Substitute for Poultry Seasoning: 14 Options You Never Knew Existed

If you are looking for a substitute for poultry seasoning in a recipe that calls for it, this article is for you.

Poultry seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices used in place of fresh herbs to add flavor to poultry dishes. The herbs commonly used in poultry seasoning are sage, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, and onion powder.

Unfortunately, it can be hard to find poultry seasoning in stores, and when you do, it’s often expensive. This article reviews the best substitutes for poultry seasoning, including dill, fennel, tarragon, and more.

What Is Poultry Seasoning?

Poultry seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices used to season chicken, turkey, and other poultry. The ingredients vary from brand to brand but it usually contains a combination of sage, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, savory and black pepper.

Poultry seasoning is a great seasoning to have on hand. It has a versatile flavor that works well with turkey, chicken, and other kinds of poultry. It is also ideal for seasoning other types of meat, soups, stews, omelets, and even casseroles.

Poultry Seasoning Substitutes

1. Homemade Poultry Seasoning

This is the ideal substitute for poultry seasoning because it contains all the herbs and spices you need to mimic the taste of poultry seasoning.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp thyme
  • 2 tsp sage
  • 1 tbsp marjoram
  • 1/2 tbsp rosemary
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tsp savory
  • 2 tsp basil

Directions:

  • Mix all ingredients until evenly combined (it’s best to use a mixer if you have one).
  • Store in an airtight container.
  • Use 1 tablespoon of this mixture for every 1 tablespoon of poultry seasoning called for in a recipe.

SEE: Get Free Food or Amazing Discount at Church’s Chicken

2. Sage

If you don’t have all the ingredients needed to make your own poultry seasoning, try using sage instead. This herb is a key ingredient in poultry seasoning, so it’s an excellent substitute if you have poultry seasoning on hand.

Just remember that it is milder than poultry seasoning, so start with twice as much and add more as needed.

3. Italian Seasoning

Italian seasoning is a combination of herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. While it won’t taste exactly like poultry seasoning, it will still deliver a punch of flavor to your dish.

Italian seasoning has a stronger flavor than poultry seasoning, so use half the amount that your recipe calls for poultry seasoning so as not to overpower your dish. Depending on the other ingredients in your recipe, you may want to adjust the amount of salt you add as well.

4. Chicken Bouillon Granules

The flavor profile of chicken bouillon granules is similar to that of poultry seasoning. And if you didn’t know, you might think it was a weak batch of poultry seasoning.

When substituting chicken bouillon granules for poultry seasoning in a recipe, use about twice as much as called for. You can then add additional salt to balance out the flavor if needed.

5. Onion Soup Mix

Onion soup mix also contains many of the same herbs as poultry seasoning but is saltier and has a more pronounced onion flavor. Use only a small amount of onion soup mix when cooking to avoid overwhelming the flavor of your dish with onion or saltiness.

6. Allspice

Allspice is a single spice that tastes like a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. So if you need poultry seasoning for a recipe, but don’t have any on hand, you can substitute equal amounts of allspice.

7. Turkey Rub

If you are looking for a savory flavor profile, turkey rub can work as a substitute for poultry seasoning. It is a versatile mix of herbs and spices that can enhance the flavor of any dish.

8. Garlic Powder

Garlic powder is a mixture of dried garlic, salt, and other spices. It works well with poultry and you can also use it to season soups, sauces, and other foods.

However, I would recommend adding some black pepper to the mix. Pepper is a major component of many poultry seasoning blends, and you want to make sure you don’t miss out on it.

9. Herbes de Provence

Herbes de Provence is a combination of dried herbs typical of the Provence region in the South of France. It usually contains lavender buds, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sometimes other herbs, such as savory, fennel seed, or basil.

Herbes de Provence can be a good substitute for poultry seasoning. It also has a bit of lavender flavor, which gives dishes an interesting taste and aroma.

SEE: Best Oregano Substitutes for When You Don’t Have It On Hand

10. Cajun Seasoning

If you need something with a little heat to it, Cajun seasoning is a good choice. Most Cajun seasonings include thyme and sage, which are two of the traditional ingredients in poultry seasoning.

Just be careful as some brands of Cajun seasoning also contain ingredients like ginger, which can change the flavor profile of your dish slightly.

11. Seasoning salt

Seasoning salt is a mixture of salt and spices that you can use to add flavor to poultry, vegetables, and other foods. Ensure to check the ingredients on the label before using it because some brands contain ingredients you might not want in your food.

12. Curry Powder

Curry powder is a blend of spices that usually contains turmeric, coriander, cumin, ginger, mustard seed, fenugreek, and red pepper. There are many varieties of curry powder available: some hot, some mild, and some very flavorful.

If you want to experiment with curry powder as a substitute for poultry seasoning in your stuffing, try one of the hotter varieties. You will also want to mix curry powder with melted butter or margarine before adding it to your stuffing mix.

13. Rosemary

Rosemary is a common ingredient in many poultry dishes and is often used as a substitute for poultry seasoning. It has a sharp, piney taste that is great in all kinds of dishes, from poultry and beef to potatoes, beans, and even desserts.

14. Lemon Pepper

Lemon pepper is a seasoning made from granulated lemon zest and cracked black pepper. So obviously, it’ll have a more pronounced lemon flavor than your average poultry seasoning. However, it will lack some of the savory qualities of poultry seasoning.

I recommend using lemon pepper as a substitute for poultry seasoning in a recipe that calls for lemon and/or orange as an ingredient. For example, if you’re making a savory chicken dish that also includes lemon zest, use lemon pepper in place of poultry seasoning.

SEE: Lemon Pepper Substitutes That Would Not Make You Miss It

Why Does Poultry Seasoning Need Substitutes?

There are several reasons why poultry seasoning needs substitutes. You may run out of poultry seasoning while making a dish that calls for it. You may be allergic to the ingredients in poultry seasoning, or you may just want to try something different.

In any case, you need substitutes like sage, Italian seasoning, and turkey rub to make your dish taste just as delicious. It’s also worth noting that poultry seasoning can be hard to find in grocery stores, and when you do, it’s often expensive.

FAQs

How much poultry seasoning should you use?

This depends on your recipe and the size of your roast. A good rule of thumb is 1/2 tablespoon per pound.

So if you’re making a 6-pound chicken, you’d use 3 tablespoons total. That’s enough to season the inside cavity of the bird and sprinkle over the exterior skin before roasting.

Is poultry seasoning the same thing as Italian seasoning?

No, it is not. Poultry seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices used especially for seasoning chicken and other poultry dishes. Italian seasoning, on the other hand, is a combination of herbs used especially for tomato-based dishes.

Can you use salt and pepper instead of poultry seasoning?

Yes, you can. Salt and pepper is a basic but acceptable substitute for poultry seasoning. Salt brings out the natural flavors in the meat, while pepper adds a hint of heat.

To make this blend, combine 1/2 tablespoon of salt with 1/2 tablespoon teaspoon of pepper. Use this blend in place of 1 tablespoon of poultry seasoning in your recipe.

Conclusion

Poultry seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that are used to season several types of poultry, including turkey and chicken. Its ingredients vary from brand to brand, but most are a combination of sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and savory.

Some of the best substitutes for poultry seasoning are sage, Italian seasoning, turkey rub, and garlic powder. You can also make your own homemade poultry seasoning using ingredients like sage, thyme, and black pepper.

Although these substitutes won’t taste exactly like poultry seasoning, they’ll make your food taste just as delicious.

Thanks for reading.

Visit Cheffist to learn more about seasoning blends and their alternatives.