If you have chicken in the fridge but no idea what to do with it, choosing the right seasoning is often the hardest part.
Chicken has a relatively mild flavour, which is exactly why it works with so many different spices, herbs and seasonings.
From spicy peri-peri to fresh lemon and herb, there are countless ways to make chicken more interesting.
Here are some of the best flavours for chicken and what to serve with them.
Peri-peri chicken
Peri-peri is ideal if you want something hot, savoury and full of flavour.
Chilli is usually combined with garlic, paprika, herbs and citrus-style notes to create a seasoning that works particularly well on chicken.
Peri-peri chicken is great with rice, chips, wedges, salad or in a wrap.
It is also a good choice for chicken breast because the strong seasoning helps make a relatively plain cut much more exciting.
Jerk chicken
Jerk-style seasoning combines warming spices, herbs, chilli and savoury flavours.
The result is chicken with a deeper, more aromatic flavour than a simple chilli seasoning.
Jerk works beautifully with chicken thighs because the richer meat stands up well to the seasoning, although it can also be used with chicken breast.
Serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, corn or salad.
Lemon and herb chicken
If spicy chicken is not your thing, lemon and herb is one of the safest choices.
It is fresh, savoury and works with almost any side dish.
Lemon and herb chicken pairs particularly well with potatoes, vegetables, couscous, pasta and salads.
It is also useful for meal preparation because the cooked chicken can easily be added to wraps and lunches the following day.
Garlic chicken
Garlic works with almost every type of chicken.
Combine it with herbs, paprika, lemon, butter or chilli depending on the flavour you want.
A simple garlic and herb chicken breast can be served with vegetables and potatoes, while garlic and paprika chicken works well with rice or inside wraps.
Paprika chicken
Paprika is one of the easiest spices to use with chicken.
Sweet paprika gives warmth and colour, while smoked paprika gives the chicken a deeper, slightly smoky flavour.
It combines particularly well with garlic, onion and black pepper.
Cajun chicken
Cajun-style seasoning is perfect when you want something punchy.
Paprika, garlic, herbs, onion and chilli create a bold seasoning that works particularly well with chicken strips.
Cajun chicken can be used in pasta, wraps, rice bowls and salads.
BBQ chicken
BBQ seasoning gives chicken a smoky, savoury and slightly sweet flavour.
You do not need an outdoor barbecue to use it.
Seasoned chicken can be cooked in the oven, frying pan or air fryer and served with wedges, salad or coleslaw.
Mediterranean chicken
For Mediterranean-style chicken, try herbs such as oregano, basil, rosemary and thyme.
Garlic and lemon also work brilliantly.
Add tomatoes, peppers, courgette or olives and you can turn seasoned chicken into a simple traybake.
What spices go well with chicken?
Some of the most useful individual spices for chicken include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder, cumin, coriander, black pepper and oregano.
The key is combining them in the right proportions.
That is why ready-made seasoning blends are so convenient: you get a balanced flavour without having to measure five or six different ingredients.
What herbs go well with chicken?
Chicken works particularly well with oregano, thyme, rosemary, parsley, basil, coriander and tarragon.
Fresh herbs can be added after cooking, while dried herbs are often incorporated into seasoning blends before cooking.
How much seasoning should you put on chicken?
You want enough seasoning to cover the surface of the chicken without creating a thick layer of loose powder.
The exact amount depends on the seasoning you are using and the size of the chicken.
One of the advantages of using Flavour Sheets is that you do not need to measure the seasoning at all.
The seasoning is already applied to the sheet.
Place your chicken on the sheet, fold it around the chicken and cook as directed.
The flavour transfers onto the chicken during cooking.
What is the easiest way to season chicken?
Traditional seasoning is simple, but it can still mean getting out several spice jars, measuring ingredients and cleaning up afterwards.
Marinades can involve even more preparation and usually need a bowl or container.
Flavour Sheets were designed as a simple alternative.
There is no measuring and no mixing.
Just Wrap. Cook. Enjoy.
Choosing the best chicken seasoning
There is no single best seasoning for chicken because it depends entirely on what you enjoy eating.
If you like heat, choose peri-peri.
If you want something aromatic and spicy, try jerk.
If you prefer something lighter, lemon and herb is difficult to beat.
The important thing is that chicken does not need to be bland.
With the right seasoning, even a simple chicken breast can become the best part of the meal.