When it comes to seasoning chicken, the choice of salt can make a big difference in flavor. Not all salts are created equal, so it’s important to understand the qualities of different types of salt in order to determine the best option for chicken.
Table Salt
Table salt, also known as common salt, is the type most people are familiar with. It’s highly refined to remove minerals and usually contains additives like anti-caking agents to prevent clumping. Table salt dissolves quickly and provides a clean, salty flavor. However, the refining process removes some of the complexity of flavor.
Pros
- Inexpensive and readily available
- Dissolves quickly
- Provides a clean, salty flavor
Cons
- Lacks depth of flavor
- Additives may affect taste
Kosher Salt
Kosher salt has a much coarser grain than table salt, and does not contain iodine or anti-caking additives. The large crystals don’t dissolve as readily, allowing more control over seasoning. Kosher salt provides a pure, clean saltiness.
Pros
- Coarse texture provides more control
- No additives
- Pure, clean salt flavor
Cons
- More expensive than table salt
- Crystals don’t dissolve as readily
Sea Salt
Sea salt is made by evaporating seawater. It has a delicate balance of minerals that add subtle flavor notes. The taste can vary depending on where it is harvested. Sea saltdissolves quickly and provides a smooth mouthfeel.
Pros
- Contains trace minerals that enhance flavor
- Dissolves quickly
- Smooth mouthfeel
Cons
- More expensive than table salt
- Flavors can vary between brands
Himalayan Pink Salt
Mined from ancient sea salt deposits, Himalayan pink salt has a distinctive pink hue from iron oxide. It has a subtle mineral flavor and floral aroma. The coarse grains provide crunch and texture.
Pros
- Distinctive flavor from trace minerals
- Crunchy texture
- Pretty pink color
Cons
- Most expensive option
- Stronger flavor may overpower delicate foods
Flavored Salts
Flavored salts are infused with ingredients like herbs, spices, citrus, or garlic. They provide seasoning and saltiness in one ingredient. Flavored salts pair especially well with chicken. Popular choices include lemon pepper, garlic salt, and herbes de Provence salt.
Pros
- Provides dual flavoring
- Enhances overall taste of chicken
- Many flavors to choose from
Cons
- Can overpower flavor of chicken
- Not ideal if using chicken in multiple dishes
Conclusion
For seasoning chicken, kosher salt, sea salt, or Himalayan pink salt are great choices that will provide pure, clean salt flavor without being overpowering. Flavored salts can infuse extra dimensions of taste but may limit versatility. Table salt is readily available but lacks the depth of flavor of other salts. The best salt for chicken comes down to your preferences in taste, texture, and cost.
| Salt Type | Texture | Flavor | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Table Salt | Fine | Clean, one-dimensional | Low |
| Kosher Salt | Coarse | Pure, clean | Medium |
| Sea Salt | Fine to coarse | Lightly briny, mineral | Medium to high |
| Himalayan Pink Salt | Coarse | Mineral, slight floral | High |
| Flavored Salt | Various | Herbaceous, spicy, etc. | Medium to high |
When shopping for salt, look for types without anti-caking additives and source high quality sea salt or specialty salts. Grinding coarse salt like kosher or Himalayan pink maximizes the crunchy texture. Taste your dish before serving to ensure proper seasoning – you can always add more salt later if needed.
With a quality salt and proper technique, you can elevate simple roasted or grilled chicken to new heights of flavor. The options for great tasting chicken are endless with a little seasoning salt in your arsenal.