The Best Seasoning for Chicken

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

The best seasoning for chicken is this simple blend that adds so much flavor to your chicken and comes together with five spices that you likely have on hand. 

You'll love the flavor combination of this chicken seasoning and how easy it is to throw together.

When it comes to making great chicken, it all starts with great seasoning. This homemade seasoning makes chicken taste amazing. And you can use it on any cut of chicken. 

This spice mixture makes ⅓ cup of seasoning mix, but feel free to double or triple it since it will store for up to two months. If this is your first time making homemade seasonings, you'll be so impressed you may never go back to packets again. 

Why this is the best seasoning for chicken

1. The combination of these simple ingredients creates the most flavorful chicken. 
2. This simple seasoning only contains five classic ingredients, and I bet you already have them in your spice rack. 
3. This all-purpose chicken seasoning can be used on any chicken cut, including legs, thighs, whole chicken, and boneless chicken breasts. It also tastes great on veggies or as a pork rub, making it great for sheet pan meals. 
4. Homemade spice blends, especially this one - are budget-friendly because you can use common grocery store spices to make this blend again and again. There is no need for packets or expensive spice stores. 

Recipe ingredients

• Paprika - Made from dried sweet peppers, but much more mild than chili powder, paprika adds a slightly sweet, and a red color to the mix. 
• Granulated garlic - This has a slightly sweet, spicy, and savory flavor and adds the perfect balance to this mix. 
• Onion powder - You likely use onion powder in all your chicken breast recipes. It's slightly zesty and tiny bit of sweet flavor pairs perfectly with chicken. 
• Sea salt and black pepper - Salt and pepper are used as flavor enhancers to make all those spices shine.

How to make this recipe

First, gather and measure your seasoning ingredients into a small bowl. Then, stir together the ingredients until fully combined.  It's that simple!

Store in an airtight container for up to 60 days to keep on hand for all your chicken meals. 

How to use this seasoning

You won't need to use exact measurements, but for optimal flavor, you'll want to use about one tablespoon of seasoning mix per pound of chicken. Coat the chicken with oil first, followed by the seasoning. Or dry rub the seasoning onto the chicken, then drizzle with a little olive or avocado oil before baking.

Here are a few recipe tips

• This seasoning is versatile and can be used for any cooked chicken recipe. Cooking methods include the Instant Pot, air fryer, grill, oven-baked, oven-broiled, and pan-seared on the stove.
• Feel free to rub the seasoning under the skin when using skin-on chicken.
• The longer you leave this dry rub seasoning on the chicken, the more it will absorb all the flavors. Also, feel free to rest your seasoned chicken overnight before cooking.
• Some cooks prefer to shake chicken pieces with the seasoning in a Ziploc bag for thorough coating and minimal mess.
• Chicken should always reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F before serving, regardless of the cooking method used.

Where to use this seasoning

• If you're in a hurry for a delicious chicken meal, try adding this seasoning to Instant Pot Shredded Chicken before adding the chicken to the Instant Pot. 
• This seasoning works great for whole chickens as well. It's my favorite way to season Air Fryer Whole Rotisserie Chicken and Slow Cooker Whole Chicken.
• Use ½ tsp of seasoning with these Baked Chicken Thighs instead of the spices mentioned in the recipe.
• Chicken seasoned with this seasoning tastes great with this top-rated BBQ Sauce.
• Use about 3.5 teaspoons of seasoning instead of the salt and spices listed in my chicken breast and chicken thighs.

Recipe variations

• If you need to substitute garlic powder for the granulated garlic, use half the amount. One tablespoon of garlic powder would be used in lieu of the two tablespoons of granulated garlic.
• I don't add sugar to this mix, but you can add small amounts of white or brown sugar for a little extra flavor. 
• If you like spice, add a little cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
• When using kosher salt instead of sea salt, increase the amount to total 2 teaspoons of kosher salt since it's a coarse salt. You are welcome to use a mortar and pestle to grind to an even consistency, but it's not required.

More homemade seasonings to try 

Homemade seasonings are so easy to make! Making them ahead for your spice cabinet makes it easy to throw a deliciously seasoned meal together at the last minute.

• Taco Seasoning - This seasoning is another quick and easy seasoning recipe made with just a few ingredients and perfect for all your Tex-Mex and Mexican food recipes. 
• Italian Seasoning - This Italian seasoning can be used in marinades, pastas, soups and sauces. It's so flavorful and a great versatile spice to have on hand - especially for busy weeknights.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe - This bold, savory blend is delicious, versatile, and uses only six pantry ingredients!

📖 Recipe