This Montreal chicken seasoning recipe is easy, packed full of flavor, and quick to make. It can be put together in 5 minutes or less and it's great on all parts of chicken and even other poultry, and all meats. If you are looking for a well rounded seasoning with unique flavors, this Montreal chicken spice mix is the ticket. Let me show you how to make it.
What is Montreal Chicken Seasoning
Montreal chicken seasoning is a savory and slightly smokey spice blend that is typically made up of dried garlic, onion, Aleppo pepper, and dried herbs. Popularised by the city of Montreal in Canada where it’s believed to have originated, this highly customizable spice blend is used on grilled, baked, roasted, and pan-fried chicken to create a deep, complex flavor that’s utterly delicious.
Montreal Chicken Seasoning Recipe
This Montreal chicken seasoning recipe is not only quick to make, but here are some other reasons why you will love this recipe:
Distinct flavor: Montreal seasoning has a unique regional taste, being associated with the city’s grilled meat and barbeque culture. It’s savory, smokey, mildly spicy, and earthy thanks to the dried herbs used, giving it a well-rounded, balanced flavor.
Easy to make: depending on your ingredients, this Montreal spice mix can be made in under five minutes using only a bowl and a spoon! Even if you’re using high-quality ingredients that need to be ground first, this recipe remains incredibly simple and quick to make.
Accessible ingredients: the herbs and spices used in Montreal chicken seasoning can be found in most grocery stores for a reasonable price, with the exception of Aleppo pepper - this can easily be substituted for red pepper flakes however.
Highly customizable: there are many different ways people make their Montreal seasoning, so there’s no “wrong” way. In this recipe, you can easily adjust the spice levels and flavor to suit your taste.
Pairs well: the well-rounded flavor of this spice mix brings out the meatiness of your chicken and enhances its delicious flavor. For this reason, it is incredibly popular and used in many different dishes.
Related: BBQ chicken dry rub, chicken breast seasoning
Montreal Chicken Seasoning Ingredients
The full ingredient quantities and instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Garlic granules: garlic powder works just fine and will make this spice mix quicker to create.
Onion granules: as with garlic, onion powder is fine here.
Aleppo pepper: milder than most chilli peppers, aleppo pepper offers a subtle fruity taste that’s more complex than other peppers. It’s often found powdered or in chilli flake form but can be substituted for red pepper flakes, or excluded if you’re not a spice lover.
Paprika: paprika will give this spice blend a smokey flavor and a mild bit of spice.
Coriander seeds: with its complex aromatics, coriander seeds when crushed give the blend a satisfying crunchy texture and floral, earthy undertones. Pre-ground coriander seeds or leaves will do in a pinch.
Rosemary, thyme, and parsley: any combination of these herbs will give the mix its signature earthy taste. You can adjust these to suit your personal taste.
Lemon pepper: gives the seasoning a citrusy and smokey flavor, increasing its complex and delicious flavor profile. You can substitute this for black pepper and orange zest.
Salt: Brings out the flavor of the chicken and tenderizes the meat. I prefer not to add salt to the seasoning and apply salt to the chicken instead.
How To Make Montreal Chicken Seasoning
If you’re using garlic powder, onion powder, ground coriander, and lemon pepper, simply put all the ingredients into a bowl and mix together with a whisk.
It will have a brown and yellow tone when everything is mixed.
If you’re using coriander seeds, dried garlic, or dried onion, put them plus your green herbs (rosemary, thyme, and parsley) into a mortar and pestle and grind until finely ground. Alternatively, you can use a spice grinder. Once it becomes a rough powder, put it in a bowl and mix in your Aleppo pepper, paprika, lemon pepper, and salt.
If you can’t get lemon pepper, you can use black pepper and orange zest instead by mixing the pepper and orange zest in with the rest of your seasonings.
Let the bowl rest for half an hour for the salt to release moisture from the zest. Use your whisk to break up any lumps, then use immediately or store in an airtight container.
How To Use
Montreal chicken seasoning is often used as a dry rub for grilled chicken. Rub the spice mix all over the chicken, then refrigerate for a few hours for maximum flavor.
You can turn the mixture into a marinade by adding oil and vinegar, which will make the meat more tender. Seal in a ziplock bag and refrigerate overnight for the perfect juicy chicken.
This seasoning is also delicious on other savory dishes such as roast potatoes, grilled vegetables, sauces, and soups. Just sprinkle some of the seasonings into your dish and enjoy the complex flavors.
Some chicken recipes to use it on are Air fryer chicken strips, Baked chicken drumsticks, Air fryer chicken bites.
You can also use it on beef and pork, and it’s just as delicious.
How To Store
Transfer the seasoning to an airtight container, label it, and store it in a cool dry place away from sunlight.
It can be stored for up to 12 months depending on the expiry date of the ingredients used. Make sure to pack it in an airtight container to preserve its flavor and consistency.
Tips
- For an even deeper flavor, toast the spices in a dry skillet over medium heat and allow to cool before grinding them.
- Use coarse salt instead of table salt. This will give the surface of your chicken a satisfying crunch, plus those delicious bursts of salt when bitten into.
- For a more vibrant flavor, use freshly ground black pepper instead of pre-ground pepper. Freshly ground pepper has more flavor and a stronger scent, which elevates the overall taste of the seasoning.
FAQS
Can I use Montreal chicken seasoning on other meats?
Yes, It is also delicious on pork, beef, and seafood. It’s a savory seasoning with complex flavors, so it complements a variety of meat dishes and is delicious when grilled, roasted, and cooked in all manner of ways.
Is Montreal chicken seasoning the same as Montreal steak seasoning?
Montreal chicken seasoning and Montreal steak seasoning share many common ingredients, however, Montreal chicken seasoning tends to have a milder flavor that’s more herbaceous, whereas Montreal steak seasoning is more peppery and bold.
More Seasoning Recipes
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Montreal Chicken Seasoning Recipe
Equipment
- Measuring spoons
- Spice jar
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Onion granules
- 1 tablespoon Garlic granules
- 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
- 1 tablespoon Lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or Chili or red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Parsley
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
Instructions
- If you’re using garlic powder, onion powder, ground coriander, and lemon pepper, simply put all the ingredients into a bowl and mix together with a whisk. Montreal chicken seasoning should have a brown and yellow tone when everything is mixed.
- If you’re using coriander seeds, dried garlic, or dried onion, put them plus your green herbs (rosemary, thyme, and parsley) into a mortar and pestle and grind until finely ground. Alternatively, you can use a spice grinder. Once it becomes a rough powder, put it in a bowl and mix in your Aleppo pepper, paprika, lemon pepper, and salt.
Notes
Nutrition
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