The Best Dry Rub for Chicken

One of the secrets to achieving a perfectly seasoned and flavorful piece of chicken lies in the magic of a good Dry Rub for Chicken. Mix it up and use it for all your chicken dishes!

If you haven’t found a good dry rub to use for your chicken, this is your lucky day. I have been perfecting this rub for years. I based it on the secret blend of spices in the KFC chicken rub, and I’ve landed on a pretty awesome rub that gives amazing flavor to chicken.

Since I’m always cooking chicken – both on the grill and in the smoker – I use a lot of this rub. I even use it to bake a whole chicken in the air fryer. So I like to mix it in a large batch so I can put it in my seasoning shaker and use it whenever needed.

This recipe makes about 1 cup of rub. That’s enough to season 2 whole chickens, or about 16 – 24 pieces of chicken. You can store any leftovers in a seasoning bottle where it will stay free of dirty hands in the kitchen.

What is Dry Rub?

A dry rub is a seasoning mix that consists of a blend of dried herbs, spices, salt, and sometimes sugar. This combination is specifically designed to enhance the flavor of the meat it is applied to. Dry rubs are rubbed into the surface of the meat, creating a flavorful crust when grilled or cooked.

Where to Get Seasonings in Bulk

Since you’re making a large batch of this dry rub (and maybe some of our other dry rubs too), you might want to buy your seasonings in bulk to save money. Buying a small container of seasonings is not the way to go here, because they are too expensive.

I by my bulk seasonings at stores like Win Co, Sprouts, and Whole Foods. Maybe you have a seasoning store near you. Or you can buy them online at places like Penzeys Spices.

» You might also like How to Brine a Chicken for Smoking and Smoked Beer Can Chicken.

Ingredients You Need

• Paprika – you can use sweet or smoked paprika depending on your preference. It makes up the bulk of the dry rub and adds a beautiful reddish-brown color to the meat.
• Granulated garlic – Pairs incredibly well with chicken and adds a ton of savory flavors.
• Celery salt – Celery adds a lot of depth of flavor that you can’t get from other seasonings.
• Onion granules – A delicious savory flavor addition.
• Dried mustard powder – Adds a distinctly tangy flavor.
• Ground black pepper – I like to use freshly ground black peppercorns, but you can use a blend of peppercorns for more nuanced flavors, if preferred.
• Ground ginger – Lends warm and spicy notes – both savory and sweet – to the rub.
• Dried oregano – You can also use Italian seasoning or dried parsley.
• Dried thyme – Adds a delicious savory herbaceous flavor that pairs great with chicken.
• Dried basil – I love dried basil in anything, so I always have it on hand.
• Kosher salt – Must-add additions and can be increased or decreased to your liking.
• Cayenne pepper – this is optional, if you like to add a bit of heat to your rub.

How to Make Chicken Dry Rub

Mix together all of the spices in a bowl. Use it to season your chicken. Store the remaining rub in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it. This recipe makes enough to season 2 whole chickens.

Keeping the rest of the seasoning in a jar or container will ensure that you don’t touch the rub accidentally with dirty hands in the kitchen. If you touch the rub with your hands while seasoning the chicken, it can easily get contaminated.

What Cuts of Chicken to Use It On

Dry rubs can be used on any cut of chicken, from whole birds to individual pieces such as:

• Whole chicken: Using a dry rub on a whole chicken will infuse the entire bird with flavor. Be sure to apply the rub both on the outside and under the skin for best results. If you haven’t tried it yet, spatchcocking a chicken is a great way to cook a whole chicken in less time.
• Breasts: Chicken breasts can be prone to drying out, so a dry rub can help seal in moisture and add flavor.
• Thighs and legs: Dark meat is already juicy and flavorful, but a dry rub can take it to the next level. Try it on these grilled drumsticks.
• Wings: Dry rubs are great for adding flavor to wings without the mess of sauces.

How to Use Chicken Dry Rub

Using dry rub on chicken is incredibly simple:

• Pat your chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
• Apply the dry rub evenly, generously coating the entire surface of the chicken. For best results, use your hands to work the rub into the meat, ensuring it sticks well.
• Allow the chicken to rest with the rub for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, in the refrigerator. This step helps the flavors penetrate the meat and enhances the overall taste.

How to Store Dry Rub

Store your dry rub in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or pantry. This will help maintain its freshness and potency.

Properly stored, most dry rubs will last for up to a year. Make sure to check the expiration date on any store-bought rubs, or keep track of when you made your own rub for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)