasted whole chicken, or chicken nuggets for the air fryer.
Both store-bought and homemade chicken seasonings have their advantages. Store-bought blends offer convenience and a consistent flavour that can save time in the kitchen. They are also ideal for those who may not have access to a wide variety of spices or herbs. In contrast, homemade blends provide customizability, allowing cooks to create a unique flavour profile that suits their tastes and the specific dish they are preparing. Additionally, making your own chicken seasoning can be a cost-effective option, as it utilizes spices that are typically already found in most pantries.
Ultimately, the choice between store-bought and homemade chicken seasoning depends on individual preferences, time constraints, and the desired level of customizability. Store-bought blends offer a quick and convenient option, while homemade blends provide the opportunity to create a signature flavour profile that can elevate any chicken dish.
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Spices and herbs
A basic blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika is a good starting point for seasoning chicken. You can also add onion powder, dried parsley, smoked paprika, and extra virgin olive oil for extra flavour. If you're looking for a store-bought option, Adobo offers several varieties that pair well with chicken, including a basic blend and a version mixed with sazon completa.
For those who enjoy a little heat, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and smoked paprika can be added to the spice blend. You can also make your own Cajun seasoning using paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, garlic, and herbs. This blend is perfect for seasoning chicken before baking, roasting, or frying.
If you're short on time or ingredients, a simple dry rub or spice blend can still add a lot of flavours to your chicken. Pre-made spice blends like Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute or Bell's Seasoning, a traditional New England herb-and-spice mixture, can be excellent options. Additionally, a pinch of brown sugar can add a unique twist to your spice blend.
When seasoning chicken, it's essential to pat the meat dry before applying the seasoning. You can use your hands or gloves to gently rub the spices into the chicken, ensuring an even coating. Allow the flavours to meld together for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavours.
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Timing and preparation
If you're short on time, a basic spice rub can be a great option. Simply combine your chosen spices in a bowl and mix well. You can then pat your chicken dry with a paper towel, transfer it to a clean bowl or dish, and sprinkle the spice rub over the meat. Using your hands, gently rub the spices into the chicken, ensuring an even coating. This method allows the flavours to meld together in as little as 15 minutes, making it ideal for a quick midweek meal.
For those with more time to spare, a marinade can infuse your chicken with even more flavour. Marinades typically require at least a couple of hours to work their magic, with some recipes suggesting an overnight soak for maximum impact. This longer preparation time allows the flavours to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a more intense taste experience.
It's worth noting that the type of spices and herbs you use will also impact the timing and preparation of your chicken dish. Some spices, like paprika, cumin, and garlic, can be used in larger quantities and combined with other ingredients to create a versatile spice rub. Others, like cayenne pepper and chilli, should be used more sparingly to avoid overwhelming the dish with heat.
Additionally, the cooking method you choose will also influence the timing and preparation of your seasoned chicken. Whether you're baking, roasting, frying, grilling, or air-frying, each technique will have its own unique requirements. For example, roasting a whole chicken stuffed with butter and seasonings will take significantly longer than frying chicken tenders.
Finally, don't forget to consider the shelf life of your chicken seasoning. Homemade blends can be stored in airtight containers for up to six months, so it's worth making a larger batch to have on hand for future meals. With proper planning and preparation, you can ensure that your chicken dishes are not only delicious but also efficiently timed and conveniently prepared.
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Chicken parts
Another option is to make a dry rub with a blend of herbs and spices, such as salt, basil, rosemary, garlic powder, mustard powder, paprika, black pepper, thyme, celery seed, parsley, cumin, cayenne pepper, and chicken bouillon. This type of seasoning is perfect for chicken thighs and legs, as well as whole chickens. It can be stored in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
If you're looking for a more versatile seasoning, a simple blend of black pepper, paprika, garlic, onion, thyme, and oregano can be used on various chicken parts before baking, roasting, or frying. You can also make your own Cajun seasoning with paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, garlic, and herbs.
For a quick and easy option, you can use store-bought blends such as Adobo or Bell's Seasoning, a traditional New England herb-and-spice mixture. These blends can be used on various chicken parts and are easily accessible.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to season chicken, including dry rubs, brines, marinades, and sauces. You can also use store-bought spice blends or make your own.
Some popular store-bought chicken seasonings include Adobo, Bell's Seasoning, and Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute.
A simple homemade chicken seasoning blend includes black pepper, paprika, garlic, onion, thyme, and oregano. You can also make your own Cajun seasoning with paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, garlic, and herbs.
To use chicken seasoning, 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. You can also mix the seasoning with melted butter and pour it over the chicken before roasting. Allow the flavors to meld together for at least 15 minutes, but preferably for up to 2 hours.
