Have you ever had the frustrating experience of spending time seasoning your chicken perfectly, only to have it burn and ruin the flavor of your dish? Burning your seasoning is a common problem when cooking chicken, but with a few simple tips, you can avoid this issue and enjoy perfectly seasoned chicken every time.
Below we’ll discuss the steps to properly season chicken and then grill, bake or pan fry it depending on your preference, without burning it.
Steps To Avoid Burning Your Seasoned Chicken
Pat the Chicken Dry
Before seasoning your chicken, it’s important to make sure that it is completely dry. Any excess moisture on the chicken can cause the seasoning to clump and burn. Use a paper towel to pat the chicken dry before adding your seasoning.
Use a Dry Rub
A dry rub is a mixture of spices that can be rubbed onto the chicken to add flavor. Dry rubs can include a variety of herbs and spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. By using a dry rub, you can ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed on the chicken, preventing any one area from getting too much seasoning and burning.
Add Seasoning at the Right Time
When cooking chicken, it’s important to add the seasoning at the right time. If you add the seasoning too early, it may burn before the chicken is fully cooked. If you add it too late, the chicken may not absorb enough of the flavor. A good rule of thumb is to add the seasoning about 30 minutes before the chicken is finished cooking.
Use a Low Heat
Cooking chicken on high heat can cause the seasoning to burn and ruin the flavor of your dish. It’s best to use a low to medium heat when cooking chicken, which will allow the chicken to cook through without burning the seasoning. This will also help to keep the chicken moist and tender.
Use a Non-Stick Pan
Using a non-stick pan can help to prevent the seasoning from burning. Non-stick pans are coated with a layer of Teflon or ceramic that prevents the food from sticking to the surface. This allows you to cook the chicken with less oil and prevents the seasoning from sticking and burning to the bottom of the pan.
By following these tips, you can avoid burning your seasoning on chicken and enjoy perfectly seasoned, delicious chicken every time. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-frying your chicken, these tips will help you achieve the best results.
Speaking of which, let’s take a closer look at some tips for each of those three chicken preparation methods to ensure your seasoning doesn’t burn.
Tips To Prevent Seasoning From Burning When Grilling Chicken
- Use a dry rub: Dry rubs are a great way to season chicken before grilling, and they stick to the chicken easily without any additional liquid. Be sure to massage the rub into the chicken and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Apply oil to the chicken: Applying a thin layer of oil to the chicken before adding the seasoning can help the seasoning stick better and prevent it from burning. Use a neutral oil like vegetable oil or canola oil.
- Use a low to medium heat: Cooking chicken on a high heat can cause the seasoning to burn quickly. Instead, use a lower heat setting and cook the chicken for a longer period of time. This will allow the chicken to cook through without burning the seasoning.
- Add the seasoning towards the end of cooking: If you’re concerned about the seasoning burning, try adding it towards the end of the cooking process. This will allow the chicken to cook through first before the seasoning is added, reducing the risk of burning.
- Use a marinade: Marinating the chicken in a mixture of oil, vinegar, and seasonings can infuse flavor into the chicken and help the seasoning stick better. Just be sure to pat the chicken dry before grilling to prevent excess liquid from causing the seasoning to burn.
Tips To Prevent Seasoning From Burning When Baking Chicken
When baking chicken, there are a few tips to prevent seasoning from burning:
- Pat dry the chicken: Before seasoning the chicken, make sure it’s patted dry with paper towels. Moisture on the chicken can cause the seasoning to clump together and burn. Don’t skip this step.
- Mix the seasoning with oil: Instead of sprinkling dry seasoning onto the chicken, mix it with a little bit of oil to create a paste. This will help the seasoning adhere to the chicken and prevent it from burning. Don’t skip this step either.
- Apply the seasoning evenly: Be sure to evenly coat the chicken with the seasoning mixture. This will prevent any areas from being over-seasoned and burning.
- Use a lower temperature: Baking chicken at a lower temperature can prevent the seasoning from burning. Try baking at 375°F to 400°F for a longer time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and the seasoning doesn’t burn.
- Cover the chicken: Covering the chicken with foil for the first half of the baking time can prevent the seasoning from burning. This allows the chicken to cook through while keeping the seasoning protected.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your seasoning stays flavorful and doesn’t burn when baking chicken.
Tips To Prevent Seasoning From Burning When Pan Frying Chicken
When pan frying chicken, it’s important to take some steps to prevent the seasoning from burning:
- Dry the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning it. This will help the seasoning stick to the chicken and prevent it from getting clumpy and burning. As with the other two methods, this will help you results.
- Use oil: Heat up some oil in the pan before adding the chicken. The oil will help the seasoning adhere to the chicken and create a barrier between the seasoning and the pan, preventing it from burning. Again, it’s the same first two steps as with grilling and baking chicken to achieve the best result.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Make sure to leave enough space between the chicken pieces so that they can cook evenly and the seasoning can be distributed evenly as well. Overcrowding the pan can cause the chicken to release moisture, which can cause the seasoning to clump and burn.
- Adjust the heat: If the pan is too hot, the seasoning will burn quickly. Adjust the heat to medium or medium-high, depending on the recipe, and monitor the chicken closely as it cooks.
- Use a non-stick pan: If you’re using a non-stick pan, you’ll be less likely to have problems with the seasoning sticking to the pan and burning. However, if you’re using a stainless steel or cast iron pan, make sure to oil the pan well before adding the chicken.
By following these tips, you can prevent your seasoning from burning when pan frying chicken and ensure that it stays flavorful and delicious.
How To Get Seasoning To Stick To Chicken
Since we’re on the topic of seasoning your chicken, we might as well take a step back and actually see the best way to season it in general terms, regardless of the type of chicken and cooking method. It can get messy and frustrating so let’s take a look at how to season chicken quickly and efficiently.
To get seasoning to stick to chicken, follow these simple steps:
- Pat the chicken dry: Before seasoning the chicken, use a paper towel to pat it dry. This will remove any excess moisture that may prevent the seasoning from sticking. Many people often forget this step.
- Use oil: Brush the chicken with a thin layer of oil, such as olive oil or vegetable oil, before applying the seasoning. This will help the seasoning adhere to the chicken. Many people forget this step too.
- Season generously: Be sure to season the chicken generously, making sure that all parts of the chicken are coated with the seasoning.
- Let it sit: Allow the seasoned chicken to sit for at least 15-20 minutes before cooking. This will give the seasoning time to adhere to the chicken. Don’t skip this step either.
- Cook properly: When cooking the chicken, make sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully and cook the chicken at the appropriate temperature for the recommended time.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that the seasoning sticks to the chicken and adds delicious flavor to your dishes.