Chicken can sometimes seem bland and flavorless on its own. The good news is there are lots of ways to add flavor and jazz up boring chicken! With the right ingredients and cooking techniques, you can take chicken from dry and tasteless to juicy and bursting with flavor.
Spices and Herbs
One of the easiest ways to add flavor to chicken is by using spices and herbs. Many common spices will give chicken a flavor boost:
- Salt and pepper – These two basic spices enhance chicken’s natural flavors. A simple sprinkle of salt and pepper as you cook or before serving can make a big difference.
- Paprika – Add a smoky, slightly spicy flavor. Paprika comes in sweet, smoked, and spicy (hot) varieties.
- Chili powder – For a kick of heat and southwestern flavor.
- Cumin – This warm, earthy spice is perfect for Mexican-style chicken.
- Curry powder – Try a blend like garam masala or a curry spice mix.
- Italian seasoning – A blend of oregano, basil, rosemary gives chicken a taste of Italy.
- Ginger – Fresh grated ginger adds a little zing.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic or garlic powder infuses chicken with flavor.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with spice blends like smoked paprika, herbes de provence, za’atar, Chinese five spice, jerk seasoning, etc. When using strong spices, remember that a little goes a long way.
Fresh herbs are also an easy way to add brightness to chicken. Try dill, parsley, cilantro, basil, oregano, thyme, or rosemary. You can mix chopped herbs into breading, add whole sprigs or leaves while cooking, or sprinkle them on at the end.
Acidic Ingredients
Ingredients like lemon, lime, and vinegar add a bright punch of acidity that balances and enhances the flavor of chicken:
- Lemon – Squeeze fresh lemon juice over chicken or roast lemon halves alongside.
- Lime – Use lime juice in marinades or sprinkle zest over cooked chicken.
- Vinegar – Cider, wine, rice vinegar, etc. Use in marinades or pan sauces.
- Yogurt – Plain yogurt tenderizes and marinates. Greek yogurt makes a tangy creamy sauce.
- Tomatoes – Fresh or canned diced tomatoes add flavor to sauces and braises.
The acid helps break down proteins in the meat, making it more tender and able to absorb other flavors.
Umami Flavor Boosters
Ingredients high in umami or “savory” flavor add delicious depth to chicken:
- Soy sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- Fish sauce
- Parmesan cheese
- Mushrooms
- Tomatoes
- Anchovies
- Olives
- Fermented foods like miso paste
A little bit of one of these umami-rich ingredients can make chicken taste heartier and more “meaty.”
Marinades
Marinating chicken is one of the easiest ways to infuse it with layers of flavor. The acidic marinade will tenderize the meat while the seasonings add flavor. Try soaking chicken for 30 minutes up to overnight.
Here are some tasty marinade ideas:
- Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, oregano, olive oil
- Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, brown sugar
- Buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic
- Orange juice, olive oil, cilantro, chili powder
- Honey, mustard, balsamic vinegar
Rubs and Sauces
Rubs are dry spice mixtures pressed onto the surface of the chicken before cooking. Barbecue-style sauces add flavor during cooking. Try these combos:
Rubs
- Brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt
- Smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, mustard powder
- Coriander, cinnamon, cumin, cayenne
Sauces
- Barbecue – Sweet and smoky
- Teriyaki – Sweet soy glaze
- Hoisin – Thick and savory
- Jerk – Spicy and herby
Brush sauces over chicken pieces during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to let the flavors meld.
Cooking Fats
The type of fat you cook chicken in impacts flavor. Try these flavorful fats:
- Olive oil – For Mediterranean flavor
- Coconut oil – Subtle tropical flavor
- Butter – Rich, creamy
- Bacon grease – Smoky, salty, umami
- Nuts oils – Walnut, hazelnut, etc. Nutty!
Aromatics
Cooking chicken with aromatics like onions, garlic, and fresh ginger adds savory depth and fragrance:
- Onions – Caramelized onions are divine
- Garlic – Roasted whole bulbs or cloves are sweet and mellow
- Ginger – Grated fresh ginger packs a punch
- Shallots – Similar to onions but more delicate
Try adding aromatics to the pan when searing chicken, mix into stuffing, or tuck aromatics under the skin along with herb butter.
Condiments and Sauces
Jazz up cooked chicken with flavorful condiments and sauces:
| Condiment/Sauce | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Ketchup | Sweet, tangy |
| BBQ sauce | Sweet, smoky |
| Ranch dressing | Cool, herby |
| Honey mustard | Sweet, tangy |
| Salsa | Fresh, spicy |
From classic chicken fingers with ketchup to tacos with salsa, condiments take chicken to the next level.
Other Ingredients
Get creative with mixes of ingredients to make chicken extra flavorful. Some ideas:
- Bacon – Wrap chicken in bacon or crumble on top
- Roasted veggies – Toss chicken with roasted peppers, zucchini, etc.
- Olives – Add briny, salty flavor
- Dried fruit – Try apricots, cranberries, cherries
- Nuts – Toasted almonds, walnuts, pecans
- Cheese – Top with crumbled feta, goat cheese, etc.
Brines and Pickles
Soaking chicken in a brine (saltwater solution) before cooking infuses it with seasoning and keeps it super moist. An acidic brine pickle-style also tenderizes the meat.
Delicious brines include:
- Salt, brown sugar, garlic, peppercorns
- Soy sauce, ginger, garlic
- Vinegar, garlic, onion, herbs
Let chicken soak for 30 minutes to a few hours before roasting or grilling.
Conclusion
With an arsenal of herbs, spices, sauces, and creative ingredients, it’s easy to transform bland chicken into something truly mouthwatering. The possibilities are endless! Play around with global flavor combinations from Mediterranean to Asian to Southwestern.
Use fresh herbs and homemade spice blends rather than reaching for the seasoning salt. Allow time for flavors to meld by marinating. And don’t forget a squirt of acidity from lemon, lime, or vinegar to brighten up chicken. With the right techniques and ingredients, you can make chicken that’s juicy, tender, and packed with flavor.