Substitute For Poultry Seasoning

You can add it to a simple chicken breast that you serve with salad or use it when you are making a big family dinner; this seasoning helps to add flavor to what can be very boring proteins.

Poultry seasoning can be difficult to find in grocery stores, except around Thanksgiving, so having a homemade blend on hand is easier. Plus, there isn't any added salt.

Let’s be honest, a chicken or a turkey dish is often only as good as the side dishes and the sauce it might be cooked in. The proteins themselves are not full of flavor but, when cooked right, are juicy and tender, which makes them perfect to take on extra flavors.

The combination of earthy herbs adds extra depth and is a versatile and easy way to elevate the flavor. I also think the nutmeg is a great addition to the seasoning as it adds an undertone of warmth and balances the earthy flavors well.

This seasoning is a “go-to” for me now, and I find it doesn’t just work with poultry but is also terrific on pork and lamb. Here is everything you need to know to make this simple poultry seasoning. 

I use this blend around Thanksgiving and it reminds me of stuffing where I use the Gluten Free Cornbread Recipe, Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce, and the Smashed Fingerling Potatoes.

Variations

• Ground spices - You can add other ground spices to this seasoning mix if you wish. Paprika and Allspice would be excellent additions.
• Make a spicier version - Create a separate seasoning with the addition of chili flakes, red pepper flakes, or chili powder to add some heat. This is ideal if you are making spicier dishes. 
• Nutmeg - Don’t be afraid of adding the nutmeg, it is a common ingredient in many “ready-made” seasonings and adds a dynamic flavor profile. You can leave it out or substitute it for something like paprika instead. A great substitute for nutmeg would be allspice if you haven’t got any to hand when making this poultry seasoning. 
• Thyme and Sage - Instead of using both of these herbs you could substitute them for Italian seasoning; however, they are the primary ingredients in a traditional poultry seasoning. 
• Other Ground Herbs To Try Adding To This Blend - Garlic powder, onion powder, celery seed, celery salt, and white pepper.
• Try it in other recipes - This seasoning would work amazingly well with roasted vegetables and even firmer fish such as swordfish. It would also make a delicious base for a salad dressing mixed with oil and vinegar. 
• Herbes de Provence - This is a similar blend, with a similar flavor, if you don't have the above ingredients on hand. These herbs typically include thyme, basil, rosemary, tarragon, savory, marjoram, oregano, and bay leaf. Herbes de Provence is commonly found in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, the Provence region of France, and used in French cooking. 
• Fresh herbs - You can easily use fresh herbs as a substitute for ground herbs. It will be absolutely delicious as a poultry seasoning substitute or as a dry rub before you cook your poultry. 

What is Poultry Seasoning?

If you have a recipe that calls for poultry seasoning, your first question may be, “What is poultry seasoning?” This is not an uncommon question since poultry seasoning is not the ingredient, but it is made up of several common spices.

Poultry seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that is used to flavor chicken, turkey, and other poultry dishes but is also delicious on pork and lamb.

The ingredients in poultry seasoning vary depending on the brand, but most blends include thyme, sage, rosemary, and black pepper. Some also contain marjoram, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. 

By making your own poultry seasoning you will be eliminating other ingredients like salt, which is common in most grocery store blends. The flavors in this recipe are not a strong flavor or an earthy flavor, and they appeal to the majority of people as it has a mild taste. 

Storage

I like to keep a batch of this seasoning on hand for when I need to add extra flavor, especially on those busy days. It’s perfect for meal prep as well. 

Make a batch and then store it in an airtight container or glass jar in your spice cabinet. Make sure you label the container with what it is. The seasoning will last around six months when stored in a cool and dark place away from natural sunlight.