Delicious Homemade BBQ Chicken Rub! (original) (raw)
This homemade BBQ Chicken Rub is a flavorful blend of spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder that’s perfect for seasoning grilled or smoked chicken thighs, breasts, legs, or whole chicken with bold, mouthwatering flavor.
I love having a stash of homemade rubs in our cupboard for our pellet grill or for grilling. That way whenever we are going to smoke or grill meat I can reach in there and pull one out. This barbecue chicken dry rub is super easy, with pantry staples, and makes smoked chicken so flavorful. This rub is simple to prepare and you can customize it according to your personal preferences – add a little extra or a little less of whichever spice you want!
- This flavorful BBQ dry rub is made with pantry staples so you don’t have to make any extra trips to the grocery store.
- It’s easy to multiply this chicken rub recipe so you can always have this tasty dry rub on hand.
- The seasonings compliment each other so well so you have a sweet, smoky flavor with a little bit of heat.
- Brown sugar – This makes the dry rub sweet and also gives the meat a chance to have a bit of a crust.
- Salt – This will enhance the flavor of the seasonings and the chicken itself.
- Chili powder – Adds a little bit of a kick to the seasoning, but nothing crazy.
- Smoked paprika – Smoked paprika adds the smoky flavor you know and love. If you are unable to find smoked paprika, use regular paprika with a bit of liquid smoke, if you have it.
- Garlic powder – Adds depth of flavor to the rub and gives you the opportunity to have the garlic flavor without using fresh garlic. If you only have garlic salt on hand, be sure to decrease the amount of regular salt that you use.
- Onion powder – Adds the flavor of onion without having to use a fresh onion. No tears for you!
- Ground oregano – Enhances the overall flavor of this BBQ rub.
Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl then apply to chicken.
We love to use this rub our whole smoked chicken or our smoked chicken breasts. You can really use it on any type of chicken that you are smoking. Simply rub it on the chicken skin or meat and then smoke it according to directions.
It’s also great on grilled chicken! We love grilling chicken thighs, chicken breasts and wings with this simple seasoning because it gives it so much flavor.
We recommend letting your chicken sit with the dry rub on for a minimum of 15 minutes, but recommend 30 minutes. Remember to tuck it in the fridge while it marinates. Leave it for up to 24 hours.
Store BBQ chicken rub in airtight container in a cool, dry space. If store properly it will keep for months.
Pro Tips
- Double or triple this recipe so that you have extra so it’s handy anytime you need it.
- Rub some seasoning under the chicken skin to help the flavor really get into the meat and give it the best flavor.
- Chicken skin helps the meat retain moisture, so cook with it if you can.
No matter how you cook your chicken, this BBQ rub will bring it’s flavor up a notch or two. Everyone will love the sweet, smokiness and you’ll love how easy it is to throw together.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @gimmesomegrilling or #gimmesomegrilling so I can see your grilling masterpieces!
▢ ¼ cup brown sugar
▢ 1 Tablespoon salt
▢ 1 Tablespoon chili powder
▢ 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
▢ 2 teaspoons garlic powder
▢ 2 teaspoons onion powder
▢ ¼ teaspoon ground oregano
Mix all ingredients together. Store in airtight container.
Calories: 302kcal (15%), Carbohydrates: 74g (25%), Protein: 4g (8%), Fat: 2g (3%), Saturated Fat: 0.4g (3%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g, Sodium: 7136mg (310%), Potassium: 513mg (15%), Fiber: 7g (29%), Sugar: 59g (66%), Vitamin A: 5828IU (117%), Vitamin C: 1mg (1%), Calcium: 124mg (12%), Iron: 4mg (22%)
- Making a brisket? Start with this Brisket Rub that’s super simple and give your brisket a ton of flavor!
- Making Smoked Ribs? This Dry Rub for Ribs is the secret ingredient to give them the BEST flavor!
- My favorite versatile seasoning for smoking or grilling is this Sweet and Smoky Rub. Perfect for vegetables or grilled pork, chicken and more!
- No more dry, tough pork chops when you smoke them in our Dry Rub for Pork. This slightly sweet rub is great on pork loin, too.
Hi! We are Jason & Julie! We focus on easy, simple recipes that everyone can tackle on their smoker and grills that the entire family will enjoy!