Getting seasoning to penetrate chicken can be tricky, but there are some simple tricks you can use to help the flavors really get into the meat. In the opening paragraphs, I’ll go over some quick answers to common questions about how to get seasoning into chicken.
Why does seasoning need to penetrate chicken?
If seasoning doesn’t penetrate the chicken, it will only flavor the outside or skin of the meat. This means you end up with bland, unseasoned chicken on the inside. For the best, most flavorful results, you need the seasoning to get into the chicken so it infuses all the way through.
What are some ways to help seasoning penetrate chicken?
Here are a few simple tips for getting seasoning into chicken:
- Use a saltwater brine – Soaking chicken in a salty brine helps break down muscle fibers so seasoning can better penetrate. Brine for 30 minutes up to a few hours.
- Try a buttermilk soak – The acids in buttermilk also help break down chicken so seasoning can infuse more deeply. Soak for 30 minutes to a few hours.
- Use baking powder – Just a teaspoon of baking powder in the seasoning blend can help it better penetrate the chicken. The alkaline baking powder boosts penetration.
- Season under the skin – Lifting the skin and seasoning directly on the meat, then putting the skin back helps the seasoning absorb better.
- Inject seasoning – Using a flavor injector tool to inject liquid seasoning marinades directly into the chicken distributes flavor very effectively.
What are the best seasonings for flavorful chicken?
You can use all kinds of seasonings and spice blends to flavor chicken. Some especially good options include:
- Lemon pepper
- Cajun seasoning
- Jerk seasoning
- Barbecue rub
- Italian herb blend
- Cumin, paprika, garlic powder
- Chili powder, cayenne, oregano
Experiment with different spice combinations to find your favorite flavored chicken recipes!
Should you season chicken before or after cooking?
For the best results, you should season chicken both before and after cooking:
- Season raw chicken about 30 minutes to a few hours before cooking. This gives time for the seasoning to soak in.
- Season again just before cooking to form a flavorful crust on the outside.
- Season once more after cooking to balance and brighten flavors.
Does cooking method affect seasoning penetration?
Yes, the way you cook chicken impacts how well seasoning penetrates. Some top cooking methods for infusing flavor include:
| Cooking Method | Effect on Seasoning Penetration |
|---|---|
| Grilling | The dry heat helps draw seasoning into the chicken. |
| Pan roasting | Browning on the stovetop forms a flavorful crust. |
| Braising | The chicken cooks in seasoned liquid which adds flavor. |
Methods like poaching or boiling don’t allow seasoning to penetrate as well.
Should you use a seasoning rub or marinade?
You can use homemade or store-bought rubs and marinades to effectively season chicken:
- Rubs are dry seasoning blends that you rub generously over raw chicken. Let sit 30 mins – a few hours before cooking. The salt and acids help the blend penetrate.
- Marinades are wet seasoning mixes with oil, acid, and aromatics. Marinate raw chicken for 30 minutes to overnight before cooking. The acidic liquid penetrates the meat.
Both marinades and rubs work well. For the juiciest results, pat chicken dry after marinating to help achieve a crispy skin.
Best homemade chicken rub recipes
Top homemade chicken marinade ideas
Conclusion
Getting great seasoning flavor into chicken does take some effort, but it’s worth it for delicious, flavorful results. Allowing time for a soak, brine or marinade gives the flavors time to penetrate into the meat. Using baking powder, saltwater, or acids also helps break down the chicken so the seasoning can infuse. Rubbing, marinating, and seasoning chicken before and after cooking ensures you get the most flavor possible with every bite.