Chicken Seasoning Recipe

This Chicken Seasoning is a simple way to add the best flavor to chicken! You can mix up this easy rub recipe in just minutes, using ingredients that you probably have in your kitchen.

Chicken recipes are a dinner time staple, and a good chicken seasoning or chicken marinade makes all the difference when it comes to preparing juicy, flavorful chicken. I love using a dry rub when seasoning meat because it’s an easy way to add lots of flavor.

Homemade spice blends are so simple to make and allow you to control the ingredients, salt and flavors. My Pork Rub, Taco Seasoning, and Cajun Seasoning are other favorite seasoning mixes that I like to make from scratch.

This chicken seasoning is extremely versatile! You can use it to season just about any cut of chicken, including chicken breasts, chicken thighs, chicken tenders, chicken drumsticks, or when cooking a whole rotisserie chicken, such as this Instant Pot Whole Chicken or Crockpot Whole Chicken.

I like to make a batch of this chicken seasoning to keep on hand for busy days. Having a dry rub ready to go can make dinner prep especially quick and easy!

Store the seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, such as a cupboard or spice drawer. I usually store it in a small jar or small zip-top bag. Label the container with the date that you made the dry rub and the name of the seasoning. You don’t want to be wondering whether that small jar contains taco seasoning or chicken seasoning later on.

Assuming that the spices used are fresh and won’t soon expire, homemade chicken seasoning will last for about 6 months when stored properly.

chicken seasoning recipe

Chicken Seasoning

chicken seasoning recipe

This Chicken Seasoning is a simple way to add the best flavor to chicken! You can mix up this easy rub recipe in just minutes. Perfect for seasoning chicken breasts, chicken thighs, whole chicken, chicken legs, tenders, grilled chicken, baked chicken and more!

Prep: 5min

Total: 5min

Yield: 5

Serving Size: 1 /2 tablespoon

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1 /2 tablespoon, calories 14 kcal, Carbohydrate 3 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 1 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Sodium 234 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 2 g, unSaturated Fat 2 g

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instruction:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk or stir until well blended.
  2. To use, generously rub over chicken thighs, breasts, drumsticks, or tenders or a whole chicken before cooking. You can first rub some olive oil over the chicken to help the rub stick to the meat better.
  3. For the most flavor, let the rub marinate on the meat for 1 hour (and up to 12 hours) in the refrigerator before cooking. Discard any rub that has come in contact with raw chicken or your hands when rubbing on the chicken.
  4. Cook chicken as desired, such as in the oven, on the grill or in an air fryer, Instant Pot or slow cooker.

Chicken Seasoning Blend

chicken seasoning recipe

My tried and true Chicken Seasoning Blend prepared with everyday pantry spices creates the most delicious chicken dishes. It’s the perfect mix that works well with chicken breasts, chicken thighs, and whole chicken.

Prep: 5min

Total: 5min

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 2 kcal, Sodium 194 mg, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley

Instruction:

  1. Stir to combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container or jar for up to 3 months.

Best All-Purpose Chicken Seasoning

chicken seasoning recipe

Looking for a good seasoning for chicken? You found it! This flavorful all-purpose chicken seasoning recipe can be used to season breasts, legs, thighs, whole chickens, and more!

Prep: 10min

Total: 10min

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 49 kcal, Sugar 2 g, Fat 2 g, Carbohydrate 7 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 2 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar

Instruction:

  1. Place all ingredients for the chicken seasoning into a large glass container or Mason jar.
  2. Then, stir the spices together to create your rub.
  3. Seal jar and store in a dry, cool place.
  4. To season chicken: use around 1 tablespoon of seasoning per 1 lb. of chicken. Pat your chicken dry and then sprinkle the seasoning on top of the chicken. Lightly rub the seasonings into the chicken. Let sit for 15 minutes and then cook using your favorite method.

Best Chicken Seasoning Recipe

FAQ

What spices pair well with chicken?

What seasonings go with chicken?
  • Cilantro. This goes best with Mexican, Turkish and Greek food or on top of chicken curries. …
  • Rosemary. Rosemary sprigs are hardy and are most flavorful when cooked with the chicken and some liquid. …
  • Sage. …
  • Oregano. …
  • Dill.
  • Thyme. …
  • Tarragon. …
  • Marjoram.

How can I make my chicken more flavorful?

Whether brined, rubbed with spices, basted or marinated, there are endless ways to add more flavour to your chicken.
  1. Make a marinade. …
  2. Wrap in bacon. …
  3. Make a pot roast. …
  4. Citrus-scented. …
  5. Use a brine. …
  6. Rub with spices. …
  7. Fire up the barbecue. …
  8. Serve with gravy.

How to season your chicken breast?

Salt: Season the chicken with sea salt, kosher salt, or flavored salts, which will better enable the chicken to absorb flavors while cooking. Spices: Garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, and cumin add savoriness and flavor to the chicken.

How do you season chicken like a pro?

Season generously all over (inside and out) with salt and pepper. A good rule of thumb is about 1 Tablespoon salt for an average 4-5 pound bird, and I prefer a Kosher-style salt, like Diamond. Plus the salt acts as a brine and will keep the chicken very moist.

About the author

Helen is an author and editor at helenbackcafe.com, who has a passion for writing about recipes. She loves to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to create delicious and unique dishes.

Among all the foods, pizza holds a special place in her heart, and she loves exploring different variations and toppings to create the perfect slice. Through her writing, Helen hopes to inspire others to get creative in the kitchen and share their love for food with the world.

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