Roast chicken is the perfect meal to serve with a variety of spices. If you want to give your roast chicken a little extra flavor, you can add some fresh herbs or dried spices to the mix. From rosemary, thyme, oregano, curry, and ginger, you can use any of these to add a new flavor to your roasted chicken.
A roast chicken is the quintessential dinner at home, and there are no two ways about it. The combination of salty, rich, savory and sweet flavors makes it one of the most popular dishes to cook for your family or friends.
We’re here to help you learn more about spices that go with roast chicken. You’ll find that the flavors of this classic dish can be intensified in many ways, and this post will teach you which spices to use when cooking it.
Read Also: Roast Chicken Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Roast Chicken
Spices that Go with Roast Chicken: 12 Spices
The best roasting seasonings are usually the ones that enhance the flavor of the chicken. But spices like cinnamon and nutmeg can also be added to a roast chicken to give it a richer flavor.
There are many spices and ingredients that pair well with roasted chicken, but when it comes to making a meal out of it, these are the ones I use most often:
1. Thyme
Thyme has a fresh, clean taste that compliments roasted chicken well. It’s an easy spice to use and, most importantly, will work in any of the recipes that follow.
2. Sage
Sage is one of the best herbs to use for chicken dishes. Sage’s flavor is sweet, yet has a slight tang to it that adds a depth that makes it stand out against other herbs.
3. Rosemary
Rosemary is a classic herb for many roasts. Its flavor profile is like thyme, except it has a more pungent character. That said, its sweetness and aroma are what really makes it a great choice for roast chicken.
4. Oregano
Oregano’s earthy, herby notes work well with roasted chicken. It complements it by enhancing its richness. The oregano has an almost minty taste, which helps it stand out against the richness of the chicken.
5. Garlic
Garlic is a spice that goes with just about anything, and that includes roasted chicken. Its flavor is mild, yet it has a strong character that makes it perfect for adding depth and intensity to chicken dishes.
6. Chili Powder
Chili powder is an easy way to spice up roasted chicken. It will have a spicy kick to it that makes the chicken seem like it’s been seasoned properly. If you want a little more heat than chili powder will provide, use cayenne pepper instead.
7. Curry
Curry has the flavors of cinnamon and anise with an earthy, peppery kick. This spice is great for roasting chicken and even goes well with beef.
8. Ginger
If you’ve ever had a ginger cookie, you know what ginger tastes like. It’s similar to cardamom, but it has a different flavor profile that gives it a more spicy, tangy edge. It’s a perfect complement to the rich flavor of chicken.
9. Paprika
The flavor of paprika isn’t too different than that of cayenne pepper. If you want a bit more kick, consider adding paprika to the mix.
10. Bay Leaves
Bay leaves are a wonderful addition to many types of dishes, including roast chicken. They bring out the savory, slightly bitter flavor of chicken and add a complex undertone to it.
11. Cumin
Cumin is another spice that can be used in a variety of ways. You can use it as a seasoning for both meat and vegetables, and even on your chicken if you want a hint of a spice in your meal.
12. Nutmeg
Nutmeg is one of those spices that has a lot going for it. It gives off the same citrusy, peppery flavor as cardamom, but it has a much stronger numbing effect to it. It’s perfect for adding to chicken, as it will make it taste richer.
Why Consider Using Spices With Roast Chicken?
Roasting is a fantastic way to cook chicken.
The cooking method allows for better flavor and tenderness.
However, the cooking process can be daunting.
It can be difficult to figure out the right amount of spices to add to your roast chicken.
There’s also the challenge of figuring out how much salt to use.
With this in mind, using spices with roast chicken is a great way to add flavor while helping to make the chicken more delicious.
The best spices to use with chicken are ones that compliment the flavors of the meat itself.
Spices like paprika and cumin can make the chicken taste great and can help to improve its health benefits.
Plus, they can make your chicken dishes a bit healthier, which is always a bonus.
However, when adding spices to chicken dishes, keep in mind that not all spices will work with every dish.
For example, cinnamon will work great with most chicken recipes, but chili pepper would be a poor choice since it tends to overpower the chicken.
Instead, experiment with spices and foods to find what combinations really work well together.
Conclusion
Chicken is always a good choice for dinner.
However, it’s important to choose the right spices to spice up the meal.
These spices are perfect to use for chicken dishes since they aren’t too spicy or overpowering, so you can enjoy your food without any concerns.
12 Must-Have Spices for Roast Chicken
Ingredients
- Thyme
- Sage
- Rosemary
- Oregano
- Garlic
- Chili Powder
- Curry
- Ginger
- Paprika
- Bay Leaves
- Cumin
- Nutmeg
Instructions
- Pick any of these spices to use with your roast chicken.
- Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
- Enjoy your meal in no time!
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.