Make this simple Southern turkey seasoning in 5 minutes. Aromatic herbs, warm spices, and a touch of savory depth create the perfect rub for Thanksgiving turkey and everyday poultry.
Jump to:
The Vibe
I learned this blend at my family's Sunday table, where sage and thyme meant the holidays were close. I have been cooking and sharing modern Southern comfort food on Simply LaKita since 2013 and this is the turkey rub I come back to every year. It is balanced, reliable, and tested on whole turkeys, turkey breasts, wings, and weeknight roast chicken.
What you get here is a practical, no-fuss mix with clear measurements that works for small birds or a big Thanksgiving showpiece. I note the salt brand so your results stay consistent, and I include how much to use per pound to remove the guesswork. You can make it weeks ahead, label the jar, and you're set for the season.
Why You'll Love It
- Fast and foolproof. Pantry herbs and spices in five minutes.
- Balanced and aromatic. Classic poultry herbs with warm, savory depth.
- Made for Thanksgiving. Designed to shine on a whole turkey and in the pan drippings for gravy.
- Make-ahead friendly. Stays fresh for months so you can prep early and relax on the big day.
Key Ingredients
- Sage - the soul of classic poultry seasoning
- Thyme + Rosemary - woodsy, herbal backbone
- Paprika - gentle warmth and a pretty golden color
- Garlic Powder + Onion Powder - savory depth that seasons the meat, not just the skin
- Black Pepper - freshly ground for a soft bite
- Kosher Salt - seasons all the way through
- Celery Seed - optional but very Southern and very good
Equipment
Measuring spoons, a small bowl, a whisk, and an airtight jar. Optional: spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.
Before You Mix, Read This
- Grind for extra flavor. If you have a mortar and pestle or spice grinder, pulse rosemary, thyme, and celery seed for a few seconds to wake up the oils.
- Salt type matters. This recipe uses Morton kosher salt. If using Diamond Crystal, increase the salt by about 50 percent.
- Make it once. Double or triple the recipe and keep a jar on hand for chicken thighs and weeknight roast veggies.
📖 Recipe
Southern Turkey Seasoning Recipe
Equipment
- 1 small bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 jar or storage container
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dried sage
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground if possible
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt (Morton). Use 1 tablespoon plus 1½ teaspoons if using Diamond Crystal
- ½ teaspoon celery seed, lightly crushed, optional
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne, optional for gentle heat
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl. Whisk to combine, breaking up any clumps.
- Taste a tiny pinch. Adjust salt or herbs to your preference.
- Transfer to a jar. Label and store up to 6 months.
- To use for turkey. Pat the turkey dry. Rub with softened butter or oil, then season liberally with the blend, including under the skin and inside the cavity. Rest 30 minutes before roasting or refrigerate up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
Notes
- For chicken. Use 1 to 1½ teaspoons per pound of chicken.
- For extra-golden skin. Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder to the blend for wings or spatchcocked turkey.
- Sodium note. Adjust salt to taste if you plan to dry brine separately.
Helpful Swaps
- Use smoked paprika for a hint of backyard smoke without a smoker.
- No celery seed. Try a tiny pinch of ground coriander for brightness.
- Watching sodium. Reduce the salt in the mix and dry brine the turkey separately with plain kosher salt a day ahead.
Serving Ideas
Use it on: whole turkey, turkey breast, chicken, Cornish hens, turkey wings, and even roast potatoes or green beans.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get comforting new recipes from us every week!
Step-By-Step: How To Use On Turkey
- Pat the turkey dry. Remove giblets.
- Butter or oil. Rub the turkey all over with 4 tablespoons of softened butter or olive oil so the seasoning sticks.
- Season. Sprinkle the rub generously inside the cavity and all over the skin. Gently lift the skin over the breast and season the meat directly.
- Rest. Let the seasoned turkey rest 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
- Roast. Roast according to your preferred method. Use the drippings for gravy.
Make It Your Own
- Citrus. Mix in 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon or orange zest right before rubbing on the bird.
- Herb butter. Stir 2 tablespoons of the blend into ½ cup softened butter for an easy compound butter to swipe under the skin.
- Maple roasted. Whisk 1 tablespoon of the blend into ¼ cup maple syrup and brush during the last 20 minutes of roasting.
How To Scale For Different Birds
- Turkey breast 5 to 7 pounds: 3 to 4 tablespoons seasoning
- Whole turkey 10 to 14 pounds: ½ cup
- Chicken 4 to 5 pounds: 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon
Storage
Store the blend in an airtight jar away from heat and light for up to 6 months. For the best flavor, make a fresh batch each holiday season.
FAQs
Yes. If your turkey is already seasoned, reduce or omit the salt in the blend and season lightly.
Plan on 1 tablespoon per 2 pounds of turkey, plus a little extra for under the skin.
Absolutely. Salt the turkey with 1 to 1½ teaspoons Morton kosher salt per 5 pounds of turkey and refrigerate uncovered 24 to 48 hours. Pat dry and apply the salt-reduced version of this seasoning before roasting.
Pair It With
Round out your Thanksgiving menu with a few Simply LaKita favorites: Southern Cornbread Dressing, Collard Greens with Ham Hocks, Sweet Potato Pie, and Baked Mac and Cheese. Add Hibachi Vegetables for a bright side that everyone loves.
If you make this seasoning, leave a comment and a star rating. Tag @simplylakita so I can see your Thanksgiving table. For more holiday help, join Sunday Supper with LaKita for cozy menus and make-ahead tips all season.
Leave a Reply