Chicken breast is quick, versatile and easy to cook, but because it has such a mild flavour, the seasoning you use makes a huge difference.
The right combination of herbs and spices can turn plain chicken breast into something you actually look forward to eating.
Here are some of the best seasonings for chicken breast and the easiest ways to use them.
Peri-peri seasoning
Peri-peri is ideal if you like chicken with a bit of heat.
It usually combines chilli, paprika, garlic, herbs and citrus-style flavours to create a bold, savoury taste.
Chicken breast works particularly well with peri-peri because the seasoning adds plenty of character without needing a complicated sauce.
Serve it with rice, wedges, salad or vegetables.
Jerk seasoning
Jerk-style seasoning gives chicken breast a deeper, warmer flavour.
It usually combines spices, herbs and chilli to create a mixture that is aromatic, savoury and slightly spicy.
Jerk-seasoned chicken breast is great with rice, corn, roasted vegetables or inside wraps.
Lemon and herb seasoning
Lemon and herb is one of the easiest options if you want something fresh and lighter.
The combination of citrus and herbs complements chicken breast without overpowering it.
It is especially useful for simple meals with potatoes, vegetables, couscous or salad.
Garlic and herb seasoning
Garlic and herb is a classic choice because it goes with almost anything.
Garlic, oregano, parsley, thyme and black pepper all work particularly well with chicken breast.
It is also a useful option if you are cooking extra chicken for salads, wraps or lunches the following day.
Paprika seasoning
Paprika is one of the easiest spices to use on chicken breast.
Sweet paprika adds colour and warmth, while smoked paprika creates a richer, smokier flavour.
Try combining paprika with garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper.
Cajun seasoning
Cajun-style seasoning is a good choice if you want your chicken to have plenty of flavour.
It usually contains paprika, chilli, garlic, onion and herbs.
Slice the cooked chicken and serve it with rice, pasta, salad or inside wraps.
BBQ seasoning
BBQ-style seasoning adds smoky, savoury and slightly sweet flavours to chicken breast.
It works well whether you bake, grill, air fry or pan-cook the chicken.
Serve BBQ chicken with wedges, salad, vegetables or coleslaw.
Mediterranean herbs
Chicken breast also works brilliantly with Mediterranean flavours.
Oregano, basil, thyme, garlic and lemon can create a simple seasoning combination that works well in salads, pasta and traybakes.
What spices go well with chicken breast?
Some of the most useful spices for chicken breast include paprika, chilli powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, coriander and black pepper.
Herbs such as oregano, thyme, parsley, rosemary and basil also work well.
You can combine several of these together or choose a ready-made blend.
How much seasoning should you use on chicken breast?
You want enough seasoning to cover the surface of the chicken evenly.
Using too little can leave the chicken tasting bland, while adding a very thick layer of seasoning can overpower the meat.
The exact amount will depend on the seasoning blend you are using and the size of the chicken breast.
Can you season chicken breast without oil?
Yes.
Many dry seasonings can be applied directly to chicken breast without adding extra oil.
You can also use a seasoning transfer sheet.
Flavour Sheets already contain the seasoning, so you simply place the chicken onto the sheet, wrap it and cook according to the instructions.
The flavour transfers directly onto the chicken during cooking.
What is the easiest way to season chicken breast?
For the simplest option, choose a flavour you already know you enjoy.
Peri-peri if you like heat.
Jerk if you want something bold and aromatic.
Lemon and herb if you prefer something fresher.
If you want to avoid measuring spices or preparing a marinade altogether, Flavour Sheets make the process even easier.
Wrap. Cook. Enjoy.