Not Salt And Pepper: The Iconic Seasoning That Gives Fried Chicken A Flavor Boost

With its iconic yellow packaging, Old Bay seasoning has been a fixture in some home cooks' pantries for decades. It's usually sprinkled over many kinds of seafood, but we are big fans of pairing it with fried chicken, because salt and pepper will only take us so far in our quest for peak flavor. As one Redditor quipped: "Old Bay is great on chicken because Old Bay is great on just about everything." We couldn't agree more.

Using a ready-made seasoning is a tried-and-tested way to boost the flavor of your fried chicken, whether you're a stan of ranch or adore this warm and fragrant combination. What Old Bay brings to the table, however, is that inimitable blend of 18 herbs and spices — many of which are a closely guarded secret. Manufacturer McCormick only lists paprika, celery salt, and red and black pepper, but they (and whatever else is in that packaging) works to enhance the flavor of the meat, while also bringing brightness and a touch of heat to the coating.

We like to use a generous dash of Old Bay in our marinade — made from another pantry staple that ain't buttermilk — and mix it into the breading as well. That second bite of the Old Bay cherry allows us to give plenty of nuance to each and every bite. There's nothing stopping you from sprinkling a little over the cooked fried chicken too, but be careful not to overload the finished result.

Old Bay is a uniquely American invention. The brainchild of German immigrant Gustav Brunn, it was launched in 1939 and initially used to flavor shrimp and crab. McCormick & Co bought the brand in 1990, and has since expanded the range of products under the Old Bay name, which all contain the original seasoning's ingredients, as well as a few added extras. 

There's a lemon and herb version, as well as garlic and herb, hot (bolstered by red pepper), and a blackened variety, which has paprika alongside red pepper. We think they'd all taste amazing with fried chicken, not to mention pork or chicken cutlets, breaded fish, or even a skillet of sunny-style scrambled eggs. There's also a reduced sodium Old Bay, for anyone looking to trim back their salt intake, or if you're really pressed for time, you can buy an all-in-one seasoned coating! 

Although it's been around for a long time, Old Bay seasoning continues to fly under the radar for some home cooks. That is starting to change, thanks to people enthusiastically bigging it up on social media. "Everyone must know, this stuff is so simple but so good," wrote one Redditor, while another encouraged everyone to "spread the word to the unenlightened masses!" If you haven't tried Old Bay seasoning yet, your next batch of fried chicken is the ideal opportunity to get in on the action.