Chicken is one of the most commonly consumed meats worldwide. It is a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in many different ways. One of the main decisions when cooking chicken is whether to use it seasoned or unseasoned. But what exactly is the difference between seasoned and unseasoned chicken?
What is Unseasoned Chicken?
Unseasoned chicken refers to chicken that has been cooked or prepared without any additional seasonings or spices added. This means the chicken is left to showcase its natural flavor without any enhancements. Some examples of unseasoned chicken dishes include:
- Baked chicken breast
- Poached chicken
- Grilled chicken
- Rotisserie chicken
- Pan-seared chicken
When chicken is cooked unseasoned, only simple cooking techniques like baking, poaching, grilling, etc. are used to bring out the inherent flavors of the chicken without complementing it with other seasonings.
Benefits of Cooking Unseasoned Chicken
There are some benefits to using unseasoned chicken in certain dishes:
- Allows the natural chicken flavor to shine through. Unseasoned chicken has a mild and subtle flavor profile that highlights the essence of chicken.
- Avoids potential seasoning allergies. Unseasoned chicken is less likely to cause issues for people with spice sensitivities.
- Lower sodium content. With no salt or salty seasonings added, unseasoned chicken can be part of a low-sodium diet.
- Complement other flavors. The mild taste of unseasoned chicken can blend well with strongly flavored sauces, marinades, and sides.
Downsides of Unseasoned Chicken
Cooking chicken without any seasoning does have some disadvantages:
- Can be bland and boring. Plain unseasoned chicken often lacks flavor and complexity.
- Prone to drying out. Without oils, spices, or accompaniments the chicken breast can easily dry out.
- Less visually appealing. Unseasoned chicken tends to look very plain and unappetizing.
- Requires more work to add flavor. Needs homemade marinades, spice rubs, sauces, etc. to boost the taste.
What is Seasoned Chicken?
Seasoned chicken refers to chicken that has been cooked with added seasonings, spices, herbs, oils, and other flavoring agents. These extra ingredients work to enhance and boost the natural flavor of the chicken. Some examples of seasoned chicken dishes include:
- Baked chicken seasoned with cajun spice rub
- Grilled chicken marinated in Italian dressing
- Chicken tikka masala – chicken in spicy tomato-cream curry sauce
- Jerk chicken seasoned with caraibean jerk seasoning
- Fried chicken coated in seasoned breadcrumbs
As opposed to letting it shine on its own, seasoned chicken uses spices, sauces, and marinades to add complex, bold, and dynamic flavors to the chicken while cooking.
Benefits of Seasoned Chicken
Seasoning chicken while cooking provides a few advantages:
- Much more flavorful. Spices, herbs, sauces, etc. infuse the chicken with far more taste.
- Prevents drying out. Seasonings like oil and marinades keeps chicken moist as it cooks.
- Fun flavors and aromas. Seasonings allow you to give chicken exciting new flavors.
- More visually appealing. Seasoned chicken gets nice caramelization, char, and color.
Downsides of Seasoned Chicken
While seasoning chicken does enhance its flavor, there are a couple potential issues to keep in mind:
- Can mask the natural chicken flavors. Too many bold spices may make chicken taste less like itself.
- Risk of allergy issues. Spices and seasonings may trigger reactions in those with sensitivities.
- Higher sodium content. Salt and seasoning blends add more sodium.
- Finding the right balance. It takes practice to find seasoning combos that complement chicken.
Seasoned vs. Unseasoned for Specific Dishes
Whether to use seasoned or unseasoned chicken depends largely on the specific dish being prepared. Here are some guidelines for when to use each:
Use Unseasoned Chicken For:
- Simple pan-seared or roasted chicken breast – Allows natural flavor to shine.
- Chicken noodle soup – Lets broth and vegetables flavor the chicken.
- Chicken salad – Allows other ingredients like mayo, fruits, nuts to complement.
- Casseroles with lots of ingredients – Chicken blends into overall flavor.
Use Seasoned Chicken For:
- Grilled chicken – Marinades and rubs prevent drying and add flavor.
- Baked chicken – Spice mixes give chicken more taste and crispy skin.
- Fried chicken – Seasoned coatings essential for flavor and crunch.
- Curries and stews – Sauce and spices permeate chicken with more flavor.
How to Season Chicken
There are endless possibilities when it comes to seasoning chicken. Here are some easy go-to methods:
Marinades
Soaking chicken in an oil-based marinade tenderizes it and infuses it with lots of flavor. Common marinades include dressing, sauce, citrus juice, yogurt, wine, etc. Marinate chicken in the fridge anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight.
Spice Rubs
Dry spice rubs give a flavor crust on chicken when baked or grilled. Good spice mixes include cajun, jerk, bbq, tandoori, herb blends, five spice, etc. Simply coat chicken with oil or sauce then pat on rub.
Brines
Brining chicken in a saltwater solution makes it extra juicy and seasoned. Dissolve salt and sugar into water or other brine liquids like buttermilk or citrus juice then soak raw chicken.
Breading
Bread chicken pieces with seasoned flour or crumbs for delicious flavor in pan frying, baking, or air frying. Season breadcrumbs or flour with herbs, parmesan, paprika, garlic, onion, etc.
Sauces and Condiments
Drizzle bold sauces over chicken or serve with flavorful condiments like salsa or chutney. Examples include teriyaki, bbq, hot sauce, pesto, chimichurri, pineapple salsa, etc.
| Seasoning Method | Examples | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Marinades | Italian dressing, yogurt, wine, citrus juice | Tenderizes, adds moisture, infuses flavor |
| Spice Rubs | Cajun, jerk, lemon pepper, garlic herb | Forms flavor crust, adds texture |
| Brines | Saltwater, buttermilk, citrus juice | Keeps chicken juicy, seasons throughout |
| Breading | Seasoned flour, panko, cornflakes | Provides crunch and flavor for frying |
| Sauces | Teriyaki, bbq, hot sauce, chimichurri | Smother chicken in bold flavors |
Popular Seasonings for Chicken
Here are some of the most common and delicious herbs, spices, and flavorings used to season chicken:
Herbs
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Sage
- Tarragon
- Chives
- Basil
- Dill
Spices and seasonings
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Curry powder
- Cajun seasoning
- Jerk seasoning
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Other flavorings
- Lemon
- Lime
- Mustard
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Ginger
- Chili paste
- Olives
- Capers
- Wine
Seasoned vs. Unseasoned Chicken Nutrition
When comparing the nutrition of seasoned versus unseasoned chicken, they are generally quite similar. Plain chicken is a lean, protein-packed food:
- High in protein – Provides all 9 essential amino acids for building muscle.
- Low in fat – Especially when skin is removed.
- Good source of vitamins and minerals like B6, selenium, zinc.
- Rich in choline – An important nutrient for metabolism and nerve function.
Light seasonings like herbs, spices, lemon juice add lots of flavor without much effect on nutrition. However, sauces, marinades, and rubs with more salt, oil, or sugar can increase calories, sodium, and carbohydrates. Always check calorie counts and ingredients when using prepared seasonings.
Overall chicken is a healthy, high-protein food. Light seasoning provides flavor enhancement without sacrificing its nutritional benefits. Heavy sauces or coatings will add more calories, carbs, fat, and sodium.
Conclusion
Seasoned and unseasoned chicken each have their benefits in cooking. Unseasoned chicken provides a blank canvas to highlight the simple, subtle flavor of chicken. Seasoned chicken infuses the chicken with bold new flavors and prevents it from drying out. While seasoning does add some sodium, fats, carbs, and calories, herbs and spices can provide flavor enhancement without much nutrition change.
The choice between seasoned or unseasoned chicken depends largely on the recipe and your flavor preferences. For simple preparations that let chicken’s mild flavor shine, keep it unseasoned. To give chicken more appeal andprevent drying, seasoning it is usually best. Marinades, spice rubs, and flavorful sauces all complement chicken wonderfully. With so many seasoning possibilities, you can easily keep your chicken dishes exciting.