10 Best Herbs and Spices for Chicken Breast

Are you looking for some of the best herbs and spices to season your chicken breast?

If so, then you are in the right place.

I’ve rounded up 10 of my favorites that work well with chicken breast.

These include rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano, paprika, and more.

So if you are looking for some inspiration on how to spice up your chicken breast, then be sure to check out this list!

10 Best Herbs and Spices for Chicken Breast

Chicken breast can be prepared in so many different ways, making it a versatile and delicious option for any meal.

But no matter how you prepare it, chicken breast always benefits from a little flavor boost in the form of herbs and spices.

From zesty to savory to sweet, the right blend of herbs and spices can take chicken breast from good to great.

Here are 10 of the best herbs and spices to use on chicken breast:

1. Parsley

Parsley has a clean and peppery taste that can enhance the flavor of chicken breasts.

It’s a versatile herb that can be used in many different ways.

Here are a few tips on how to use parsley to add flavor to your chicken breast:

• Add parsley to your marinade: Mix parsley with other herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, garlic, and pepper. Rub this mixture onto your chicken breasts before cooking.
• Season the chicken with parsley after cooking: Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top of your cooked chicken breasts.
• Make a parsley sauce: Puree some parsley leaves in a blender with water, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Use this sauce to top cooked chicken breasts.

Parsley is a fresh-tasting herb that can help to liven up the flavor of chicken breasts.

Use it in one of these ways the next time you cook chicken breasts for a delicious and flavorful meal.

2. Thyme

Thyme usually has a sharp, almost minty flavor (but without the minty aftertaste) that goes great with chicken.

It’s a very versatile herb, so it can be used in a lot of different ways.

• One way to use thyme is to make a rub for your chicken. To do this, mix together equal parts thyme, salt, and pepper (I like to use 1 teaspoon of each). Rub this mixture all over your chicken breasts, then cook as desired. This is a really simple way to add some extra flavor to your chicken.
• Another way to use thyme is to make a thyme-infused oil. This is great for things like roasted chicken or grilled chicken. To make the oil, combine 1/4 cup of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tablespoon of dried thyme). Let it sit for at least 30 minutes so that the flavors have time to blend together, then use as desired.
• Finally, if you want to really get the most out of thyme’s flavor, you can make a tea out of it. Just steep 1 teaspoon of dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme) in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. Strain out the thyme leaves and enjoy! You can add honey or lemon if you want, but I think it tastes great on its own.

3. Rosemary

This lemony-pine-like herb is a classic for chicken salads (if you haven’t tried it, you’re missing out).

But rosemary also works wonders as a seasoning for grilled chicken breast.

To use rosemary, strip the leaves off the stem and give them a coarse chop.

You can add the herb to your chicken marinade or rub it on right before grilling.

If you’re using rosemary in a dry rub, mix it with other spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

For every pound (0.5 kg) of chicken breast, you’ll want to use 1 teaspoon (0.5 g) of herbs total.

Grill the chicken over medium heat for about 8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

Rosemary-seasoned chicken breast pairs well with roasted potatoes and grilled veggies like zucchini or summer squash.

4. Sage

Sage is earthy, slightly peppery taste with hints of mint (some think it tastes a bit like eucalyptus). It’s lovely with fatty meats like pork and lamb, but it can be very nice with chicken as well.

To use sage, you can either chop it up and add it to your dish while cooking, or you can use it to make a rub. If you’re using sage in a dry form, such as rubbed sage, be aware that a little goes a long way — too much sage can make your dish taste bitter.

5. Oregano

Oregano has a slightly bitter, pungent taste (some say it tastes like thyme) that can liven up any dish.

It’s a common ingredient in many cuisines, including Italian, Mexican, Greek, and Middle Eastern dishes.

• One of the best ways to use oregano is to marinate chicken with it. To do this, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. Then pour it over your chicken breasts and let them sit for at least 30 minutes (but longer is better) before cooking. You can grill, bake, or pan-fry the chicken – it’s all delicious!
• Another great way to use oregano is to sprinkle it on top of roasted vegetables. It goes especially well with tomatoes (try it on bruschetta!), eggplant, zucchini, and potatoes.
• If you want to get really creative, try using oregano in a homemade pesto sauce or vinaigrette. It’s delicious!

6. Basil

Basil is a balance between sweet and savory (some even say it’s a bit fruity), so it goes great with chicken.

In Italian cuisine, basil is used in many chicken dishes such as chicken alla cacciatora (hunter’s chicken) or chicken saltimbocca (chicken wrapped in prosciutto and sage).

But you don’t have to be making an Italian dish to enjoy the flavor of basil with chicken.

Try using it in a Thai-inspired dish or add it to your roasted chicken breasts for some extra flavor.

If you want to really enjoy the flavor of basil, try these tips:

• Use fresh basil leaves if possible. Dried basil just doesn’t have the same flavor profile.
• Add basil near the end of cooking so that it doesn’t lose its flavor.
• Use a mortar and pestle to make a paste out of the leaves if you want an intense flavor experience.

7. Garlic Powder

If you don’t have fresh garlic on hand or you’re looking for a way to add more garlic flavor to your dish, garlic powder is a great option.

It’s easy to use and it doesn’t take long for the flavor to develop, so it’s great for quick weeknight meals.

Here are a few tips for using garlic powder:

• Start with a small amount and add more to taste. Garlic powder can be strong, so it’s best to start with less and add more if needed.
• Add garlic powder early in the cooking process. This will give the chicken time to absorb the flavor and prevents the garlic from burning and becoming bitter.
• Try pairing garlic powder with other herbs and spices. Some good options include oregano, thyme, paprika, and black pepper.

Now that you know how to use garlic powder, here are a few ideas for using it in your cooking:

• Sprinkle it on chicken breasts before grilling or baking.
• Mix it into breadcrumbs or flour for dredging chicken or fish before cooking.
• Stir it into pasta sauce or soup for an extra boost of flavor.
• Use it as a seasoning for roasted vegetables like potatoes or Brussels sprouts.

8. Onion Powder

Onion powder has a way of bringing out the natural flavors in chicken breast.

When used correctly, it can add a depth of flavor that enhances the taste of the chicken without overwhelming it.

Here are a few tips for using onion powder:

• Start with a small amount and add more as needed. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s added.
• If you’re using other herbs and spices, add them first and then taste before adding the onion powder. This way, you can control how much onion flavor you want in your dish.
• Be careful not to overdo it with the salt. Onion powder is quite salty, so use it sparingly if your dish already has salt in it.

Now that you know how to use onion powder, here are a few ideas for dishes to try it in:

• Chicken alfredo: Add onion powder to your alfredo sauce for an extra depth of flavor.
• Roasted chicken: Sprinkle onion powder on your chicken breasts before roasting them in the oven.
• Grilled chicken: Add onion powder to your marinade or rub for grilled chicken breasts.

9. Curry Powder

Curry powder is usually a blend of different spices like coriander, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and chili pepper.

This combination of spices is used in many Indian dishes and gives them their distinct flavor.

When it comes to chicken, curry powder is a great way to add flavor without adding any fat or calories.

It’s also a very versatile spice that can be used in a variety of ways.

Here are some tips for using curry powder to flavor your chicken:

• Add it to marinades: Curry powder is a great way to add flavor to chicken marinades. Simply add curry powder to your favorite marinade recipe or use it to create your own.
• Season chicken before cooking: Another great way to use curry powder is to season chicken breasts before cooking them. Simply sprinkle curry powder on both sides of the chicken breast and cook as usual.
• Add it to homemade sauces: If you’re looking for an easy way to add curry flavor to your chicken dishes, try adding it to homemade sauces. This works especially well with tomato-based sauces. Simply add curry powder to the sauce while it’s cooking or stir in a teaspoon or two at the end.

10. Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika has a smoky and spicy flavor (think BBQ chicken) that can really liven up a chicken breast.

You can use it in a dry rub or as part of a wet marinade.

If you’re using it in a dry rub, mix smoked paprika with other herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and chili powder.

Then rub it all over the chicken breasts and let them sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

If you’re using it as part of a wet marinade, mix smoked paprika with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.

Marinate the chicken breasts in this mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

When it comes to cooking, you can grill, bake, or pan-fry your chicken breasts.

Just cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here are some ideas for side dishes that would go well with smoked paprika chicken: roasted potatoes, grilled corn on the cob, sautéed green beans, or a simple salad.