How to spice up chicken

As a kid, I hated nights when my mom said she was making chicken breasts. As an adult, I have realized I hated boring chicken breasts. There is no reason you should be consuming bland chicken, especially when there are hundreds of easy recipes that make the world’s difference. So, let’s explore how to spice up one of the most popular foods in the world.

Seasonings are the simplest way to turn a boring chicken breast into a delectable meal. My favorite go-to chicken seasonings are salt, pepper, paprika, garlic salt, and oregano. Don’t be timid when it comes to seasonings, I personally don’t think you can ever have too much.

In addition to seasonings, adding butter and/or lemon juice when cooking chicken in a skillet can go a long way. I typically cook my chicken on medium heat with olive oil, then about half-way through I add a few tablespoons of butter and the juice of half a lemon. This amplifies the flavor and adds moisture to the chicken.

If you enjoy cooking and don’t mind some extra steps, add fresh garlic, onions, peppers, or really any vegetable you like to the pan. The more ingredients you add, the more flavorful your chicken will be. Also, any excuse to eat more vegetables is a great thing!

My final tip is the most time-consuming, but also the most worth it.

This is a recipe if you have time to prepare/purchase ingredients beforehand. The things you will need: Mexican-style seasonings, an onion, fresh garlic (if you have it), your favorite jar of salsa, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce (for flavor). Simply dice up an onion and a clove of garlic, season your chicken generously, and add everything to a skillet. Once your chicken breast is cooked through, remove it from the pan and shred it. Lower the heat of the pan and add the chicken back in. Pour in your salsa (1/2 cup), Worcestershire sauce (1-2 tablespoons), hot sauce (as much or as little as you like), and a few squirts of lime juice. Stir together, and you’re done! I love this recipe because it is so versatile. Use it in tacos, add it to a salad, or eat it with some rice.

Cooking can seem like a great task, especially after a long day. Yet, there are simple steps that can turn a boring basic meal into something truly enjoyable. It might take a little more time, but the results are always worth it!