Adding seasoning to already cooked chicken can enhance the flavor and make it more appetizing. There are a few easy ways to accomplish this without over-seasoning or making the chicken taste salty.
Can you add seasoning to already cooked chicken?
Yes, you can absolutely add seasoning to already cooked chicken. The key is to use dry seasoning blends, sauces, or dressings rather than trying to add large amounts of salt, pepper, or other standalone seasonings. This will allow the flavors to evenly coat the chicken without making it taste too strong.
What are the best seasonings to use?
Some of the best seasonings to use on cooked chicken include:
- Dry ranch seasoning
- Italian seasoning
- Cajun seasoning
- Taco seasoning
- Lemon pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Chili powder
These flavors complement chicken nicely. Try to use 1-2 teaspoons of dry seasoning blends per 1 pound of cooked chicken. You can also make your own blend by combining dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
What sauces and dressings work well?
Drizzling or tossing cooked chicken with sauce is an easy way to add big flavor fast. Good options include:
- Barbecue sauce
- Teriyaki sauce
- Honey mustard
- Ranch dressing
- Caesar dressing
- Tzatziki sauce
- Pesto
Use about 2-3 tablespoons of sauce or dressing per pound of chicken. Coat the chicken evenly for the best coverage of flavor.
How to season already cooked baked chicken
For baked chicken breasts, thighs, legs, wings, etc follow these steps:
- Allow cooked chicken to rest 5 minutes before seasoning.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Brush all over with a thin layer of oil, butter, or sauce to help seasoning stick.
- Sprinkle seasonings evenly over both sides, gently pressing to adhere.
- Bake at 400°F for 5-10 minutes to set seasoning.
How to season already cooked grilled chicken
For grilled chicken or chicken prepared on a skillet, follow this process:
- Allow cooked chicken to rest 5 minutes before seasoning.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Place chicken back on hot grill or skillet and brush with oil or sauce.
- Sprinkle desired seasoning blend on both sides.
- Grill or sauté for 2-3 minutes per side to set seasoning.
How to season already cooked roasted chicken
For roasted whole chickens or chicken pieces:
- Allow chicken to rest 10 minutes before seasoning.
- Separate skin from meat gently without fully detaching.
- Rub seasoning blend under skin covering all meat.
- Spread oil/sauce over skin and sprinkle with more seasoning.
- Bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to set seasoning under skin.
How to season already cooked chicken breasts
For seasoning cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts:
- Let chicken breasts rest 5 minutes after cooking.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Drizzle chicken all over with olive oil or sauce to help seasoning stick.
- Rub seasoning blend evenly over both sides, pressing gently to adhere.
- Sauté in a skillet over medium heat 2-3 minutes per side.
How to season already cooked chicken thighs
To add flavor to cooked bone-in chicken thighs:
- Allow thighs to rest 5 minutes after cooking.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Brush thighs with oil or sauce.
- Season both sides with desired seasoning blend.
- Broil 3-5 minutes to set seasoning.
How to season already cooked chicken drumsticks
For cooked chicken drumsticks or legs:
- Let drumsticks rest 5-10 minutes after cooking.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Use hands to gently loosen skin from meat without detaching.
- Rub seasoning under skin covering all meat.
- Drizzle skin with oil/sauce and sprinkle with more seasoning.
- Broil for 8-10 minutes until seasoning sets.
Tips for seasoning cooked chicken
Here are some helpful tips for getting the most flavor and best results:
- Always allow chicken to rest before seasoning so juices can set – this helps seasoning stick better.
- Remove any burnt bits or charred areas so seasonings coat evenly.
- Pat chicken very dry so oil and seasoning fully adheres.
- Use a light hand with salt, pepper, and lemon juice or they may overpower.
- Combine multiple seasoning blends for more complex flavors.
- Broil or sauté chicken for a few minutes after seasoning to lock in flavors.
- Toss chopped chicken with sauce or dressing for easy seasoning.
What to avoid
Some things to avoid when seasoning cooked chicken include:
- Sprinkling large amounts of salt and pepper alone – this can make chicken taste salty.
- Over-seasoning with strong flavors like smoked paprika and cayenne.
- Trying to season hot freshly cooked chicken – always allow it to rest first.
- Using wet marinades – these work best on uncooked chicken.
- Applying sauce/oil before patting chicken dry – this will make seasoning slide off.
Delicious recipes for seasoned chicken
Here are some mouthwatering recipe ideas using seasoned cooked chicken:
Italian Chicken Salad
Chopped roasted chicken, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, Italian dressing, parmesan, croutons.
Southwest Chicken Pizza
Grilled chicken, pizza crust, refried beans, Monterey jack, cilantro, scallions, lime, Southwest seasoning.
Chicken Caesar Wrap
Sliced grilled chicken, romaine, Caesar dressing, parmesan, croutons, flour tortilla.
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Blackened chicken, penne, bell peppers, onion, Cajun seasoning, tomato cream sauce.
Chicken Fajitas
Sauteed chicken, peppers, onions, fajita seasoning, flour tortillas, pico de gallo, guacamole.
Conclusion
Seasoning cooked chicken is an easy way to take a simple dish to the next flavor level. Allowing the chicken to rest then coating it with a light layer of oil or sauce will help the seasoning adhere evenly. Focus on dry spice blends, herb mixes, sauces, and dressings rather than standalone seasonings. Combining a few compatible seasonings can give chicken a tasty, complex flavor profile without over-seasoning. Finally, always finish seasoned chicken by sautéing or broiling for a few minutes to ensure the best results.