Bursting with herbs, black pepper, a pop of heat and a touch of orange, salt-free, MSG-free Montreal Chicken Seasoning is a warm, cozy blend that’s great on a summertime grill and equally at home in the oven. It is also called Montreal chicken spice, chicken Montreal seasoning, or Canadian chicken seasoning.

The idea for Montreal chicken emerged from the popularity of Montreal Steak Spice, which is a variation on the spices used to season pastrami, only adapted for grilling instead of brining and smoking. Not long after the steak spice embedded into the Montreal culinary scene, chefs developed a lighter, brighter version of their blend for chicken.

The versatility of Montreal Chicken Seasoning makes it a favorite with olive oil and spice shops, food manufacturers that specialize in dips and condiments, and American-style pubs and restaurants.

Flavor Profile

Montreal Chicken Seasoning opens with a bold mix of sage, oregano, and black pepper. These are followed by aromatics and the fruity heat of guajillo chiles, which fades into the bittersweet flavor of orange peel.

How To Use

We love to use this as it was originally intended—when used as a simple rub, you can make a terrific, three-ingredient Grilled Montreal Chicken. You can also toss this blend over mild chicken breasts, roast, and slice thinly for an amazing Chicken Muffuletta. Make a Montreal Chicken marinade by adding this to buttermilk and refrigerating chicken for up to 8 hours before grilling. Mix into ground turkey for fragrant, aromatic Grilled Turkey Burgers. Toss with shrimp for Spanish Shrimp Tapas, or add to chunks of sweet potato for an Indian-themed, vegetarian dish we call Cuckoo Aloo. This blend brings delicious texture and flavor to zucchini, whether it’s a Zucchini Boat stuffed with tomatoes or grilled along with some eggplant for a hearty Grilled Vegetable Pasta. Or add to oil and season a whole Roasted Chicken for heartwarming comfort food. The name may say it’s for chicken, but this salt-free blend has many uses and can go from grill to oven, and summer to winter, for delicious food all year long.