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An easy way to elevate your recipes is to use a homemade Chicken Seasoning! This homemade rub is a blend of spices, sugar, and herbs that lends so much flavor to chicken without all the sodium and artificial ingredients most store-bought brands have.
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“This is such an easy and tasty way to have chicken. I already had the ingredients, so wonderful. A quick dinner!” -Maggie
Chicken Rub
When you head to the seasoning aisle of your local grocery store, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. There are SO many options for everything, including classic Chicken Seasoning! Instead of checking the labels on all of the containers for the best one, save yourself the headache by making this simple blend of ingredients instead.
When you make your own seasoning mixes, you can control everything. Whether you want the blend to be sweeter, spicier, or more herbaceous, it’s all up to you!
This homemade recipe for chicken seasoning is ideal for rubbing on any cut of chicken, and perfect for grilling, roasting, or any cooking method you prefer. I love using it for this baked seasoned chicken breast. It’s got a little brown sugar for sweetness, paprika for color, Italian seasoning for an herb-y taste, and plenty of other spices to enhance the savory quality of your chicken.
Tips For Beginners
- Use light brown sugar for a more traditional taste or dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Use smoked paprika instead of regular for a smokier taste.
- Add ¼ teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Add 2 teaspoons of chili powder for a Tex-Mex flavor.
- Reduce the salt to ½ teaspoon if you’re watching your sodium intake.
- Cook the chicken right away or let it marinate for 1-12 hours in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor.
- Discard any unused seasoning that comes into contact with raw chicken or your hands as you handle raw chicken. This will prevent the spread of dangerous Salmonella bacteria.
Chicken Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar light or dark both work
- ½ tablespoon paprika smoked paprika works too
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning homemade or store-bought
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a small dish.2 tablespoons brown sugar, ½ tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Use as a rub on your favorite cuts of chicken. If using chicken with skin on, be sure to rub some seasoning under the skin as well as on top.
Becky’s Tips
- This recipe yields enough seasoning for 3½ pounds of chicken.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make Chicken Seasoning Step by Step
Combine all the ingredients: Combine 2 tablespoons brown sugar, ½ tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper in a small dish.
Store and use as you wish: Transfer the seasoning to an airtight container to use on your favorite cuts of chicken. If using chicken with skin on, be sure to rub some seasoning under the skin as well as on top. Use 1 tablespoon of seasoning per 1 pound of chicken that’s been patted down and dried.
How to Store
Store leftover chicken seasoning in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-6 months. This is a great seasoning to keep on hand year-round. Once made, it keeps well for 3-6 months if stored properly.
This is such an easy and tasty way to have chicken. I already had the ingredients, so woderful quick dinner!