Take chicken and turkey to the next level with this DIY blend of herbs and spices you probably already have on hand.
Never underestimate the power of well-blended herbs and spices to elevate a dish. Homemade poultry seasoning takes just a few minutes to make and is a super-easy way to pep up chicken, turkey, and so much more. Whatever the dish, this mix just might transform your meal from bland to beautiful with just a sprinkle.
The classic combo for poultry seasoning is sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, nutmeg, and black pepper. The flavor is warm and fresh, with an aroma that will become more pronounced (and often very familiar!) during cooking. It’s a tried-and-true combo that can streamline your cooking and take some of the guesswork out of seasoning your meat with individual spices. And making your own blend is much more affordable than buying commercial seasonings with the added benefit that you control all the ingredients. If you haven’t tried making your own spice blends before, this is an easy, versatile one to start with.
A Brief History of Poultry Seasoning
Although similar seasoning blends may have been around for centuries, Bell’s Poultry Seasoning, created by William Bell in Boston around 1867, is said to have been the first marketed version of the blend. By 1889 the McCormick spice company was founded by Willoughby McCormick in his Baltimore home and poultry seasoning was one of the company’s first offerings. Both Bell’s and McCormick blends are still available today and these and other versions are a staple in home kitchens and restaurants across the country. The ratio of herbs and spices for poultry seasoning varies from version to version and cook to cook, but usually the reigning flavor is sage, an earthy herb that goes particularly well with poultry and is also often called for in modern stuffing recipes as well.
How to make ahead and store
Stored in a well-sealed jar, poultry seasoning will last for up to 6 months. To keep it as fresh and flavorful as possible, store the jar in a cool and dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. I suggest putting a sticky note on top of the jar with the date so you can keep track of how much time has passed since you made it.
Serving Suggestions
Poultry seasoning is so versatile you hardly need a recipe to use it. Sprinkle or rub it on just about any poultry cut along with a little salt and you’re good to cook. If you are looking for recipes though, FFF has some excellent ones to put its flavor power to work. Easy Air-Fryer Turkey Breast and super-juicy Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs are two that call for it, and you can use it in place of chicken seasoning in this popular Crispy Pan-Fried Breaded Chicken Breast. Poultry seasoning is famous for jazzing up stuffing, too. Give your homemade version a try in Easy Gluten-Free Stuffing, Oyster Dressing, or Sausage Stuffing.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground sage
- 2 1/4 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 1/4 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 3/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 2 pinches ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all of the spices and mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixed spices to an airtight container for storage.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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