12+ Flavorful Chicken Seasoning Substitutes for Every Kitchen!

Chicken is a versatile protein that can be transformed with a myriad of seasonings, but sometimes you might find yourself without your go-to blend.

Whether you’re looking to explore new flavors or simply don’t have the right seasoning on hand, knowing how to substitute chicken seasoning can open up a world of culinary possibilities.

In this article, we’ll explore 12+ creative and practical substitutes for chicken seasoning that can help you achieve delicious results, no matter what’s in your pantry.

From common pantry staples to inventive spice blends, these substitutes will ensure your chicken dishes remain flavorful and exciting.

12+ Flavorful Chicken Seasoning Substitutes for Every Kitchen

By using these 12+ alternatives, you can easily adjust your seasoning based on what you have available or the specific flavor profile you’re aiming for.

Whether you choose to rely on herb blends, spice combinations, or international seasonings, each substitute offers its own unique twist.

Embrace these options to keep your chicken dishes varied and delicious, and never be caught off guard by a missing spice again. With these creative solutions, you’ll always be prepared to make your chicken taste extraordinary.

Paprika and Garlic Powder

Paprika and garlic powder make a straightforward substitute for chicken seasoning, offering a balance of smokiness and savory depth.

Paprika provides a mild, smoky flavor that can enhance the richness of chicken, while garlic powder adds a savory kick.

This combination is particularly suitable for grilling or roasting chicken, as it imparts a flavorful crust.

Be cautious with paprika, as too much can make the dish overly smoky, and adjust the garlic powder to avoid overpowering the other flavors. This blend works well in recipes where you want a simple, yet flavorful seasoning without the complexity of a pre-made mix.

Cajun Seasoning

Cajun seasoning can be a zesty and bold alternative to traditional chicken seasoning.

This blend typically includes spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, offering a spicy and robust flavor profile.

It is ideal for recipes where you want to add a kick, such as in Cajun-style chicken or chicken stews. However, be mindful of the spice level, as Cajun seasoning can be quite hot.

Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance and the desired flavor intensity.

This substitute is perfect for dishes that benefit from a bold, spicy flavor and can transform a simple chicken recipe into something exciting.

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Herb and Lemon Zest

A combination of dried herbs and lemon zest provides a fresh and aromatic substitute for chicken seasoning.

Use a mix of dried rosemary, thyme, and basil, and add freshly grated lemon zest for a bright, citrusy note.

This blend is excellent for baked or pan-seared chicken, offering a light and flavorful profile that enhances the natural taste of the chicken.

The lemon zest adds a vibrant freshness that can brighten up the dish. Be cautious not to overuse the lemon zest, as it can become overpowering.

This seasoning is ideal for recipes where you want to highlight the chicken’s flavor with a refreshing, herbaceous touch.

Chili Powder and Cumin

Chili powder and cumin create a flavorful and slightly smoky substitute for chicken seasoning, adding depth and warmth to your dishes. Chili powder provides a rich, earthy flavor, while cumin adds a warm, nutty undertone.

This combination is well-suited for recipes like chicken tacos, chili, or barbecued chicken. However, be cautious with the amount of chili powder, as it can vary in heat.

Adjust the quantities to suit your taste and the spice level you prefer. This blend is perfect for adding a savory and slightly spicy kick to chicken dishes, making it a versatile option for various recipes.

Lemon Pepper and Dill

Lemon pepper and dill create a refreshing and tangy substitute for traditional chicken seasoning.

Lemon pepper seasoning offers a bright, citrusy zing paired with a mild spiciness, while dill adds an herbaceous and slightly sweet flavor.

This combination is particularly effective for grilled or roasted chicken, providing a clean and vibrant taste.

Be cautious with lemon pepper, as its tanginess can become overpowering if used excessively. Adjust the amount according to your preference to maintain a balanced flavor.

This seasoning blend is ideal for dishes where a zesty and aromatic profile is desired.

Cumin and Coriander

Cumin and coriander make an excellent alternative for chicken seasoning, delivering a warm, earthy, and slightly citrusy flavor.

Cumin adds a deep, nutty quality, while coriander contributes a hint of sweetness and freshness. This blend is well-suited for recipes like chicken curries, kebabs, or Mediterranean chicken dishes.

Be cautious with the quantity of cumin, as it can be strong and dominant in flavor.

Adjust the proportions to ensure the seasoning complements rather than overwhelms the dish. This combination works especially well in recipes that benefit from a complex, aromatic profile.

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Garlic and Herb Blend

A garlic and herb blend can serve as a versatile substitute for chicken seasoning, providing a savory and aromatic flavor.

This blend typically includes garlic powder, dried basil, oregano, and thyme, offering a balanced mix of herbaceous and garlicky notes.

It is suitable for a variety of chicken recipes, including baked, sautéed, or grilled chicken.

The garlic and herb combination enhances the natural flavors of the chicken without overpowering it.

Be cautious with garlic powder, as it can be intense if used in large amounts. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste to ensure a harmonious flavor profile.

Soy Sauce and Ginger

Soy sauce and ginger create an Asian-inspired substitute for chicken seasoning, adding a savory umami depth with a hint of warmth from the ginger.

Soy sauce provides a rich, salty flavor, while ginger offers a fresh, spicy note.

This combination is ideal for recipes like stir-fries, teriyaki chicken, or other Asian-style dishes. Be mindful of the salt content from soy sauce, and adjust the quantity to avoid an overly salty dish.

This seasoning blend is perfect for adding a distinctive, flavorful twist to your chicken dishes, making it a versatile option for a variety of culinary styles.

Smoked Paprika and Onion Powder

Smoked paprika and onion powder offer a savory and slightly smoky alternative to traditional chicken seasoning.

Smoked paprika imparts a rich, smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness, while onion powder adds a mellow, aromatic depth.

This blend is particularly effective for grilling or roasting chicken, as the smoked paprika creates a delightful crust and the onion powder enhances the overall flavor.

Be cautious with smoked paprika, as its smokiness can be strong; adjust the amount to avoid overwhelming the dish.

This seasoning works well for recipes where a robust, smoky profile is desired.

Mustard Powder and Herbs

Mustard powder and dried herbs create a tangy and herbaceous substitute for chicken seasoning.

Mustard powder provides a sharp, tangy kick, while dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage add a complementary herbal note.

This combination is ideal for baked or grilled chicken, offering a flavorful and aromatic profile that enhances the dish.

Be cautious with mustard powder, as its sharpness can be potent; use it sparingly and adjust according to your taste preferences. This blend is perfect for recipes that benefit from a tangy and herb-infused seasoning.

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Turmeric and Curry Powder

Turmeric and curry powder make a vibrant and flavorful substitute for chicken seasoning, adding a warm, exotic twist to your dishes.

Turmeric provides a deep, earthy flavor and a striking yellow color, while curry powder adds a blend of spices that can include cumin, coriander, and fenugreek.

This combination is well-suited for recipes like chicken curry, stews, or spiced chicken dishes.

Be cautious with turmeric, as its strong flavor and color can dominate the dish; adjust the amount to balance the seasoning. This blend is ideal for adding a bold, aromatic profile to your chicken recipes.

Herb de Provence

Herb de Provence offers a fragrant and slightly floral alternative to chicken seasoning.

This classic French blend typically includes dried lavender, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram, providing a complex and aromatic flavor profile.

Herb de Provence is excellent for baked, roasted, or pan-seared chicken, as it imparts a subtle yet sophisticated taste.

Be cautious with lavender, as its strong floral notes can overpower the dish; use it sparingly and adjust according to your taste.

This seasoning is perfect for recipes where a refined and aromatic touch is desired, bringing a touch of French cuisine to your chicken dishes.

How to Make Chicken Seasoning Substitute at Home

Creating a homemade chicken seasoning substitute is a great way to customize flavors to your preference and ensure you have a versatile mix on hand for any chicken dish.

This recipe combines common pantry spices and herbs to replicate the robust and savory profile of traditional chicken seasoning.

Whether you’re out of your usual seasoning or simply want to experiment with different flavors, this blend offers a well-balanced mix of herbs and spices that can enhance everything from baked chicken to stir-fries.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, dried basil, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well blended.
Taste the mixture and adjust the salt or pepper if needed.
Store the seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Making your own chicken seasoning substitute at home not only allows you to tailor the blend to your taste but also ensures that you have a fresh and flavorful mix ready whenever you need it.

This recipe provides a versatile seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of chicken without overpowering them.

By using common pantry spices and herbs, you can easily create a blend that works well in a variety of dishes, from roasted chicken to stir-fries.

Plus, you can experiment with the proportions or add your own favorite spices to customize the seasoning further. Enjoy the convenience of having a go-to chicken seasoning that brings out the best in your cooking.

1. What can I use as a substitute for chicken seasoning if I don’t have any on hand?

If you don’t have chicken seasoning, you can use a combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs (like thyme, oregano, and basil), and a bit of salt and pepper.

This mix replicates the savory and aromatic qualities of chicken seasoning and can be customized to your taste preferences.

2. Can I use Italian seasoning as a substitute for chicken seasoning?

Yes, Italian seasoning can be a good substitute for chicken seasoning, especially if you’re looking for an herbaceous flavor profile.

It typically contains a blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, which complement chicken well.

However, it might lack some of the additional spices found in traditional chicken seasoning, so adjust the amounts based on your flavor preferences.

3. How do I adjust the spiciness of my chicken seasoning substitute?

To adjust the spiciness of your chicken seasoning substitute, you can modify the amount of ingredients like paprika and black pepper.

For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of black pepper or omit any spicy elements.

For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra paprika. Taste the mixture and adjust as needed before using it in your recipes.

4. Is there a vegetarian option for chicken seasoning substitutes?

Yes, many chicken seasoning substitutes are naturally vegetarian. For example, using a blend of herbs and spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and basil is a great vegetarian option.

These ingredients provide a flavorful profile without any animal products.

5. Can I use barbecue seasoning as a substitute for chicken seasoning?

Barbecue seasoning can be used as a substitute for chicken seasoning, especially if you’re looking to add a smoky and tangy flavor to your chicken.

Barbecue seasoning often includes spices like paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar, which can complement chicken well.

However, it may impart a sweeter and smokier taste than traditional chicken seasoning, so consider this when choosing your seasoning blend.

References

Maria G. Brooks

Hello! I’m Maria G. Brooks, a professional chef, passionate recipe maker, and a true food lover at heart. I wanted to create a space where anyone—from experienced chefs to beginners—could find delicious recipes, practical cooking tips, and simple kitchen hacks. My goal was to break down the barriers that often make cooking seem intimidating.

12+ Flavorful Chicken Seasoning Substitutes for Every Kitchen!