BBQ Chicken Rub

Spice up your next BBQ with this delicious homemade chicken rub recipe. Made with a blend of spices and herbs, this rub adds a rich, smoky flavor to your chicken. Easy to make and lasts up to 6 months!

about this bbq chicken rub

Never reach for store-bought BBQ seasoning again! Once you make this homemade blend of spices, you can elevate your pantry game easily. Not only are you saving a bit of money by not buying an extra spice mix, you are getting a superior flavor punch compare to the pre-packaged options.

The beauty of making a seasoning mix at home lies in the control you have over the ingredients. You might wonder, “How can I adjust recipes if I’m not a pro?” The truth is, modifying this spice mix is simpler than you think.

Begin by following the recipe as directed. Use a portion for your next BBQ chicken night and evaluate the flavor. Do you want more heat? Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper! Craving a smokier essence? Introduce another 1/4 tsp smoked paprika.

The truth is, everyone has different tastes and this is just a beginning point to start from! It’s already a tasty and balanced spice mix, but there might be one flavor that you want to stand out more. Don’t be afraid to tinker if you want to!

Of course, if you enjoy it as is (like we do), you may not even want to tweak it at all!

Homemade barbecue chicken rub is a breeze to whip up. It instantly transforms any chicken you apply it to. Whether coating chicken thighs, breast, or a whole chicken, this recipe will become a kitchen staple for your pantry.

The truth is, once you start making your own seasonings, you will constantly be looking for more. Creole seasoning is another favorite for pairing with chicken!

ingredients

chili powder – If you are in the United States, you can easily purchase chili powder from your local grocery store. For those located in Europe, chili powder is not the same mixture of spices that you can get in the US. European chili powder is made from dried chilis making it very spicy (like cayenne pepper).

smoked paprika – I prefer to use smoked paprika, but you can use regular paprika.

brown sugar – You can use light brown sugar or dark brown sugar in this spice rub!

salt – I recommend fine kosher salt. You can also use table salt, as desired.

garlic powder – A spice made from dehydrated garlic.

onion powder – A spice made from dehydrated onion.

coarse ground black pepper – Freshly ground black pepper is best for flavor. If you are using pepper that’s already ground, make sure it hasn’t expired.

cayenne pepper – Cayenne pepper is made from a moderately hot chili pepper.

this recipe’s must haves

Use a small bowl from a set of mixing bowls and a spoon to make this seasoning!

Use measuring spoons to measure out this chicken rub.

Store bbq chicken rub in a mason jar in the pantry.

here’s how to make bbq chicken rub

stir

Combine all of the spices in a bowl. Stir together until well combined.

store

I like to use a funnel to pour the seasoning into an airtight container for storage. I find a small glass jar to be the best for easy storage with my other spices! This bbq chicken rub will keep for up to 6 months when stored in a cool, dark place.

tips and tricks

use fresh spices. Were you aware that spices have a shelf life of only 6 months? Ground spices, in particular, tend to lose their freshness rapidly. To assess the age of your spices, a simple sniff test is enough. If the aroma is light or non-existent, it’s a clear sign to bid them farewell. On the flip side, whole spices boast a longer lifespan of up to 5 years! With whole spices, you have the flexibility to grind as needed.

make it spicy. For a spicy kick, consider adding more cayenne pepper. Personally, I find that around 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper strikes the best balance. However if you want to make a spicy bbq chicken rub, you can add 1/4 teaspoon to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper based on your spice preference.

note how much the recipe makes. The recipe below makes about 1/2 cup in total of seasoning. This should be enough for about 10 to 12 servings.

More tasty chicken recipes to try: Crispy Korean BBQ Chicken Wings | Roasted Chicken | Citrus Jalapeno Chicken Tostadas | Spicy BBQ Pulled Chicken Burger

how do you use bbq rub on chicken?

Simply rub it on the chicken! You can use it on any cut of chicken or poultry that you like. Apply an even coat all over and let sit to marinate before cooking.

how long should dry rub sit on chicken?

Let the bbq chicken rub sit on the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking. While you can shorten the time to 15 minutes, I find that 30 minutes is the ideal time to make sure the rub imparts the most flavor.

do you oil chicken before using a dry rub?

Oil is optional before adding the dry rub to the chicken. Some people will use it as a binder, but I find that you simply do not need it. In fact, the oil can make it harder to apply the rub in an even layer as it will slip and clump all over. All you have to do is pat the dry rub directly on the meat!

do you wash off dry rub before cooking?

No, do not wash off the dry rub before cooking! The dry rub gives all the flavor to the chicken so you don’t want to wash it away. Leave the rub on!

how long does this bbq chicken rub last?

If stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, this seasoning mix will last for up to 6 months.

Need some inspiration for dinner this week? Check out my dinner recipes page!

how to use bbq chicken rub

This chicken rub is ideal for any smoked poultry. I love using it for a whole smoked chicken, but you can also use it on a whole smoked turkey or smoked turkey breast. Really, you can use it on any type of chicken or poultry! Rub the mixture into the chicken skin or meat, then smoke as directed in whatever recipe you are using.

In addition, you can use this seasoning mix on grilled chicken! From grilled wings to chicken thighs, chicken breasts to a whole chicken, chicken drumsticks and more; this rub gives so much flavor.

If you do use this rub, be sure to let it sit on the chicken for at least 30 minutes. While you can let it rest for only 15 minutes, I find that it isn’t enough time to impart enough flavor. Make sure that you place the chicken in the refrigerator while it marinates!

You can also use this rub on vegetables and even pork! It’s a versatile spice mixture that doesn’t have to only be limited to chicken.

Don’t be afraid to use bbq sauce too! This rub pairs well with any bbq sauce flavor. You can even use this rub for pork ribs like these Traeger ribs.

how to store and reheat

Store. This chicken rub should be stored in an airtight container or jar at room temperature. I recommend storing it in a cool, dark place as this will help it last the longest. If the spices used are fresh, this mixture will last up to 6 months.

more delicious bbq recipes

Easy bbq apple cider ribs are juicy, meaty, and tender! You can even use this bbq chicken rub on the racks of ribs.

Grilled chipotle bbq chicken skewers are spicy and smoky, perfect for grilling nights.

Honey BBQ grilled chicken wings are easy and ideal for sharing!

Want to grill a steak tonight? Whip up a 3-ingredient steak marinade to make that meat shine.

Finally, if you make this bbq chicken rub recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!