Seasoning chicken means flavoring tender, mild meat with salt, paprika, garlic, and herbs such as thyme, marjoram, or rosemary. For crispy skin, pat the chicken dry and season it before roasting. Spices with sugar and fine, fresh herbs are added later.
Chicken has little flavor of its own and therefore absorbs seasoning well. This makes it so versatile: from classic roast chicken to fajitas and butter chicken. Here you will find the right spices for every cut and answers to the most common questions.
Which spices pair well with chicken?
The base consists of salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic. Thyme, marjoram, rosemary, oregano, and tarragon pair well with these. Classic herb combinations for poultry include marjoram with rosemary or parsley with bay leaf and tarragon. If you like it exotic, reach for curry, cumin, turmeric, or chili.
Spices by cut
| Cut | Suitable spices | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast | Salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, lemon zest, tarragon | Lean, so fry briefly and season just before |
| Chicken leg | Paprika, garlic, rosemary, chili, cumin | Can handle strong spices and long cooking times |
| Whole roast chicken | Salt, sweet paprika, marjoram, thyme, garlic | Season inside as well, pat skin thoroughly dry |
| Grilled chicken | Paprika, garlic, pepper, herbs | Rub in the spice mixture several hours beforehand |
| Wings | Smoked paprika, garlic, chili | Add sugary glazes only at the end |
When should you season chicken?
Our rule of thumb: The finer the spice, the later it should be added. Coarse and dried spices, as well as salt, can be added from the beginning. Finely ground spices, paprika, and sugar can burn and become bitter at high heat. Sprinkle fresh herbs over the dish at the end. Exactly when depends on the dish: season grilled chicken hours beforehand, and chicken breast for the pan just before.
Rub or marinade?
A dry rub creates a flavorful, crispy surface and is suitable for grilled chicken, legs, and wings. A marinade made of oil, lemon juice, or yogurt keeps lean chicken breast juicy. For poultry, 2 to 6 hours of marinating time is usually sufficient. Read more about this in the guide How to use BBQ rub correctly.
How to make the skin crispy
- Do not wash the chicken; instead, pat it thoroughly dry with kitchen paper.
- Rub with salt and spices, preferably under the skin as well.
- If you have time, leave it uncovered in the refrigerator for a few hours to dry the skin further.
- Roast or grill at a high temperature and let the meat rest at the end.
International varieties
- Austrian roast chicken: Paprika, marjoram, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Mexican: Ancho chili, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano for fajitas.
- Indian: Garam masala, turmeric, ginger, and garlic, for example for butter chicken.
- Mediterranean: Rosemary, thyme, oregano, lemon, and olive oil.
Our spices for chicken
- Wiesen Hendl Roast Chicken Seasoning – the classic for roast chicken with Hungarian paprika, marjoram, and thyme.
- Amore – our all-rounder for fish, chicken, and veal.
- Poultry Grill & Pan Seasoning – for the pan and grill.
- Fajitas & Chicken Seasoning – Mexican-smoky.
- Butter Chicken Spice – for the Indian favorite curry.
- Crispy Chicken – for crispy breaded pieces.
Recipe idea for your next barbecue: our crispy grilled chicken on a spit.
Questions & answers about seasoning chicken
Which spices pair best with chicken?
Salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic as a base, plus thyme, marjoram, rosemary, or oregano. For exotic varieties, reach for curry, cumin, or chili.
Should chicken be seasoned before or after roasting?
Salt and coarse spices beforehand, finely ground spices and sugar rather later, and fresh herbs at the end. The finer the spice, the later.
How long should chicken marinate in the seasoning?
For grilled chicken and legs, 2 to 6 hours in the refrigerator. You can season chicken breast for the pan directly before roasting.
How can you make the skin properly crispy?
Pat it thoroughly dry, rub with salt, leave it to dry further in the refrigerator uncovered if possible, and cook at a high temperature.
Can I also use chicken seasoning for turkey?
Yes, most poultry seasonings also suit turkey. For turkey, we also offer our Turkey & Turkey Seasoned Salt.
How long does a spice mixture for chicken last?
The best-before date is on the label and varies depending on the product. Finely ground spices lose their aroma faster than whole spices, and everything lasts longer if kept tightly sealed.
