Grilled chicken is a staple on many dinner tables, but sometimes it can be a challenge to find the perfect seasoning that will take your dish to the next level. Look no further, as we have rounded up the top seasonings for grilled chicken that will tantalize your taste buds. From zesty lemon pepper to smoky paprika, these flavor-packed options are sure to elevate your grilled chicken game and leave you craving for more. So, get ready to add a burst of deliciousness to your next barbecue with these mouthwatering seasonings!
1. Classic Seasonings
Grilled chicken is a versatile dish that can be prepared in various ways, but to truly elevate its flavor, you need the right seasonings. Let’s start with the classic seasonings that never fail to enhance the taste of grilled chicken.
Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper are the building blocks of flavor in any recipe, and grilled chicken is no exception. The combination of these two simple ingredients helps to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken, bringing out its savory taste.
Garlic Powder
Garlic has a distinct flavor that adds depth and complexity to grilled chicken. Using garlic powder ensures an even distribution of garlic flavor throughout the meat, making every bite a burst of deliciousness.
Onion Powder
Similar to garlic, onion powder adds a sweet and tangy taste to grilled chicken. It complements the flavors of other seasonings, creating a harmonious balance that leaves your taste buds wanting more.
Paprika
Paprika not only lends a vibrant red color to grilled chicken but also imparts a mild smoky flavor with a subtle hint of sweetness. It enhances the appearance and taste of the dish, giving it that inviting appeal.
2. Herb-based Seasonings
Adding herbs to grilled chicken can take its flavor to new heights. Here are some herb-based seasonings to try:
Rosemary
Rosemary is an incredibly aromatic herb that pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken. Its woody and pine-like fragrance infuses into the meat, providing a delightful earthy taste.
Thyme
Thyme adds a pleasant herbal aroma and a slightly minty flavor to grilled chicken. Whether you use fresh or dried thyme, it brings a touch of freshness to the dish.
Basil
With its distinctive taste and aroma, basil brings a touch of Italy to grilled chicken. It has a sweet and slightly peppery flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Oregano
Oregano has a pungent, slightly bitter taste that adds complexity and depth to the flavor of grilled chicken. It is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and works wonders in marinades and dry rubs.
3. Spicy Seasonings
If you prefer some heat in your grilled chicken, these spicy seasonings will do the trick:
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper packs a punch with its fiery heat. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly if you’re not a fan of extremely spicy food. It adds a fiery kick to your grilled chicken that will leave you craving more.
Chipotle Powder
Chipotle powder is made from smoked, dried jalapenos and lends a smoky, slightly sweet, and moderately spicy flavor to grilled chicken. It adds depth and complexity to the dish, perfect for those who enjoy a mild level of heat.
Chili Powder
A blend of various spices, including chili peppers, cumin, and garlic powder, chili powder adds a robust and spicy kick to grilled chicken. It is a versatile seasoning that works well in marinades, dry rubs, or even as a table seasoning.
Red Pepper Flakes
Red pepper flakes are made from dried, crushed chili peppers. They offer a fiery heat that can be sprinkled on grilled chicken during or after cooking to provide a spicy burst of flavor. Use them cautiously if you prefer milder spice levels.
4. Citrus Seasonings
For a burst of freshness and tang, these citrus seasonings are a winning choice:
Lemon Zest
Lemon zest refers to the finely grated outer peel of a lemon. It imparts a bright, tangy flavor to grilled chicken, adding a refreshing twist to the dish.
Lime Juice
Lime juice is a citrusy addition that brings a tangy and zesty flavor to grilled chicken. It helps to tenderize the meat while infusing it with a delightful freshness.
Orange Zest
Orange zest, similar to lemon zest, is the finely grated outer peel of an orange. It provides a subtle citrusy flavor that complements the savory taste of grilled chicken.
Ginger
Ginger adds a unique and slightly spicy taste to grilled chicken. Its aromatic and tangy flavor profile adds depth and complexity, making each bite a delightful experience.
5. Smoky Seasonings
For those who love that smoky aroma and taste, these seasonings are a must-try:
Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika is made from dried and smoked red peppers. It lends a rich, smoky flavor to grilled chicken, reminiscent of the taste of barbecued meat. It adds an irresistible depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
Liquid Smoke
Liquid smoke is a condiment made by capturing the smoke from burning wood and condensing it into a liquid form. It gives grilled chicken an authentic smoky flavor, even if you don’t own a smoker or grill.
Mesquite Seasoning
Mesquite seasoning is a blend of spices inspired by the flavors of the mesquite tree. It adds a deep, smoky flavor to grilled chicken, reminiscent of the taste of traditional Texas barbecues.
Hickory Smoke Powder
Hickory smoke powder is made by smoking hickory wood and then grinding it into a fine powder. It infuses grilled chicken with a distinct hickory smoke flavor, similar to that achieved through traditional smoking methods.
6. Asian-inspired Seasonings
To give your grilled chicken an Asian flair, try these flavorful seasonings:
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a staple in Asian cuisine and adds a savory and umami flavor to grilled chicken. Its depth of flavor enhances the taste of the meat and creates a mouthwatering dish.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil has a distinct nutty flavor that adds a rich depth to grilled chicken. A little drizzle goes a long way in intensifying the taste and aroma of the dish.
Garam Masala
A blend of spices commonly used in Indian cooking, garam masala adds a warm and aromatic flavor profile to grilled chicken. It provides a unique twist and introduces a new dimension of taste.
Chinese Five Spice
Chinese five spice is a traditional blend of five spices: star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. It adds a complex and bold flavor to grilled chicken, bringing a taste of the Orient to your palate.
7. Mediterranean Seasonings
For a taste of the Mediterranean, these seasonings are a fantastic choice:
Cumin
Cumin adds an earthy and slightly nutty flavor to grilled chicken. It is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine and pairs well with other spices, creating a delightful flavor profile.
Coriander
Coriander seeds have a citrusy, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor. When ground and used as a seasoning for grilled chicken, it adds an aromatic touch that perfectly complements the meat.
Turmeric
Turmeric is known for its golden color and earthy flavor. It adds warmth and depth to grilled chicken, imparting a beautiful hue while enhancing the taste.
Za’atar
Za’atar is a blend of herbs such as thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds. It adds a unique and aromatic flavor to grilled chicken, reminiscent of Middle Eastern cuisine. The combination of herbs and spices in za’atar creates an irresistible taste that will transport you to distant lands.
8. Sweet and Savory Seasonings
For a balanced and delicious flavor profile, these sweet and savory seasonings are a perfect choice:
Honey
Honey adds a touch of sweetness to grilled chicken, balancing out its savory flavors. It caramelizes on the grill, creating a tempting glaze that enhances the taste and appearance of the dish.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar lends a warm, molasses-like flavor to grilled chicken. It forms a sweet and slightly sticky crust that caramelizes beautifully, adding a delightful taste and texture.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup brings a natural, sweet, and smoky flavor to grilled chicken. Its unique taste creates a delicious contrast when combined with savory seasonings.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce, known for its savory and umami taste, can also lend a touch of sweetness to grilled chicken. When combined with other seasonings, it creates a harmonious blend of flavors that tantalize the taste buds.
9. All-Purpose Seasonings
For those times when you just can’t decide on a specific flavor profile, these all-purpose seasonings come to the rescue:
Montreal Steak Seasoning
Montreal steak seasoning is a versatile blend of herbs and spices that works wonders on grilled chicken. It adds a savory, slightly peppery flavor with a hint of garlic and creates a delicious crust on the outside of the meat.
Seasoned Salt
Seasoned salt is a blend of salt, herbs, and spices. It adds a well-balanced mix of flavors, including savory, garlic, and onion notes, to grilled chicken. It’s a go-to seasoning for many due to its versatility and ability to enhance the taste of various dishes.
Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning is a classic blend of herbs, such as basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. It infuses grilled chicken with a Mediterranean flair and creates a savory and aromatic taste that is loved by many.
Adobo Seasoning
Adobo seasoning is a traditional blend of spices commonly used in Latin American cuisine. Its combination of garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, and other spices adds a robust and flavorful profile to grilled chicken, giving it a touch of Latin heat.
10. Exotic Seasonings
For the adventurous food lover, these exotic seasonings offer unique and exciting flavors:
Harissa
Harissa is a North African spice blend made from chili peppers, garlic, cumin, coriander, and other spices. It adds a fiery, smoky, and slightly tangy flavor to grilled chicken, providing a taste of the exotic.
Sumac
Sumac is a deep red spice with a tangy and slightly lemony taste. It adds a unique and vibrant flavor to grilled chicken, making it a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Berbere
Berbere is a fiery spice blend commonly used in Ethiopian cooking. It combines chili peppers, ginger, garlic, and various aromatic herbs and spices. It adds a complex, spicy, and robust flavor to grilled chicken, creating a culinary adventure for your taste buds.
Ras el Hanout
Ras el Hanout is a Moroccan spice blend that translates to “top of the shop,” signifying a mix of the best spices available. It typically includes a blend of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and other spices. This aromatic seasoning adds a unique and exotic flavor to grilled chicken, transporting you to the vibrant markets of Morocco.
With these top seasonings for grilled chicken in your culinary arsenal, you can now experiment and create tantalizing flavor combinations that will impress your taste buds and elevate your grilling game. So go ahead, fire up the grill, and let the seasoning adventure begin!