Homemade Poultry Seasoning Recipe

Whether roasting a chicken for dinner or a delicious Thanksgiving turkey, I love to use my homemade poultry seasoning. There is no reason to buy the pre-made stuff when you can make it cheaper at home. And it is not just for poultry, either. I like to use it on roasted vegetables, pizza, and even soups and stews. If you are looking for the perfect seasoning, you can use it on almost anything; this is it!

Unfortunately, you do not know what goes into some store-bought seasonings. Even if it says poultry seasoning on it, you may also be getting a variety of additives and preservatives they put into it to make it last longer on the shelf. But making it at home means you can add exactly what you want. And you can use the amounts you like instead of what the companies think you should like.

For example, I tasted one poultry seasoning with so much thyme that it was all you could taste. I love thyme, but what is the point of poultry seasoning if it just tastes like it? I like to taste all of the ingredients. It is much less expensive to make your own, too. For about a dollar, you can make a jar of poultry seasoning that would cost about $8 to $10 at the store.

This homemade seasoning would make the perfect hostess gifts. Not to mention, it is one of the best seasonings to use on turkey, chicken, or stuffing. This is why I am sharing with you this amazing and inexpensive recipe.

Why you will love this recipe

• It is so easy: You can make this in less than two minutes.
• Keep for months: If you store it in an airtight jar, it will stay fresh for six months.
• You can change it. Add or remove what you want to make it taste how you like it.
• It is cheap: You can make this for less than a dollar. Seriously. Why spend up to $10 when you can save all that money?

What you’ll need to make homemade poultry seasoning

Special items:

• A tightly sealed container: A glass jar with a lid would be great.

Ingredients:

• Sage – If you do not have ground sage, grind your own for the freshest flavor. This is one of the main ingredients.
• Thyme – Another main ingredient, grind your own thyme from dried herbs for the best taste.
• Oregano – You may want to use less if you do not like it as much. It can be overwhelming.
• Parsley – Dried parsley flakes ground fresh is the best choice.
• Marjoram – If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have health problems, check with your doctor before using marjoram often. Too much use can cause hormonal changes.
• Rosemary – Another main ingredient, I recommend you use fresh rosemary, dried and ground by you.
• Nutmeg – Add more nutmeg or a bit of cinnamon for a sweeter flavor.
• Garlic powder—Do not use too much. It can have a bold flavor that some people are sensitive to.
• Onion powder – The same with onion powder. Use less for those sensitive to onions.
• Black pepper – I recommend using freshly ground black pepper.

How to make homemade poultry seasoning?

1. Gather and measure the ingredients.
2. Mix it up in a bowl, and after that transfer to a jar. Store it in the cabinet.

Expert tip

Is poultry seasoning really for poultry

Whoever invented poultry seasoning may have been cooking a turkey, roasting a chicken, or preparing some quail for dinner. It could have been someone making soup, grilling vegetables, or mixing up a salad. The thing about poultry seasoning is that it has some of the best herbs and spices, so it can be used in just about anything. It is a little bit sweet, somewhat savory, and has a hint of spiciness in a warm blend of everything that smells deliciously like my grandma’s kitchen.

Another thing about this seasoning is its ability to be changed so quickly. Even if you already have it mixed in a jar, add it to a small bowl and combine it with other herbs and spices you like for a unique taste. Looking for something extra spicy? Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. You can add a bit of sugar and some cinnamon for a sweeter flavor. However you want it to taste, you can alter it to whatever you are making.

Another great thing about this recipe is that you won’t have to worry about any of the extra ingredients in store-bought products. Your own version has a cleaner, fresher taste and is healthier as well.

Recipe variations and add-ins:

• Tangy seasoning: Try making this seasoning tangy with dried lemon zest, lime zest, or dill.
• Minty flavor: Mint would be an excellent addition to make this seasoning unique.
• Cilantro: For Mexican dishes, add in some cilantro. But remember, some people do not like it.
• Bold taste: If you want to add boldness without the spicy flavor, add a bit of anise or tarragon.
• More texture: Instead of grinding it into a powder, leave herbs larger to add texture. 

Serving suggestions:

Homemade poultry seasoning goes great with all sorts of dishes. Try one of these serving ideas.

• Sprinkle on garlic bread or any buttery bread, pizza or pasta.
• Use to make a delicious herb roasted chicken.
• You will appreciate this herbed poultry seasoning on dishes like crockpot stuffing and instant pot whole chicken.
• Try it in one of my easy soup or stew recipes like chicken and dumplings.
• Mix with parmesan and Romano cheese to add seasoning to your pizza.
• It goes great with turkey too, add it to this roasted turkey.
• Add seasoning to your ramen or rice with this flavorful mix.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between poultry seasoning and chicken seasoning?

It depends on where you get it from and who makes it. Some companies market poultry seasoning as chicken seasoning and even turkey rub. But other chicken seasonings mean something different. Instead of being a seasoning to enhance the flavor of your poultry, chicken seasoning is often a chicken-flavored seasoning to add to soups and stews.

Why does my poultry seasoning taste bitter?

One of the herbs or spices you used to make it could be spoiled or old. Always taste your herbs before mixing them into any blend or recipe. Also, your poultry seasoning can go wrong if it has been near anything hot or in the sun. Keep your herbs and spices in a dark, excellent space, like a cabinet far from the stove. If you make your seasoning, always use freshly ground herbs and spices for the best flavor.

Should I rub oil or butter on my poultry before adding seasoning?

Rubbing a little bit of oil or butter on your meat before adding this seasoning to keep it from falling off is a good idea. It is also an excellent way to add moisture to your meat. This is especially good for boneless skinless chicken or turkey breast, which is lean and can be dry if you do not add some moisture or fat to it. I prefer just a little extra olive oil drizzled on mine before adding the seasoning. Then, I rub it in to make sure it flavors the meat.

How long should you let poultry seasoning sit on the chicken before cooking it?

Although some people say you should season your chicken or other meat right before cooking it, you will better taste the seasoning if it stays there for a while. You can use it as a dry rub and let it absorb the seasoning in a covered dish in the fridge for up to 24 hours for a bold taste or add it to a bit of oil, vinegar, or broth to make a marinade.

How to store:

• Keep it in a dark and dry place: Put the seasoning in a tightly sealed container, like a spice jar, and keep it in a dark place. It will stay fresh for up to six months. Since all the ingredients in this recipe are dried, it will keep for a long time.

More homemade seasoning recipes:

Recipe tips:

• Spices and dried herbs lose flavor over time, so I recommend you use this within six months.
• Do not keep spices near your stove or in open containers. You want them in a dark, excellent space.
• If you want fresh herbs from your garden, grind them up with a mortar and pestle. But make sure they are dried first. Fresh herbs are not as aromatic.
• If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, you can grind your herbs in a coffee grinder, food processor, or spice grinder.
• Remember that some people may be allergic or sensitive to certain herbs and spices, so check with those you are serving before adding your homemade seasoning to whatever you are making.