To season chicken, start by patting the chicken dry with a paper towel. Mix a blend of spices and herbs such as salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. Optionally, add brown sugar for sweetness, cayenne or chili powder for heat, and herbs like thyme or rosemary for aroma. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken, rubbing it in well, including under the skin if possible. For more flavor, let the seasoned chicken rest for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours, before cooking. Here is a simple seasoning mix example:
- 4 tsp sweet paprika
- 4 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 to 1/2 tsp sugar, cayenne pepper to taste
Use approximately 1 tablespoon of seasoning mix per pound of chicken. The seasoning works for various cooking methods including roasting, grilling, pan- frying, or air frying. You can also rub some seasoning mixed with melted butter under the skin for added flavor and crispiness.
This method balances herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the chicken and can be customized based on personal taste preferences.
