There’s nothing like the smoky flavor of grilled chicken hot off the Argentine parilla. But you know what really takes that grilled chicken experience to the next level? Seasoning. The right blend of herbs and spices can transform even a humble chicken breast into something truly delicious.

In this guide, I’ll explain all the essential spices and seasonings for grilled chicken and share my tips for applying them for maximum impact. Here’s the best chicken seasoning recipe you’ll ever taste!

Spice Chicken: Herbs and Spices

Let’s start with the herbs. Some of my go-to picks for grilled chicken include: 

• rosemary, 
• thyme, 
• oregano, 
• and basil. 

You can pair these herbs with the best spices for grilled chicken, namely paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder. 

• Paprika in particular is a must, as it lends a smoky-sweet flavor that plays nicely with the char of the grill. 
• Garlic powder is another essential, infusing the chicken with that beloved umami punch.
• You can’t forget the king of all spices – black pepper, as it enhances all the other flavors and makes the chicken pop.

Remember, using the right chicken seasoning recipe is crucial for taking your grilled chicken to the next level. 

Tips for Applying Seasoning Before Grilling

Now that you know all the essential herbs and spices for grilled chicken, let’s talk about how actually to apply them for the best results. There are a few key things to keep in mind:

1. Timing is everything when it comes to seasoning. For maximum flavor penetration, I recommend marinating your chicken in a herb and spice-infused mixture for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. This gives the seasonings plenty of time to work their magic and permeate the meat.
2. Alternatively, you can go the dry rub route – simply coat the chicken all over with your desired spice rub for grilled chicken right before grilling. This method works great too, as the high heat of the grill will help toast the spices, intensifying their aroma and flavor.

Whichever approach you take, remember to use the chicken seasoning on the entire surface. Every piece should be tasty both inside and outside. Use your hands to ensure all the little folds and crevices are filled with the spices! 

Also, seasoned chicken should be allowed to rest for 5-10 minutes prior to grilling. This stage is important in enhancing the flavor of the meat, as it will completely absorb the herbs and spices, improving the overall quality of the dish. 

Grilling Techniques to Enhance Flavors

Of course, proper seasoning is only half the battle. The way you grill the chicken plays a big role in developing those smoky, charred flavors.

For best results, I recommend using a combination of direct and indirect heat: 

1. Start by searing the chicken over high, direct heat to get those grill marks and a nice caramelized crust. 
2. Finally, transfer the chicken to the cooler side of the grill so it gets indirect heat until it cooks completely without getting burnt.

This cooking in two stages helps to achieve that crispy texture and still allows the chicken to remain moist and tender. Just make sure to check for doneness using the ‘poke test’, so the chicken is done when it is tender and slightly springy.

And, remember to rest the meat afterward, crucial when grilling. Just as with seasoning, resting the chicken for about 5-10 minutes serves to re-absorb the moisture and the flavors. Believe me, the waiting is worth it. 

So there you have it. The right blend of herbs and spices paired with some strategic grilling techniques will result in restaurant-worthy bbq chicken seasoning. Time to fire up that grill!