There’s nothing quite like having a homemade chicken seasoning blend on hand to elevate your everyday cooking. This versatile, restaurant-quality seasoning mix is the secret weapon that transforms simple chicken into something absolutely spectacular. Whether you’re roasting a whole bird, grilling chicken breasts, or preparing a weeknight dinner, this blend brings warmth, depth, and that coveted golden-brown color that makes people ask for your recipe.
I’ve been perfecting this chicken seasoning for years, tweaking the ratios and ingredients until I landed on the perfect balance. It’s inspired by classic French herbes de Provence, with a touch of garlic and onion powder for extra savory depth. The beauty of making your own seasoning blend is knowing exactly what goes into it—no fillers, no additives, just pure, honest flavor. This recipe makes enough to fill a standard spice jar, so you’ll have plenty on hand for multiple meals.
What makes this blend so special is the combination of dried herbs with aromatic spices. The paprika adds a subtle sweetness and gorgeous color, while the thyme and rosemary provide that herbaceous backbone that pairs beautifully with chicken. Garlic and onion powder round out the flavor profile with umami richness, and a pinch of black pepper adds just enough heat. I love using this on quick proteins that pair well with creamy sauces, or incorporating it into dishes like Alfredo preparations.
This seasoning blend is also incredibly versatile—while it’s designed for chicken, it works beautifully on turkey, pork, and even roasted vegetables. I often use it as a base for marinades, sprinkle it over creamy pasta dishes, or mix it into breadcrumb coatings for fried chicken. The combination of herbs and spices creates a sophisticated flavor that tastes homemade and refined, not at all like those one-dimensional store-bought blends.
Making your own seasoning is one of those small kitchen investments that pays dividends. Once you start using this blend, you’ll find yourself reaching for it constantly. It stores beautifully in an airtight container, and the flavors actually develop and meld together over time. I recommend making a double batch so you always have some on hand. For those looking to round out their meal, this seasoning pairs wonderfully with bright pickled red onions or fresh chickpea salads for a complete, balanced meal.
The key to this blend is using high-quality dried herbs. I source mine from specialty spice shops when possible, as they tend to be fresher and more flavorful than what’s been sitting on grocery store shelves. Don’t be intimidated by making your own seasoning—this is genuinely foolproof. You simply measure, mix, and store. No cooking required, no special equipment needed. Just pure, wholesome seasoning that will transform your chicken dishes from ordinary to extraordinary.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary, finely crushed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage (optional but recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for subtle heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for additional warmth)
Instructions
- Gather all your dried herbs and spices in one place. Make sure everything is fresh and aromatic—give each container a quick smell to ensure quality. This is the most important step because the quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final blend.
- Measure out the garlic powder first, adding 2 tablespoons to a small mixing bowl. This will be the foundation of your seasoning blend and provides savory depth.
- Add 2 tablespoons of onion powder to the bowl with the garlic powder. These two aromatics together create an incredibly rich, umami-forward base that makes chicken taste restaurant-quality.
- Add 1 tablespoon of paprika, whether you prefer sweet paprika for a milder flavor or smoked paprika for something with more depth and complexity. This ingredient adds both color and subtle sweetness.
- Measure out 2 teaspoons of dried thyme and add it to the mixture. Thyme is the signature herb in this blend—it has a gentle, herbaceous quality that’s distinctly chicken-friendly.
- Take 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary and crush it gently between your fingers before adding to the bowl. This breaks down the leaves slightly and helps release their oils, making them more potent in the final blend.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. This herb rounds out the Mediterranean-inspired profile and adds a touch of peppery complexity.
- Grind 1 teaspoon of black pepper directly into the bowl—freshly ground is always superior to pre-ground. The fresh pepper provides a bright, clean heat that enlivens the entire blend.
- Add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. The salt acts as both a flavor enhancer and a preservative, helping the blend stay fresh longer. Use kosher salt rather than table salt for better distribution and texture.
- If using sage, measure 1/2 teaspoon and add it to the mixture. Sage is optional but highly recommended—it adds an earthy, slightly peppery note that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- For those who enjoy subtle heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. This is entirely optional and won’t make the blend spicy, just warmly aromatic.
- If you want to add 1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric for additional warmth and earthiness, now is the time. This is also optional but creates a more complex, layered flavor.
- Using a small spoon or whisk, thoroughly combine all the ingredients. Stir for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring the blend is completely uniform with no pockets of concentrated garlic powder or other single ingredients.
- Transfer the seasoning blend to an airtight container—a small mason jar or spice jar works perfectly. Make sure the container is clean and completely dry before filling.
- Seal the container tightly and label it with the date and contents. Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. The blend will maintain its potency for 3-4 months.
- Give the sealed container a gentle shake to ensure everything is well combined, then let it sit for a day or two before using if possible. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Pro Tips
For marinades, mix 2 tablespoons of this blend with 1/4 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar. Let your chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for maximum flavor. This creates a restaurant-quality marinade that rivals anything you’d buy bottled.
The beauty of homemade seasoning is complete control over ingredients. If you don’t enjoy sage, simply omit it. If you prefer more heat, increase the cayenne. This recipe is your starting point—feel free to adjust ratios based on your personal preferences and palate.
Store this blend in the freezer to extend its shelf life to 6-8 months. The cold preserves the volatile oils in the dried herbs, keeping flavors bright and fresh. Simply remove and use as needed—no thawing required.
When using this blend on raw chicken, use about 1 teaspoon per chicken breast or 1 tablespoon for a whole 4-5 pound bird. For grilling, apply the seasoning about 15 minutes before cooking so it has time to adhere to the chicken.
This seasoning also works beautifully in soups, stews, and gravies. A teaspoon stirred into chicken broth creates an aromatic base for countless dishes. Mix it into cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a flavorful dip.
Make double or triple batches to have plenty on hand. This seasoning makes an excellent homemade gift for food-loving friends and family. Decorate the jar with a ribbon and include a tag with suggested uses and storage instructions.
For best results, use freshly dried herbs if possible. Herbs from specialty spice shops are typically fresher than those in standard grocery store spice racks. The difference in flavor is noticeable and worth seeking out.