Homemade Poultry Seasoning Recipe

Elevate the flavor of your chicken or turkey with this homemade poultry seasoning! This classic spice blend is a perfect match for any poultry or white meat, enhancing the taste with every bite. This poultry seasoning recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving & Christmas!

Poultry Seasoning Recipe

Up until a few years ago, I don't think I'd ever even owned poultry seasoning, but after buying it for the first time, I finally understood why the flavors were so popular!

Of course, I couldn't just settle for whatever you can find on the spice aisle in the grocery store; I had to make my very own Homemade Poultry Seasoning. 

This is the best poultry seasoning for turkey and as a home cook, I love being able to add savory flavor with my own spice blends.

Why would you use a Poultry Seasoning Substitute?

​Two reasons I can think of... you either don't have poultry seasoning and don't want to make a trip to the store during the rush of the holidays OR you don't like the traditional blend of spices and want to use your own seasonings to make the best poultry seasoning for you and your family.

This might simply be because you hate nutmeg or ground marjoram or because there's an allergy in the family. Either way, making a substitute for poultry seasoning is the best way to get unique blends that you'll love and use again and again.

What's in Poultry Seasoning?

Poultry seasoning is a blend of spices typically used to enhance the flavor of poultry and other meats. The common ingredients in poultry seasoning include:

1. Ground Sage – The main herb in poultry seasoning, offering a savory, earthy flavor.
2. Ground Thyme – Adds a slightly minty, lemony taste that complements poultry. You can use whole thyme leaves but breaking them up releases more flavor.
3. Marjoram – A mild herb with a sweet, oregano-like flavor.
4. Rosemary – A piney, woodsy herb that gives depth to the seasoning.
5. Pepper – Usually black pepper, for a bit of heat and spice. White pepper also adds a different unique flavor.
6. Nutmeg – Adds a warm, slightly sweet, and spicy note.
7. Parsley – Often used for a fresh, grassy undertone.

Some variations may also include other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or even a touch of paprika for color. The blend can vary depending on personal taste and spice blends. For instance, in Louisiana, some may want to add Cajun seasoning for a little kick of heat... go for it!

I found the perfect combination for my tastes and I'm sharing them below, but feel free to customize to make your own perfect blend of spices! Use what you have in your spice cabinet or go shopping for something new to change things up!

What do you use Poultry Seasoning for?

Poultry

As it says in the title, poultry seasoning is most commonly use for poultry dishes, the most obvious being the Thanksgiving turkey! But you can use it on other types of poultry for sure:

• Whole Chicken (Roast Chicken, Baked Chicken, etc.) or Chicken Parts.
• Game Birds
• Cornish Hens

​Dressing or Stuffing

In the South (or at least in my family), Cornbread Dressing is the star of the show when it comes to Thanksgiving and I always make my cornbread dressing with poultry seasoning. If you're not from this South, this also is great for any Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe.

Vegetables

DIY Poultry Seasoning also works well with roasted or sautéed vegetables like potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, or squash, especially when preparing them alongside poultry.

Other Casseroles or Soups with Poultry

Use your recipe for poultry seasoning in any of your casseroles, soups or stews that include poultry... think Chicken Pot Pie, Chicken Chili, Turkey Meatballs, etc. Your homemade spice blend will give an extra flavor boost to all of your favorite recipes!

Poultry Seasoning Ingredients

I want to emphasize again: this is a poultry seasoning blend that we love! Feel free to change things up to make it your own so you can use it in all of your favorite recipes!

• Sage
• Thyme
• Marjoram
• Rosemary
• Nutmeg

Find the complete recipe with ingredients measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Poultry Seasoning

1. Combine all the ingredients in a small dish and mix well. If you use any whole spices or leaves, you might want to use a coffee grinder, spice grinder or food processor to pulverize your homemade seasoning into a powder.
2. Use immediately or store in a sealed jar or dish in the pantry for up to a month.

Pro Tips

• I don’t add salt and black pepper to my poultry seasoning mixtures because you’ll want to add that to taste per each dish. It will vary from meal to meal on how much salt and pepper you might need.
• Don’t be afraid of the nutmeg. This is a very common ingredient in many poultry seasoning mixtures you’ll find at the store. If you really don’t want to add the nutmeg, you don’t have to, but it will cut out one of the dynamic flavor components of the seasoning.
• I don’t have a specific amount to suggest as it varies for me per dish. Just add as much as you need, starting small and working your way up. 
• Once you taste the seasoning, adjust the seasoning levels to your preferences. There’s no reason you need to stick with the exact amounts I list in my recipe for poultry seasoning.

​Storage Directions

To keep your DIY poultry seasoning fresh and flavorful, you need to store it properly! Here are my tips:

1. Airtight Container: Store the seasoning in an airtight container, such as a glass spice jar, plastic container, or spice bottle. This helps protect it from moisture, air, and contaminants.
2. Dry, Cool Place: Keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and humidity. A pantry, spice cabinet, or drawer is ideal.
3. Avoid the Fridge: It's best not to store dried herbs and spices in the refrigerator, as the humidity can cause them to lose potency.
4. Label and Date: For easy reference, label the container with the date you made or bought the seasoning. Dried herbs and spices generally last for about 1-2 years, but they may lose their flavor over time.

By following these simple storage tips, your poultry seasoning will maintain its best flavor for a longer period.