Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide variety of herbs, each bringing its own unique aroma and flavour to your dish. Whether you’re roasting, grilling, sautéing, or slow-cooking, the right herbs can transform a simple chicken meal into something truly special. Here’s a guide to some of the best herbs for chicken — plus a convenient way to get them all in one mix.
Classic Herbs for Chicken
1. Rosemary
With its piney, woody aroma, rosemary is perfect for roasted chicken. Use fresh sprigs tucked under the skin or sprinkle chopped rosemary over the bird before cooking. It works well with garlic and lemon for a fragrant marinade.
2. Thyme
Thyme offers subtle earthiness that complements chicken perfectly. Ideal for slow-cooked dishes like stews or quick sautés with vegetables. It pairs well with mushrooms, onions, and white wine.
3. Sage
Sage has a peppery, savoury flavour that’s great in pan-fried or roasted chicken dishes. Try it in a brown butter sauce or as a stuffing ingredient with cheese for a rich, comforting meal.
Fresh Herb Ideas for Light & Bright Flavours
4. Parsley
Parsley adds a fresh, peppery note to grilled or baked chicken. Chop it finely and combine with lemon zest and olive oil for a quick chimichurri or gremolata topping.
5. Basil
Sweet and fragrant basil is ideal for Mediterranean-style chicken. Add fresh basil leaves to tomato-based sauces or toss chopped basil through chicken salads.
6. Tarragon
Tarragon’s mild aniseed flavour pairs well with creamy sauces and French-style dishes. Use it in chicken fricassee or mix with mustard and cream for a quick pan sauce.
Aromatic & Exotic Herbs to Experiment With
7. Coriander (Cilantro)
Coriander leaves offer a fresh, citrusy note perfect for tacos, curries, or Asian-inspired stir-fries. Combine with lime, garlic, and chilli for vibrant marinades.
8. Dill
Dill’s delicate grassy flavour is great in chicken salads or yogurt-based sauces. Try dill and lemon dressing over grilled chicken for a refreshing finish.
The Easy Way: Smokey Joes Herb & Spice Rubs
For those who want the delicious flavour of all these herbs without buying each one individually, Smokey Joes Rubs are a perfect solution. These expertly blended rubs combine a variety of herbs and spices in one convenient mix, saving you time and cupboard space while delivering rich, aromatic flavour to your chicken dishes. Simply rub onto your chicken before cooking for a hassle-free flavour boost.
Tips for Using Herbs with Chicken
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Fresh vs dried: Fresh herbs bring bright flavours best added near the end of cooking or as a garnish. Dried herbs are more concentrated and ideal for marinades or slow cooking.
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Marinades: Combine herbs (or a Smokey Joes rub) with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for easy, flavour-packed marinades.
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Herb blends: Using pre-mixed rubs like Smokey Joes is a great way to get complex flavour without the fuss.
Shop Fresh Herbs, Smokey Joes Rubs & More at Gertrude Grocer
Gertrude Grocer offers a wide selection of fresh herbs, spices, and handy blends like Smokey Joes Rubs — everything you need to create flavour-packed chicken meals with ease.
This guide is here to inspire your next chicken dinner and help you discover convenient, delicious ways to cook with herbs.