Are you tired of bland chicken dinners? Craving a burst of flavor that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Then look no further! This recipe for homemade Montreal Chicken Seasoning will transform your ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience. This versatile blend is perfect for grilling, baking, roasting, or even adding to your favorite marinade – it's a true staple for your spice rack. Get ready to elevate your chicken game with this simple yet powerful seasoning!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons paprika (smoked paprika adds a deeper flavor)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon coriander
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tablespoon sea salt (or kosher salt)
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions:
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Combine the magic: In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until thoroughly combined. Make sure there are no clumps of brown sugar.
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Store with care: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container. This keeps the seasoning fresh and potent for months, ready for whenever you need a flavor boost.
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Season generously: Use this Montreal chicken seasoning on your chicken before grilling, baking, or roasting. Rub it generously all over the chicken, ensuring even coverage. The amount you use depends on your preference for intensity; start with a light layer and add more as needed.
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Get creative: Don't limit yourself to just chicken! This versatile seasoning is also fantastic on pork, beef, vegetables, or even sprinkled on popcorn for a savory snack.
Tips for the Best Montreal Chicken Seasoning:
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Fresh is best: While using pre-ground spices is convenient, freshly ground spices will always offer a more vibrant and intense flavor. If you have a spice grinder, consider grinding your own spices for a truly exceptional result.
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Adjust to your taste: The recipe provided is a guideline. Feel free to adjust the amount of each spice to suit your personal preferences. For example, if you love a smoky flavor, increase the smoked paprika. If you prefer a milder seasoning, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it entirely.
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Let it sit: For the best flavor penetration, allow the seasoned chicken to rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This gives the spices time to meld with the chicken.
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Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking your seasoned chicken, ensure that you don’t overcrowd the pan or baking sheet. This ensures even cooking and prevents steaming, which can make the chicken less crispy.
Variations:
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Lemon Herb Montreal Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of dried lemon zest and ½ teaspoon of lemon pepper for a zesty twist.
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Spicy Montreal Chicken: Increase the cayenne pepper to 2 teaspoons or add a pinch of chili flakes for an extra kick.
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Garlic Lover's Montreal Chicken: Boost the garlic powder to 1 ½ tablespoons for a more intense garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per tablespoon):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 20-25
- Fat: Less than 1g
- Sodium: Approximately 200-300mg
This homemade Montreal chicken seasoning is a game-changer for any home cook. Its incredible flavor and ease of preparation make it a perfect addition to your repertoire of delicious dishes and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe, and let your culinary creativity shine!