Homemade Poultry Seasoning

I based this turkey and chicken seasoning on the ingredients in McCormick’s Poultry Seasoning. No more. No Less. Here’s the ingredient list on the back of the container:

I leave the salt out because many recipes that call for poultry seasoning already have plenty from brines, salted butter or broth. You can always add salt as needed.

If you prefer making your own seasoning mixes, check out all my popular homemade spice blends.

Poultry Seasoning Variations

I keep mine simple, but you can add dried oregano, dried onion, garlic powder, paprika or celery seed to suit what you’re cooking.

Uses for Homemade Poultry Seasoning

Despite the name, this homemade poultry seasoning recipe finds its way into many of my recipes, not just as a turkey or chicken rub. Here are a few other ways to use this poultry seasoning blend:

• Smoked whole chicken or turkey
• Chicken breasts, thighs, wings and drumsticks
• Turkey breast and turkey tenderloin
• Pork chops and pork roasts
• Stuffing and dressing
• Sausage Rolls
• Chicken gravy or turkey gravy
• Chicken soup, turkey soup and pot pie filling
• Roasted potatoes, carrots and other root vegetables

Planning the rest of the meal? My Thanksgiving Food Guide has more ideas for turkey, sides, appetizers and desserts.

Notes and Tips

Start small: Sage and rosemary can take over quickly. Add a little, then taste before adding more.

Ground poultry seasoning: For a more uniform rub, pulse the mix in a spice grinder or small blender until it reaches a fine, uniform texture.

Use this as a marinade: Combine 1 tablespoon of poultry seasoning with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This is enough for approximately 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of chicken or turkey.

Storage: Transfer the seasoning to an airtight jar and store it in a cool, dry cabinet away from direct sunlight and heat. For the strongest flavor, use homemade poultry seasoning within six months. It will remain safe to use longer when stored properly, but dried herbs gradually lose their aroma and potency.