We all know that the secret ingredient in a good dish is seasoning. Poultry seasoning is one of the most popular seasonings and can be found in almost every dish.
Poultry seasoning is a mix of herbs and spices that can be used to season chicken, turkey, duck, or other poultry.
If you don’t have poultry seasoning in your spice cabinet or you’re tired of using the same old seasoning every time you cook, then this article is for you! Here are some of the best poultry seasoning substitutes that can be found at most grocery stores.
I’ll show you how to whip up these delicious dishes using common spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or dried thyme leaves!
Table of Contents
What is Poultry Seasoning?
Poultry seasoning is a blend of dried herbs. It is used to season poultry dishes such as turkey, chicken, and duck. Poultry seasoning can be made from three common ingredients: thyme, rosemary, and sage.
Some recipes include additional smaller amounts of white peppercorns, marjoram, garlic or onion powder, and celery seeds.
It can be used as a rub for poultry or as an ingredient in other dishes. It’s an essential ingredient in any dish that includes poultry such as roasts, soups, stews, and casseroles.
If you don’t have poultry seasoning at home, there are many substitutes available to you that will help create the same flavor profile that the real thing would provide.
11 Best Poultry Seasoning Substitutes
1. Herbs De Provence
Herbs de Provence is a blend of dried herbs that are typically found in the South of France region. It can be used to season poultry, fish, meats, vegetables, and sauces. It consists of thyme, rosemary, marjoram, oregano, basil, and fennel.
You can use herbs de Provence in place of poultry seasoning in your favorite recipes. Add it to mashed potatoes, use it as a rub on roasted or baked chicken, or add it into your meatballs.
2. Italian Seasoning
Italian Seasoning is a blend that typically consists of thyme, basil, oregano, marjoram, rosemary, and sage. But the ratio of each herb used can vary from one brand to another.
Italian seasoning can be used in place of poultry seasoning for recipes such as roasted chicken, baked ziti, and lasagna.
3. Zaatar
Zaatar is a blend of herbs that can be found in Middle Eastern cuisine. It is used to season meats, vegetables, breads, and dips like hummus. It consists of thyme, oregano, marjoram, basil, sumac, toasted sesame seeds, and salt.
Zaatar can be used in place of poultry seasoning in your favorite recipes. Season fish, add it to baked potatoes, or sprinkle it over hummus. It goes well with many vegetables including potatoes, squash, tomatoes & bell peppers. You can also use it as a rub on meat before cooking.
4. Oregano
Oregano is an aromatic herb that can be used as a poultry seasoning substitute. It is a very common herb used in Italian dishes and Mexican cuisine. It can be found dried or fresh and has an earthy flavor that works well with chicken and other poultry.
Add oregano to dishes like pasta, pizza, or other tomato-based recipes. Oregano is also great for adding flavor into meatballs and marinades.
5. Rosemary
Rosemary is an aromatic herb that has a piney flavor. It works well when it comes to stimulating flavors in poultry dishes.
You can use rosemary to replace poultry seasoning in many recipes. Try adding it into mashed potatoes, stuffing, or roasted chicken dishes. You can also add it to olive oil alongside garlic and use it as a marinade.
6. Thyme
Thyme is a fragrant herb that comes from the mint family. It has a warm, earthy flavor that works well when added to poultry dishes such as roasted chicken or turkey.
You can use thyme to replace poultry seasoning in your favorite recipes. Thyme works well with poultry seasonings because it brings out the flavor in meat dishes. Try it in recipes like chicken casserole, turkey, or stuffing.
7. Sage
Sage is a common herb that many people use to season poultry dishes. It has a very earthy, woodsy flavor that goes well with roasted or baked chicken.
You can replace poultry seasoning with sage in your favorite recipes. Sage adds a delicious taste that works well when added into stuffing, pasta sauces, and stews. It also pairs well with thyme and rosemary.
8. Salt And Pepper
Salt and pepper are flavorful seasonings that you can use to replace poultry seasoning in almost any recipe that calls for it.
You can use either one or both of these spices to suit your taste. The amount of each spice will depend on the dish you are making.
You can use salt and pepper to season poultry, fish, vegetables, meats – you name it! Add salt or sprinkle pepper on top of baked chicken. You can also try adding them to meatballs for an extra flavor boost.
9. Garlic Powder
Garlic powder is a great poultry seasoning substitute because it can go with just about anything. It has a very flavorful punch that you will find yourself adding to almost any dish – savory or sweet.
Add garlic powder to your favorite baking recipes, sandwiches, and dips. You can also use it as a rub on meats before eating them.
Garlic powder can replace poultry seasoning in any recipe. It works well with fish, vegetables, and even desserts! Make garlic bread alongside your next chicken dish to add an extra-flavorful kick!
10. Marjoram
Marjoram is an herb that has a warm, earthy flavor. It goes well in heartier dishes like casseroles and baked chicken recipes.
You can use marjoram to replace poultry seasoning in your favorite recipes. It works best when added to savory dishes with beef, pork, or pasta. You can also use it in soups and stews.
11. Homemade Poultry Seasoning
You can make your own poultry seasoning! Just mix all of the dried herbs together and keep them in an airtight container for up to six months. Homemade poultry seasoning works just as well as store-bought.
It is especially great when used in your favorite stuffing, casseroles, and baked chicken recipes.
What does Poultry Seasoning Taste Like?
Poultry seasoning typically contains thyme, marjoram, sage, rosemary, and ground celery leaves. It has a very earthy taste and smells warm and inviting.
What Is Poultry Seasoning Made Of?
Poultry seasoning is typically comprised of sage, thyme, marjoram, savory, rosemary, and nutmeg. It’s used to season poultry while cooking.
Is Sage and Poultry Seasoning the Same?
Sage is commonly used in poultry seasoning, however, it’s different than poultry seasoning.
While sage is a popular herb to use when cooking chicken (such as frying or baking), it’s also popularly dried and ground into powder form for sprinkling on dishes like stuffing.
Poultry seasoning typically contains additional herbs besides sage.
Can I Use Chicken Bouillon Instead of Poultry Seasoning?
Chicken bouillon is made from dehydrated chicken and contains a fair amount of salt (which you would want to offset with additional herbs such as thyme). It can work as a substitute in some recipes, but not all.
For example, it will not add the same flavor that poultry seasoning does in dishes like casseroles or breaded baked chicken, so it’s best to use poultry seasoning in these recipes when you can.
Final Words
Mix any combination of these herbs together to create something magical! Thyme, sage, rosemary, marjoram, oregano, parsley, basil – you name it.
Experiment with different seasonings to see what works best for your favorite dishes. Make sure that you know how much of each ingredient to use if using more than one herb at a time.
