Green Seasoning Chicken

Why Make Green Sauce

If you’ve never tried this sauce, it’s time to do so. It packs a flavor punch and only takes a few minutes to make. You can adjust the spice blend to suit your preference.

Don’t care for cilantro? Don’t use it. Too much garlic or ginger? Reduce the quantity. Are you cooking for kids? Get rid of the heat. You get the idea.

It’s a herb blend that you can add or remove any herb or spice that isn’t to your liking. There are so many variations. If you’re a heat seeker, go for it – add two, three, or ten peppers—I’m not counting. Let your taste buds guide you.

Why It Works for Chicken

I absolutely love slathering green seasoning on chicken for a quick yet flavorful weeknight chicken with minimal effort. A little salt, fresh ground black pepper, and Cajun seasoning, then marinate it in green seasoning for an amazing chicken dish. If you can, marinate it overnight so it penetrates the chicken. However, it’s usually a spur-of-the-moment dinner, so I just season and go.

Green seasoning is a traditional Caribbean and African seasoning, sorta like Argentina chimichurri. You can freeze the remaining seasoning or simmer it into a sauce and serve it with the chicken.

Ingredient List

1. Green – Green onion, parsley, celery leaves, thyme, sweet basil, and rosemary deliver the green in the green seasoning. However, they also provide a LOT of flavor.
2. Seasonings – Onion, ginger, garlic, salt, and optional bouillon powder and Cajun seasoning add intense flavor that helps a little go a long way. A little oil will help it last even longer.
3. Chicken – A whole chicken cut into pieces or thighs is the most economical.
4. Lime or lemon to rub on the chicken helps the seasoning stick.

How to Make Green Seasoning Chicken

• Green Seasoning – Blend all the seasoning ingredients in a food processor or blender into a fine paste. You might have to do this in several batches, adding barely enough water or oil to facilitate blending. If you are using a food processor, there’s no need for liquid.
• Store in a glass jar with airtight lids and place it in the fridge.
• Chicken – Trim excess fat and pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Rub with a lime or lemon and 2 teaspoons of Creole seasoning or salt and pepper. Then add about ¼ cup green seasoning. (Photos 1-2)

Roasting

• Preheat oven to 400℉ (205℃).
• Drain – When ready to roast, remove chicken from the green seasoning marinade with tongs and drain excess marinade. Reserve the marinade.
• Roast chicken until the skin nicely browns, for about 40-45 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces. There shouldn’t be any pink near the bone, and the juices should run clear. As it cooks, check both white meat and dark meat.
• Check – If the white meat cooks before the dark meat, take it out and keep it warm on the serving plate until the rest is ready. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165℉ (74℃).
• Baste – Occasionally baste the chicken with more green seasoning as it’s grilling.
• Green Sauce – Simmer the reserved green seasoning marinade and as much extra as you want in a small saucepan for 5-7 minutes. Toss the roasted chicken into the sauce and stir to coat or serve it on the side.

Grilling 

• Preheat the grill to medium-high.
• Drain – When ready to grill, remove chicken from the green seasoning marinade with tongs and drain excess marinade. Reserve the marinade.
• Grill – Place chicken on the preheated grill for 10-15 minutes on each side. You may need to turn the chicken occasionally until it’s cooked through. (Photos 3-4)
• Baste – Occasionally baste the chicken with more green seasoning as it’s grilling.
• Green Sauce – Simmer the reserved green seasoning marinade and as much extra as you want in a small saucepan for 5-7 minutes. Toss the grilled chicken into the sauce and stir to coat or serve it on the side.

Make-Ahead, Serving & Storage

If you’re making extra for later, freeze it in an ice cube tray. After completely frozen, remove the cubes and store them in a ziplock bag for 2-4 months. Thaw before using it as a marinade or toss it frozen into a soup or stew.

What to Enjoy With Green Seasoning Chicken

This green seasoning chicken is also great with a side of vegetables, baked crispy fries, Caribbean rice and beans, or any of your favorite sides.