What Spices go with Chicken

Tandoori Spice

The Best Spices for Chicken

You might think chicken always tastes the same, but that’s because you haven’t explored the world of possibilities spices bring to the table. Chicken is one of the most versatile proteins worldwide; literally, people cook chicken differently in every corner of the world!

So, what are the best spices for chicken? That depends. Are you roasting the yard bird or grilling it over burning embers? Are you cooking chicken for a comfy weeknight dinner, or will you serve it on a more memorable occasion? Either way, the right spices can help. These are the best spice rubs for chicken and our favourite condiments for the versatile bird.

1. Jerk Spice

If you want to take your chicken skills to the next level, why not start in the Caribbean? Jerk chicken is one of those dishes that brings a smile to everyone’s face. Smoky, spicy, and juicy, the fire-roasted bird gets its personality from Jerk spices.

Brown sugar helps caramelise the tender white meat, while allspice, cayenne peppers, thyme, garlic and paprika give it a bright colour, a thrilling warmth and exquisite aromatics. Jerk spices also contain brown spices, including nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves — you’ve never tried chicken like this.

2. Piri Piri Spice

Chicken on its own might taste bland, we agree, but when flavoured with the right spices, it’s the opposite — an explosion of flavour. Rub chicken thighs, legs or breast skewers with the African/Portuguese Piri Piri Spices. This spice blend packs some heat, but fear not — it’s manageable.

Basil, kaffir lime, cumin and oregano contrast the heat in chilli for a vibrant spice rub for chicken that shows its best when you grill that chicken over high heat.

3. Tikka Spice

If flavour is what you’re looking for, that’s what you get from everyone’s favourite Indian-inspired dish. Chicken tikka is one of the world’s most cherished meals, and it’s easier to make than you think; you only need chicken and the right spices.

Spice Master’s tikka mix includes coriander, garlic, turmeric, mustard, paprika, cayenne, cardamom, kafir and other traditional aromatics that give colour and flavour to any curry. Chicken was born to be enjoyed this way. Who doesn’t love tikka?

4. Tagine Spice

Let’s round up our list of best spices for chicken with a Moroccan speciality, the famous tagine spices. Tagines are traditional stews, and they can take many forms. Chicken tagines, of course, are amongst everyone’s favourites, and tagine spices can help you make them at home.

Tagine spices are more than flavour for stews. Rub a whole chicken with this tasty combination of chilli flakes, paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon and turmeric and roast it to golden perfection. That’s a fun chicken dinner right there.

How Do You Like Your chicken?

The spices above are just the tip of the iceberg; there are dozens of ways to give your chicken recipes a spicy personality. Look for inspiration in word cuisines or dig deep into your own culinary traditions; spices can help.

Try Spice Master’s spice blends and fall back in love with chicken. There’s no doubt chicken doesn’t taste the same way every time; on the contrary, chicken is a white canvas for creativity, and you’re the chef! Enjoy your favourite spices for chicken and make the most out of suchversatile white meat. Let’s get cooking!

Back to blog