This is the best recipe for homemade chicken seasoning. It’s a simple spice blend that’s versatile and adds a ton of flavor to any cut of chicken.

a homemade chicken seasoning recipe (chicken rub) stored in a clear glass jar with a silver screw-on top

This post contains some affiliate links, which means that we make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you.

Jump to Recipe

Best Chicken Seasoning Recipe

The grocery store is full of seasoning blends that are easy enough to purchase and use.

However, if you want to have a little more control over the ingredients, you can easily make your own homemade spice blends.

Keep some of your hard earned money right in your pocket. You don’t have to buy another seasoning blend when you probably have all the ingredients to make one at home.

Plain chicken doesn’t have to be bland chicken! Spice up your life with a little seasoning blend and you’ll get have delicious chicken the whole family will love!

This chicken seasoning can be used as a dry rub for chicken (or other protein). Dry rubs add a lot of flavor in a very short amount of time. It’s a great way to add flavor to meat when you don’t have extra time to marinate it.

How to Use this Spice Mix

When seasoning chicken, I use 1 tablespoons of seasoning mix per pound of meat. You can use this seasoning rub for a whole chicken, skinless chicken breasts, chicken thighs, chicken tenderloins, (really any chicken parts!), homemade chicken nuggets, etc.

You could also use this as a pork rub.

Chicken Rub and Chicken Seasoning are generally used by applying directly to the meat (or added to a marinade). It’s slightly different than chicken bouillon, which is added to dishes like soups or stews to enhance the flavor of the chicken.

I frequently use this all purpose chicken seasoning to make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. I like to meal prep the chicken tenders with Roasted Cauliflower Rice and Blanched Green Beans for a quick and easy meal prep lunch.

How to Store your own Seasoning Blends

Once your spice rub is mixed, keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place like your spice drawer. I like these Weck Jars because they can be sealed tightly and the spice blend stays fresh and flavorful.

Make sure you add a label so you know what your homemade seasonings are! Also be sure to include the date so you know how long your spice blend will stay fresh.

How long will this Chicken Rub Recipe Last?

If you use fresh dried spices and herbs, this will last up to 2 years. This dry seasoning blend will stay freshest within the first 6 months to a year and that’s when it will have the most flavor.

Dry Rub for Chicken vs. Chicken Marinade

A dry rub is just that – dry. There are not wet ingredients added and you rub the seasoning right onto the meat. A chicken marinade is “wet” and in addition to herbs and spices, it has a fat and acid, usually oil and vinegar or citrus juice.

You can use this dry rub in a marinade by combining it with oil and acid.

Both are a delicious seasoning for chicken.

LOVE THESE LOW CALORIE DINNER IDEAS?

Join the Low Calorie Recipes and Meal Prep group on Facebook!

join the group

Chicken Seasoning Blend Ingredients

Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Paprika
Dried Parsley
Fine Sea Salt
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper

Ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Flavor Variations

You can use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika to give your chicken seasoning blend a smokey flavor. This is a great way to get that BBQ taste without the grill.

Other spices like kosher salt, chili powder, different herbs like dried cilantro, Italian seasoning, or basil, will change the flavor profile of the rub and can be suited to any taste. Add some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to amp up the spice level!

How to Make Dry Rub for Chicken

Step 1. Add all ingredients to a small bowl and mix to combine.

Step 2. Store in an airtight glass jar and use as needed.

Tips for Making the Best Seasoning for Chicken

If your spices do not have an aroma, it’s time to replace them. While dry herbs and spices to not “go bad”, they lose their flavor and aroma after time. Using old spices will result in a dry rub without much flavor. For best flavor, use within 6 months to a year.
You can double or triple this recipe to make a big batch of chicken seasoning. It’s great to have on hand during grilling season!
See some options for flavor variations above!

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below.

homemade chicken seasoning mixed together in a small white ramekin with a small copper measuring spoon

If you tried and loved this simple chicken seasoning recipe, please leave a comment in the comment section and a star rating below!