Poultry seasoning is a fragrant and versatile spice blend specifically designed to enhance the flavor of poultry dishes such as chicken, turkey, and duck. While the blend’s ingredients can vary, it traditionally contains a combination of herbs and spices like sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and black pepper, among others. Poultry seasoning is particularly popular in American and British kitchens, where it is used in various classic dishes, especially around the holidays.
The core ingredients of poultry seasoning are sage and thyme, which give the blend its characteristic earthy and savory flavor. Other common herbs included are rosemary, which provides a sharp, pine-like flavor, and marjoram, which has a sweeter, milder taste. Black pepper is often added to give the blend a bit of heat and spice.
Some variations of poultry seasoning may include nutmeg, celery seed, or onion powder, which can add depth to the flavor profile. The result is a well-balanced blend that’s both herbaceous and savory, with a slight bitterness from the herbs and a peppery kick from the spices.
Poultry seasoning is commonly used to flavor chicken and turkey, particularly in roasted or grilled poultry dishes. It is often rubbed directly onto the meat or mixed into marinades, allowing the herbs to infuse the dish with their savory, aromatic qualities. The blend is especially popular during the holiday season, where it’s used in stuffing recipes, gravy, and even casseroles to add a familiar and comforting taste.
Beyond its traditional use in poultry, this seasoning can enhance a wide variety of other dishes. It works well with roasted vegetables, soups, stews, and even certain bread recipes. Poultry seasoning can be added to bread crumbs to coat meats or vegetables, sprinkled over potatoes before roasting or stirred into savory pie fillings to boost flavor.