If you cook chicken often, having a go-to chicken seasoning makes all the difference. This simple homemade blend is savory, balanced, and works perfectly as both a chicken seasoning and a dry rub for baked, grilled, or roasted chicken. It’s made with pantry spices you probably already have — and there’s no sugar or fillers.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Chicken Seasoning
- Made with simple pantry spices and no sugar or additives
- Works on chicken breasts, thighs, wings, or whole chicken
- Great as a seasoning for baked chicken, but doubles as a dry rub for grilling
- Takes 2 minutes to mix and lasts 6 months
- Family-friendly and customizable (make it mild or spicy)
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The best dry rub for chicken
This versatile Homemade Spice Blend for Chicken doubles as a flavorful seasoning and dry rub for chicken that works beautifully on baked, grilled, or rotisserie chicken.
Whether you’re roasting a whole bird, grilling simple chicken breasts, crisping up wings, or seasoning thighs, this blend delivers reliable, savory flavor every time. It’s made with common pantry spices, takes just two minutes to mix, and can easily be adjusted to suit your taste.
This seasoning isn’t just for grilled chicken (or any meat!). It’s the kind of all-purpose blend you’ll find yourself reaching for constantly — on roasted vegetables, potatoes, sheet pan dinners, and more.
I use this seasoning on chicken in my Healthy Chicken Alfredo recipe.
Ingredient notes
For the best flavor to your chicken rub, make sure your herbs and spices are fresh and in-date.
- Kosher salt - use a coarse salt, not just regular table salt
- Paprika - you can use smoked paprika for a subtle flavor variation
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder - make sure to use onion powder and not onion salt
- Dried thyme - you can swap it out for dried rosemary if you like distinct rosemary flavor
- Dried oregano
- Black pepper - freshly ground
- Turmeric - optional, but adds a great golden color
- Cayenne pepper - also optional, if you like a bit of heat
See recipe card for quantities.
Recipe Variations
- Low Sodium Version - Reduce salt by half
- Smoky Version - Add some smoked paprika
- Spicy Chicken Rub - Increase cayenne to ¾ to 1 teaspoon
How to make homemade chicken spice mix
- Step 1: Place all spices in a small bowl and whisk together to combine.
- Step 2: Transfer to a small airtight container or mason jar. Label and use as needed for up to 6 months.
How to Use This All Purpose Chicken Seasoning
Use these various examples for how to season chicken and check out some of the great chicken recipes I use it in.
For boneless chicken breasts or thighs (baked or grilled):
Toss with olive oil and 1 tablespoon seasoning per pound.
Try it on my Stuffing Stuffed Chicken Breast or Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast.
For skin on chicken breasts, thighs or wings:
Pat chicken dry and apply generously as a dry rub before grilling or baking.
This seasoning works great on my Crispy Baked Chicken Wings.
For Air Fryer Chicken
Light coat of oil + 1 tablespoon seasoning per pound.
Try on my Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs.
For Whole Roasted Chicken
Rub on top of the skin all over (make sure to get everywhere), or loosen the skin and rub seasoning underneath for maximum flavor.
How Much Chicken Seasoning to Use
- Use 1 tablespoon per pound of chicken for bold flavor
- 2-3 teaspoons per pound for lighter seasoning
- For a full roast chicken: 1½ - 2 tablespoons
Rub the seasoning directly onto the chicken as a dry rub, or mix with a little olive oil to form a paste.
Recipe FAQs
The recipe isn’t spicy as written. If you want to make a spicy chicken rub, you can add cayenne pepper.
Yes, this seasoning makes a great marinade! Simply mix 1 tablespoon seasoning with 1–2 tablespoons olive oil and a splash of lemon juice.
This seasoning recipe has a very similar flavor profile as rotisserie seasoning/ It’s savory, herby, and very well balanced.
Absolutely! This seasoning also works great on turkey, pork, roasted vegetables, even potatoes.
More Homemade Pantry Staples
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- ½ teaspoon turmeric (optional)
- ¼ - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
Instructions
- Place all spices in a small bowl and whisk together to combine.
- Store in a labeled airtight container or a small jar at room temperature and use as needed.
Notes
- How much to use: Use about 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of chicken for bold flavor. For lighter seasoning, use 2–3 teaspoons per pound.
- Make a quick marinade: Mix 1 tablespoon of the seasoning with 1–2 tablespoons olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice, then rub it over the chicken before cooking.
- Storage: Store the seasoning in an airtight container or spice jar in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Shake the jar before using to redistribute the spices.
Nutrition
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Meet the Author
Hi, I'm Agnieszka. I'm a mom of three and recipe developer, writer and photographer behind Wholly Tasteful. I love creating comforting, delicious, family-friendly recipes that you can feel good about.
Mike says
Better than store bought!
Alice says
A perfect seasoning for chicken. I included cayenne pepper and the chicken turned out delicious and super flavorful.
Trina says
I made this seasoning and now I keep a jar of it in my pantry at all times. It adds such a balanced, savory flavor to chicken and I love that it is simple, clean, and customizable.
Art says
Used this last night with my pan-seared chicken, and it was excellent. Loved it.
Anette says
This is so good! I know it's for chicken, but I had pork chops. So, I used it with that. It's yummy!
Agnieszka says
Great idea to put it on pork!
Maya says
I mixed up this chicken seasoning and wow—it made the chicken taste amazing! So easy to sprinkle on and full of flavor.
Gabe says
Ever use this on Turkey or pork?