Smoked Chicken Dry Rub
Published 6/12/2021 • Updated 6/5/2022
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Rub any cut of chicken with this smoked chicken dry rub for the most flavorful smoked chicken!
The Most Flavorful Smoked Chicken Dry Rub
Is there anything better than a piece of finger-licking good smoked chicken? I think not! This smoked chicken try rub adds so much flavor and texture to any delicious smoked chicken!
We highly recommend adding it to this smoked whole chicken or dry rub these smoked chicken thighs!
Ingredients You Need
You can pronounce every ingredient for this smoked chicken dry rub! No need to head to the grocery store and buy expensive dry rubs.
Nobody likes having to spend $30+ on spices that you’ll use infrequently to create a dry rub recipe at home, especially if it doesn’t end up tasting as flavorful as you’d like.
This dry rub is both flavor-packed and includes simple, easy to find ingredients, including:
- garlic powder
- dark brown sugar
- paprika
- kosher salt
- ground pepper
- cayenne
- onion powder
- chili powder
make it spicier
Make it hotter: add 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon more of chipotle powder.
Make It hot hot hotter: add a pinch more of cayenne powder.
Make it sweeter: add 1/2 – 1 teaspoon more sugar.
What cuts of meat can I use?
Good news for you, this is the perfect chicken spice mix to use on any cut of poultry. Use around 1 – 1.5 lbs. of the following:
- chicken legs
- chicken breast
- whole chicken
- chicken thighs
- chicken wings
You can also use this spice rib on vegetables like grilled brussel sprouts, smashed potatoes, and red foil pack potatoes.
How much dry rub per lb. of chicken?
We recommend using around 1/4 cup of dry rub for chicken per 1 to 1.5 lbs. chicken.
How long should dry rub sit on chicken?
We recommend letting the dry rub sit on the chicken for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
Check it out!
6 Chicken Breast Marinades
You are going to love these 6 Easy Chicken Marinades. They’ll infuse your chicken breast with flavor and they’re so easy to put together!
How to Use this Smoked Chicken Dry Rub
- Place 1 – 1.5 lbs. chicken breasts, thighs, wings, or legs on a plate.
- Sprinkle on smoked chicken dry rub, massaging it into the chicken. Make sure all parts are covered and be generous!
- Let sit for at least 15 minutes before cooking the chicken.
Chicken Cooking Methods
You may think dry rubs only come in handy when smoking chicken, but you can use but you can rub it on chicken and cook it any way you’d like!
Here are some of our favorite cooking methods to use on your chicken after seasoning. These directions are for chicken breasts:
Grilled chicken: Grill chicken at 400ºF for around 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Grill chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
Baked chicken: Bake chicken breast at 375ºF for 20-25 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
Sous Vide Chicken: Heat your water bath to 145ºF and then cook the chicken breast for 1.5 – 2 hours.
Pan Seared Chicken: Pan sear chicken breast in olive oil or butter over medium/high heat. for 3 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
Instant Pot Chicken: Place the trivet in your Instant Pot and add water. Place chicken breast on top of trivet and cook on high for 8-12 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
Glass
Spice Jars
Organize your homemade spices with this empty glass spice jar set!
Smoked Chicken Dry Rub
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Mix together all ingredients in a small bowl and then transfer into an empty spice container or a Mason jar with a lid.
- Use this dry rub on 1 to 1.5 lbs. of your favorite cut of chicken by sprinkling it onto the chicken and using your hands to massage it in.
- Store leftover chicken dry rub in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months.
Tips & Notes
- This is enough dry rub for 1 – 1.5 lbs. chicken.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Don’t forget to tag your posts on social media with the hashtag #fitfoodiefinds, we’d love to see what you’re up to!
Photography: photos taken in this post are by Erin from The Wooden Skillet.
