Introduction
Paprika makes up most of this blend, while lemon pepper, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and chipotle powder add heat, citrus, and a more savory finish. You can mix it in 5 minutes and keep it on hand for chicken, roasted vegetables, potatoes, or any protein that needs a dry seasoning with some smoke.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 36 tablespoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup paprika
- ¼ cup salt
- ¼ cup lemon pepper
- ¼ cup dried rosemary
- ¼ cup dried thyme
- ¼ cup chipotle powder
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in an airtight container.
Variations
- Replace ½ cup of the paprika with smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor and a darker color.
- Reduce the chipotle powder to 2 tablespoons if you want the blend to stay more savory than spicy.
- Swap the dried rosemary for dried oregano if you want a finer texture that sticks more evenly to meat and vegetables.
- Increase the lemon pepper to ⅓ cup for a sharper citrus note that works especially well on chicken and fish.
Tips for Success
- Rub the dried rosemary between your fingers before mixing so it distributes more evenly through the paprika.
- Make sure all measuring cups and spoons are completely dry before you start; moisture will cause the seasoning to clump.
- Label the container with the date so you can use the blend while the paprika and dried herbs are still strong.
Storage and Reheating
Store the seasoning in a dry, airtight glass jar or spice container in a cool, dark cupboard. It keeps for 6 months at its strongest flavor and up to 1 year if the spices were fresh when mixed.
No reheating is needed. Shake the container before each use to redistribute the finer spices.
FAQ
How spicy is this seasoning?
The ¼ cup chipotle powder gives it noticeable heat along with a smoky flavor. If you are using a strong chipotle powder, start with a lighter hand when seasoning food.
Can I use fresh rosemary or fresh thyme instead of dried?
No. Fresh herbs add moisture and will shorten the shelf life of the blend.
How much should you use per pound of meat or vegetables?
Start with 1 tablespoon per pound for a moderate coating. Use up to 2 tablespoons per pound if you want a stronger crust or bolder flavor.
Can you make the texture finer?
Yes. Crush the dried rosemary and dried thyme before mixing, or pulse them briefly in a spice grinder, for a more even texture.
Attribution: Recipe text from “Cookbook:Country Roast Chicken Seasoning” on Wikibooks (© Wikibooks contributors).
Source: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cookbook:Country_Roast_Chicken_Seasoning
License: CC BY-SA 4.0 — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Additions: Editorial additions and formatting changes were made for clarity and usability. Ingredients, instructions, and other sections may be adapted where appropriate.