Chicken Seasoning Blend

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This chicken seasoning blend is a game-changer you’re sure to adore. Combining brown sugar, paprika, and a mix of herbs and spices, it strikes a delightful balance of sweet, smoky, and the perfect hint of heat.

It works wonders on chicken and is equally fantastic on other birds too!

Fingers picking up some of the chicken spice blend.

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Here’s a friendly heads-up: Once you give it a try, this seasoning blend might just become your favorite choice for seasoning chicken, whether it’s breast, thighs, legs, or even a whole bird.

This seasoning is versatile—it’s perfect for chicken in the Instant Pot, baked in the oven, or used in our must-try air fryer chicken breast recipe (trust me, it’s a game-changer). And if you’re on the hunt for more ways to jazz up your chicken, take a peek at our selection of chicken sauce recipes.

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Pin image showing chicken spice blend in a wooden pinch bowl.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Variations
Storage
FAQ
Chicken Seasoning Blend

Ingredients

This chicken seasoning brings together seven ingredients in perfect harmony, and the best part? They’re all easy to track down.

Brown sugar – We opted for light brown sugar in our mix.
Paprika – The smoked paprika introduces a smoky touch to the seasoning.
Oregano – This particular dried herb is flavorful and pairs wonderfully with chicken.
Black Pepper -Avoid those pre-ground pepper powders. Opt for real, freshly ground black pepper instead. The taste difference is truly remarkable.
Salt – Opt for kosher or sea salt instead of regular table salt for better flavor.
Garlic Powder – Garlic powder offers a long-lasting, evenly distributed garlic flavor without the need for fresh preparation.
Onion Powder – Onion powder provides a concentrated and convenient onion flavor.

See recipe card for the quantities.

Instructions

Here are the easy steps to whip up this delightful chicken seasoning.

Start by collecting all the ingredients and placing them into a bowl.

Up close image of chicken seasoning blend in a container.

Next, stir the mixture thoroughly, ensuring that the brown sugar combines well with the other ingredients.

Variations

You can get inventive with your spice blend and tailor it to your liking. Here are some suggestions to inspire you and spark your creativity:

Spicy – To kick up the heat, sprinkle in a ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Italian Seasoning – Enhance the taste further by including more herbs such as dried basil, marjoram, and thyme.
Chili Powder & Cumin – To give your blend a Latin American twist, incorporate a tablespoon each of chili powder and cumin.

Storage

For the best flavor and to keep it fresh, store this amazing seasoning blend in an airtight container and it should be good for up to six months. But, given how tasty it is, we bet you’ll finish it long before then!

FAQ

What are the basic spices and herbs for seasoning chicken?

Chicken pairs wonderfully with a wide array of herbs and spices. Favorites include paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.

Is it better to season chicken before or after cooking?

It’s always a good idea to season chicken before cooking. Doing so lets the spices and flavors seep into the meat, ensuring a deeper taste. If you season only after it’s cooked, the flavor will just sit on top, rather than infusing the chicken.

Are homemade chicken seasonings better than store-bought ones?

Absolutely! Making your own seasoning blends beats the store-bought versions hands down. This way, you steer clear of any unfamiliar additives and have total control over the ingredients. Plus, you can tailor the mix to suit your personal taste by adjusting the quantities as you see fit.