Grilling season is upon us, and I’ve already been out on the deck, enjoying the occasional warm, sunny spring days, that just bring a smile and make you feel happy to be alive! Is there anything better than that first day that you can toss open the windows and open up the back kitchen door, and get a breath of fresh air? A nice, warm breeze blowing through the house sure wakes my tired spirits up!

So I decided to start the year off with another seasoning. Something that would be great for just about any type or cut of meat, and I think that you’ll really enjoy this one as much as we did!

This simple, but flavorful seasoning, quickly brings together pantry items that you most likely already have, and if you don’t, I highly recommend that you pick up the rest. They’re worth it, and go a long ways!

A sweetness from dark brown sugar, a nice spiciness from paprika, cayenne and cajun seasoning, plus a warm hint of garlic, and a touch of deep, earthy richness from espresso powder all come together to make this quite an outstanding, all-purpose seasoning!

You can use this on chicken, as I did here, using boneless chicken thighs. Or, grill a whole chicken, chicken breasts (be it boneless-skinless or whole pieces), wings and drummies, or even Cornish Hens and “beer can” chicken!

But don’t stop at poultry! This would also be wonderful on pork chops, pork roasts and tenderloins, and notably, baby back ribs! Don’t leave out beef! Beef cuts like tenderloin, steaks, briskets, jerkies, and even burgers can use a little sprinkling to perk them right up! Why not, right? 😀 Top with a slice or two of havarti and you’re on your way to a GREAT burger!

You might even give this a try on some grilled perch, walleye, cod, shrimp, tilapia or whatever fresh-water fish or seafood you enjoy!

Since it was still a bit chilly and windy the day that I grilled out, I went with boneless skinless chicken thighs that cook quickly so that I wouldn’t catch cold outside! The sun was nice and warm, but that wind was still icy and cutting like a knife!

This was the perfect choice to get spring going!

They came out extremely flavorful, tender, juicy, and didn’t take long on the grill at all!

(*When I season boneless thighs, I open them up and season both sides, then roll or fold them back closed. This ensures that they don’t get over-cooked and stay nice and tender!) Plus, they really look pretty this way, too! 😉

If you like to Pin, this is a Pinterest-friendly pic for you to post!

There isn’t anything weird, too fancy-schmancy, or ridiculously expensive in this seasoning, so that it truly is an all-purpose seasoning that will suit the tastes of everyone. Not too spicy, yet full of wonderful flavors, that all play together nicely! Exactly what you’re looking for!

So be sure to save, print, Pin, and tuck this one away for safe-keeping!
It’s a keeper and a wonderful, basic, yet full-of-flavor, all-purpose seasoning
that you’ll LOVE to whip up all summer long!

Best All-Purpose Grill Seasoning

Ingredients

Grill Seasoning:

1 Tbl. + 2 tsp. Kosher salt
1 1/2 Tbl. dark brown sugar
1 Tbl. sweet smoked paprika
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. cajun seasoning such as Slap Ya Mama!
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. instant espresso such as Medaglia D'Oro

Instructions

Mix together well in small bowl until completely combined.

Double or triple this and store in airtight jar.

*Enough mix for 1 whole chicken, or 8 - 10 boneless/skinless chicken thighs depending on size. (*Use all of the seasoning, then baste at the end with your favorite BBQ sauce if you like).

Notes

*The sauce used at the end to finish and baste with was Sweet Baby Ray's Original Barbecue Sauce.