Nothing beats a plate of perfectly grilled chicken. Whether hosting an outdoor barbecue or looking for something to spice up your weeknight dinner, chicken is always a crowd-pleaser. However, you must have the right BBQ spices to make your meal special. Here are some of the best BBQ spices that will help sizzle up your chicken and take it from ordinary to extraordinary!

Chicken BBQ Spice

The Basics: Salt and Pepper

No matter what meat you're grilling, salt and pepper should always be your go-to spices for adding flavor – chicken BBQ spice is no exception. Both seasonings are essential for bringing out the natural taste of any dish, including grilled chicken. They also provide a great base for other ingredients and add texture and flavor. For maximum impact, use freshly ground black pepper – it's worth seeking out quality varieties in specialty stores or online gourmet food stores like Gourmet Food Online if possible. Quality sea salt can also make all the difference in flavor; try opting for one with larger crystals that dissolve more slowly than regular table salt so you get bursts of seasoning throughout each bite!

Smoky Paprika

Smoked paprika is one of those ingredients that instantly elevates any dish it touches – especially when it comes to grilled meats like chicken. The smokiness adds a subtle yet complex depth that pairs beautifully with other flavors like garlic or lemon juice, making it an ideal choice for marinades and rubs. Smoked paprika can be found at most grocery stores, but if you want something special, look no further than Spanish Pimentón de La Vera. This variety has been smoked over oak wood chips, giving it an even bolder smokiness than regular smoked paprika!

Chipotle Powder

Chipotle powder is made from dried and smoked jalapeño peppers, making it perfect for adding heat and smoky flavor to dishes such as grilled chicken thighs or wings. Its deep earthy notes pair wonderfully with other herbs like oregano or cilantro – simply sprinkle some onto your marinade before coating the meat to give it an extra kick! If you want something milder, try using Ancho chili powder instead; this variety has a sweet fruity aroma but still packs enough heat to give your dish just enough zing without overpowering!

Cumin

Cumin has long been used in Middle Eastern cooking due to its distinctive earthy aroma and nutty flavor – both qualities make it perfect for seasoning grilled meats such as chicken breasts or drumsticks. Its warmth pairs especially well with citrus fruits like oranges or lemons – simply mix some into your marinade before coating the meat to bring out its full potential! If you're looking for something even more intense, try combining cumin with coriander seeds – their combination creates an exotic blend that will transform any ordinary dish into something extraordinary!

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder may not be everyone's favorite ingredient, but there's no denying its versatility when used correctly on grilled meats such as chicken wings or thighs. Its strong, spicy aroma helps cut through fattier cuts while providing just enough sweetness at the same time to balance everything out perfectly! To use garlic powder properly, simply sprinkle some onto the surface of each piece before cooking – this will ensure maximum coverage without overwhelming other flavors present within marinades, etc. Alternatively, mix garlic powder into dry rubs alongside herbs like thyme or rosemary – these combinations work especially well when paired together over roasted vegetables too!

Turmeric

Turmeric is another powerful spice often used in Indian cooking due to its vibrant yellow color and unique earthy aroma. Both qualities make turmeric an ideal addition when seasoning anything from poultry dishes such as roasted chicken legs to vegetable side dishes! Its warm undertones pair wonderfully with garam masala (an aromatic mixture commonly found within Indian cuisine) – simply combine them before sprinkling over whatever type of protein you desire – beef steaks are particularly delicious when seasoned using the turmeric and garam masala combo, so don't forget to try them out next time around either!

Summing Up

With these six essential spices handy, there's no limit to what kind of delicious recipes you can whip up next time around – whether it's classic barbeque-style fare complete with smoky paprika and chipotle powders through curries featuring the turmeric and garam masala combo. They're surefire ways to help sizzle up any plate quickly and easily! So grab a few bottles today, get ready, and take your taste buds on a wild ride they will remember for a long time!