Spice Up Your Grub: 7 Sizzling Ways to Rock Montreal Seasoning Chicken

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is Montreal Seasoning?
• Why It Works So Well on Chicken
• Top 7 Ways to Use Montreal Seasoning on Chicken
• Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Montreal Seasoning
• Global Flavor Pairings with Montreal Chicken
• Pro Tips for Storing & Reusing Leftovers
• Conclusion

Ready to Level Up Your Chicken Game?

If you haven't jumped on the Montreal seasoning bandwagon yet, it's time to hop in! Known for its bold flavors and versatility, Montreal seasoning (or “steak spice” as some call it) brings a punchy mix of garlic, pepper, onion, and herbs that make even the most basic chicken recipe pop.

What Exactly Is Montreal Seasoning?

Montreal seasoning, or mélange de Montréal, is a Canadian spice blend born in Montreal’s barbecue scene. Originally made for grilled meat, especially steak, it quickly gained popularity across North America and beyond.

Typical Ingredients in Montreal Seasoning:

• Coarse black pepper
• Garlic granules
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Thyme
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Rosemary or coriander (in some variations)

Why It Works Magic on Chicken

The beauty of Montreal seasoning lies in its ability to transform chicken without overpowering it. The sharpness of pepper and garlic balances perfectly with the mild flavor of poultry, while the spices develop an incredible crust when seared or grilled.

Chicken Cut	Cooking Method	Result with Montreal Seasoning
Chicken Breasts	Grilled or Pan-Seared	Smoky exterior, juicy interior
Thighs	Oven-Baked or BBQ'd	Savory, crispy skin with deep flavor
Tenders	Fried or Air-Fried	Crispy coating with a spicy kick
Whole Chicken	Roasted or Smoked	Perfectly seasoned inside-out

Top 7 Ways to Make Your Chicken Sing with Montreal Seasoning

Here are our favorite ways to use this bold spice mix on chicken — all tested and tasted by real food lovers!

1. Classic Grilled Chicken Thighs

Season thick-cut chicken thighs generously with Montreal seasoning and grill over medium-high heat until golden brown and slightly charred. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and serve with grilled veggies or rice.

2. Oven-Roasted Whole Chicken

Rub the entire bird inside and out with Montreal seasoning mixed with olive oil or butter. Roast at 375°F (190°C) for about 1.5–2 hours depending on size. Carve and enjoy with roasted potatoes and gravy.

3. Montreal Chicken Tacos

Shred grilled chicken breasts seasoned with Montreal spice and add to warm tortillas. Top with lime crema, avocado, cilantro, and pickled jalapeños for a flavor explosion.

4. Chicken Caesar Salad Upgrade

Use Montreal-seasoned grilled chicken slices instead of regular ones. Add croutons, romaine, parmesan, and a creamy dressing for a zesty twist.

5. Fried Chicken with Spice Crust

For fried chicken fans, mix Montreal seasoning into the flour dredge. Fry until golden and crispy. Serve with coleslaw and hot sauce.

6. Montreal Chicken Pasta

Sear bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with Montreal spice and toss with al dente pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and olive oil for a quick weeknight meal.

7. Montreal Chicken Skewers

Cut chicken breasts into cubes, season well, skewer with bell peppers and onions, then grill or broil until done. Perfect for backyard parties or camping trips!

Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Montreal Seasoning

Whether you’re buying pre-made or making your own, here’s how to pick the perfect Montreal seasoning for your needs:

Store-Bought vs Homemade: What’s Right for You?

Option	Pros	Cons	Best For
Store-Bought	Convenient, consistent taste, shelf-stable	Limited customization, sometimes high sodium	Busy cooks, beginners, last-minute meals
Homemade	Fully customizable, no preservatives, cost-effective	Requires multiple ingredients, prep time	Home chefs, spice enthusiasts, health-focused eaters

Popular Brands & Their Features

Brand	Flavor Profile	Key Ingredients	Best For
McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning	Classic, balanced peppery kick	Black pepper, garlic, onion, paprika	Beginners, general cooking
Badia Montreal Style Seasoning	Smokier edge, slightly sweeter	Pepper, smoked paprika, thyme	Grilling, Latin-inspired dishes
Spice Hunter Montreal Steak Rub	Earthy and aromatic	Rosemary, garlic, chili	Gourmet meals, roasting
Bareilly Blends – Montreal Spice Mix	Artisanal, complex	Coriander, citrus zest, cracked pepper	Special occasions, adventurous palates

Homemade Montreal Seasoning Recipe

Want to make your own? Here’s a quick version you can whip up in minutes:

• ¼ cup coarse black pepper
• 2 tbsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Mix everything together and store in an airtight container. Use within 6 months for best flavor.

Global Flavor Pairings with Montreal Chicken

Mixing Montreal seasoning with international flavors opens up exciting new dimensions. Try these unique pairings:

Region	Pairing Idea	How to Serve
Mexico	Lime & Cilantro	Add fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro to grilled chicken wraps
Italy	Tomato & Basil	Serve sliced Montreal chicken on a caprese-style salad
Asia	Soy Sauce & Sesame	Glaze chicken with soy sauce and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds before serving
Middle East	Za’atar & Pita	Stuff warm pita bread with shaved Montreal chicken and cucumber yogurt sauce
France	Dijon Mustard & Herbs	Brush chicken with Dijon mustard before seasoning and bake until tender

Pro Tips for Storing & Reusing Leftovers

Don’t let your leftover Montreal chicken go to waste! Here’s how to store and repurpose like a pro:

• Refrigeration: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap cooled chicken tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Good for up to 3 months.
• Repurposing Ideas:
  • Make sandwiches or wraps
  • Chop and add to soups or stews
  • Top pizzas or flatbreads
  • Create hearty grain bowls

Final Thoughts: Montreal Seasoning Chicken — A Must-Have in Your Spice Arsenal

Montreal seasoning chicken isn’t just a one-trick pony — it’s a versatile flavor bomb waiting to be unleashed on your kitchen table. Whether you're grilling, baking, frying, or tossing it into a stir-fry, this spice blend will never disappoint.

So next time you're staring at a chicken breast wondering how to make it interesting, grab that jar of Montreal seasoning and let the flavor fireworks begin!