Seasoning chicken is a crucial step in preparing flavorful, juicy dishes. Whether you are grilling, roasting, or stir-frying, knowing how to season chicken properly can elevate your meals from bland to extraordinary. The best part? It is easier than you might think!
In just five simple steps, you will master the art of seasoning chicken for any cooking method. Here is how you do it:
Start with a Clean and Dry Surface
How to season chicken to ensure that your chicken is clean and dry? Patting the chicken dry with paper towels is important because excess moisture can prevent seasonings from sticking. Whether you're cooking chicken breasts, thighs, or a whole bird, a dry surface allows the spices to cling to the meat, creating a crispy outer layer.
Sam / Pexels / Drying your chicken helps it cook more evenly. If you are planning to grill or roast, it is especially vital because it ensures the chicken skin gets nice and crispy.
On top of that, a well-dried chicken will absorb your seasonings more effectively. This gives you richer flavor all around.
How to Season Chicken by Adding Salt?
The foundation of perfectly seasoned chicken always starts with salt. Whether you are making roasted, grilled, or stir-fried chicken, salt enhances the meat’s natural flavor and helps lock in moisture. Generously coat your chicken with kosher salt or sea salt, rubbing it evenly across all surfaces.
For larger cuts like whole chickens, make sure to get salt into all the crevices and under the skin. If you have a little extra time, you can even salt your chicken a few hours before cooking and let it sit in the fridge. This dry-brining process allows the salt to penetrate deeper, leading to more flavorful meat.
Add Layered Spices and Herbs
How to season chicken by layering herbs and spices? Well, after your chicken is salted, it is time to add other spices and herbs. Now, it is essential to use complementary flavors that suit your cooking style. For example, if you are roasting, a classic mix of garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary works wonders.
Grilling? Think smoky flavors like cumin, chili powder, and a touch of brown sugar for caramelization. However, don’t be afraid to get creative with herbs, either. Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil can add brightness to grilled or stir-fried chicken. Meanwhile, dried herbs like oregano and thyme are perfect for baked or roasted dishes.
Marinate for Extra Flavor
Marinades are a fantastic way to infuse your chicken with even more flavor, especially if you have the time to let it sit. A marinade can be as simple or complex as you like. For grilled chicken, a basic marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like oregano or rosemary works beautifully.
Engin / Pexels / For stir-fried dishes, a soy sauce-based marinade with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil is ideal.
Let your chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or if you have more time, overnight in the fridge. The longer it marinates, the more the flavors will penetrate the meat. Just remember, if you are working with an acidic marinade (anything with lemon, vinegar, or yogurt), don’t let it sit for more than 24 hours. The acid can break down the chicken too much and make it mushy.
Use Fat to Seal in Flavor
This is particularly important if you are grilling or roasting. After all, fat helps to crisp up the skin and adds richness to the meat. For roasting, rub the chicken with olive oil or melted butter.
However, if you are grilling, you can brush the chicken with oil or use a non-stick spray to prevent sticking. For stir-frying, cooking your seasoned chicken in a small amount of sesame or vegetable oil helps to lock in flavor while keeping the meat tender and moist.
