Surprising facts about chicken salt

Chicken salt, an Aussie icon. The rest of the world is missing out.

For half a century, chicken salt has been a treat for the tastebuds. Supermarkets nation-wide stock numerous takes on this beloved Australian seasoning.

The first chicken salt was made by a guy named Peter

South Australian Peter Brinkworth came up with chicken salt in the 1970s.

Peter was a wholesaler who began selling roasted chicken and chips. Like all good cooks, he wanted maximum flavour.

He mixed salt, garlic powder, onion powder, celery salt, paprika, chicken bouillon, MSG … And a legend was born.

A 10-minute short film released in 2022 called Salt of the Earth is worth checking out: “The story of the South Australian man who invented chicken salt.” 

Chicken salt was originally made for chicken

While most of us connect hot chips with a copious amount of chicken salt, the seasoning mix was created to flavour roasting chickens.

What is Australian chicken salt made of nowadays? Surprisingly, not really chicken and salt.

Today’s chicken salt has no definitive ingredient list, although garlic powder, onion powder, celery seed/salt and paprika often still make the grade.

The recipe evolved, with brands adding or removing ingredients. Nowadays, most commercial chicken salt can be used by vegetarians and vegans.

It’s difficult to buy overseas

Ordering fries in the US and asking for chicken salt will likely be met with blank stares. Clarifying with, Australian chicken salt won’t help either.

Those who have Australian friends and family overseas know care parcel requests often include chicken salt alongside vegemite.

Overseas stores specialising in Australian food for Aussie expats are careful to keep that chicken salt coming.

Chicken salt’s market is mostly Australian – for now

In the past decade, taste aficionados around the world have been exploring chicken salt. Still, its reach remains barely a sprinkle on the epicurean radar.

Social media is changing that. Chicken salt discussions are never-ending influencer fodder. TikTok alone offers almost 40 million chicken salt posts.

Many are non-Aussies discovering the magical flavour for the first time, learning it’s not chicken and salt, and joining the chicken salt fandom. 

Chicken salt is hard to explain

Trying to explain chicken salt is almost a rite of passage for Aussies. Someday, somewhere, you’ll cross paths with a chicken salt newbie.

Having grown up with the condiment as a household staple, it’s tough to break down that unique flavour experience.

Discussing chicken salt online is interesting enough, thanks to comments like “it’s kind of yellow” and “think salty but not just salt”.

Foodies love exploring chicken salt

Gourmet chicken salt takes exist on swanky menus across the country. Chicken salt cocktails are out there too. A chicken salt martini sounds fun.

When salted caramel took off in Oz, it seemed inevitable chicken salt would take the same market by storm. So, where are the chicken salt chocolate ranges?

On that note, have you sprinkled chicken salt on vanilla bean ice cream? If not, you’re missing out.

Chicken salt is almost salt in Oz

While chicken salt is associated with hot chips, home cooks in Australia have been known to wield chicken salt with abandon.

A lot of Aussies love to throw chicken salt in savoury meals. In our household, tuna mornay and lasagne get a liberal dose.

The seasoning adds a slight tinge without overwhelming recipes. Chicken salt also works when battering and crumbing, from fried seafood to katsudon.

Chicken salt is here to stay

You can make your own chicken salt, thanks to many Australia chicken salt recipes online.

Alternately, buy it commercially, or if you’re lucky, pick up a chicken salt spice mix at the local markets.

There’s no end to the potential. From spicy, to lemon and even Japanese curry chicken salt, innovative takes on the beloved classic are everywhere.

As it stands, chicken salt as a condiment seems destined to stay embedded in the Australian psyche for many years to come.

What do you like to top with chicken salt? Let us know in the comments section below.

Also read: Are these Australia’s worst foods?