Are you looking for a smoking chicken rub recipe packed with palatable flavors, but healthy at the same time? Our homemade smoking chicken rub recipe can be that gem. With this, you can make the best smoking chicken ever. Everyone will be licking their fingers and asking you for the recipe.
Our smoking chicken rub is the perfect blend of chosen spices that is good on any cut of meat. This recipe is super simple with handy tips and notes for you. With this, anyone can grill chicken in the backyard. It’ll change your grilling game forever. Tag along!

Smoked Chicken Seasoning Ingredients:
Ever wonder what that mouth-watering, spicy crust on your grilled chicken is? It’s definitely something extra from regular salt and pepper. The key to tasty smoked chicken is that secret coating of dry rub.
And you know what a dry rub is? A dry rub is a mix of spices, salt, and pepper aimed to elevate the flavor of chicken when grilled, smoked, or baked. It adds spicy, smoky flavors, and a richness to the taste. Let’s know the ingredients of our smoking chicken seasoning in detail:
Smoked Paprika:
Smoked paprika is the secret ingredient that adds smokiness to the chicken. Use 1 teaspoon to make our smoked chicken rub rich with flavors.
Garlic Powder:
Garlic is the spice I use in all kinds of meat recipes. It enhances the taste of the rub. 1 teaspoon will be enough for this recipe.
Brown Sugar:
Do you like the caramel-like crust on your grilled chicken? Thanks to the brown sugar. Add 1 teaspoon to our smoked chicken seasoning recipe.
Dried Thyme:
Dried thyme has little taste of its own. But it complements the other flavors of the rub. Use ½ teaspoon in the recipe.
Cayenne Pepper:
Cayenne pepper gives heat to our dry rub recipe. 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper does wonders for smoked chicken.
Chili Powder:
Chili pepper is spicy with a hint of sweetness. 1 teaspoon of chili powder gives our smoking chicken seasoning a nice color and zesty flavor.
Black Pepper:
Black pepper intensifies the flavors of any recipe. 1 teaspoon of black pepper works wonderfully in the recipe.
Cumin:
Cumin is a powerful earthy spice. It enriches the flavors of the spice blend. Use 1 teaspoon in the recipe.
Mustard Powder:
Mustard powder gives our smoked chicken rub a nice tang. I used 1 teaspoon in the recipe.
Kosher Salt:
Spices give all the flavors while salt is needed to balance everything. Also, salt helps the spices penetrate into the meat. You can use table salt, but I prefer kosher salt for its coarse texture and deep flavor. Use 1 teaspoon in the recipe.
How To Season Smoked Chicken?
Our whole chicken smoking rub is spicy, delicious, and serves many purposes. It’ll help keep your kitchen rack clutter-free as it’s a one-stop seasoning for all meat. At the same time, it is low in calories, gluten-free, and keto-friendly. But the best part is you can customize the spice level according to your taste buds.
Ready for the easiest possible recipe on earth? As the ingredients are already available in your pantry, you’ll need only a small bowl and spoons for measuring and mixing. Let’s jump to the directions.
Directions:
Step 1:
Take a small bowl. Put all the ingredients as per measurement. Whisk together until smooth and well-mixed. Even out lumps with dry hands if any. And Tada! Your best dry rub for smoked chicken is ready to use.
Step 2:
Use it instantly or store it in a dry, airtight container. It can be used in chicken legs, drumsticks, breasts, and even on vegetables and tofu while grilling.
Step 3:
Wipe out any moisture from the chicken skin with a paper towel. Generously apply the rub directly on the meat. Coat it evenly on all sides.
Refrigerate for one hour. This lets all the flavors sink into the meat. After that, grill, smoke, or bake. The choice is yours.

Smoking Chicken Rub Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 Teaspoon Brown Sugar
- 1/2 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Cumin
- 1 Teaspoon Mustard Powder
Instructions
- Measure and put all the ingredients in a small bowl
- Stir very well. Even out the lumps if any
- Use right away ro store for later use
Notes
- Store it in an airtight container for up to 6 months. But as it takes only 5 minutes to prepare, I recommend making it instantly for better taste.
- You can use this dry rub on any meat with or without skin. Smoke, grill, or bake, this rub is suitable for all.
- Add 1 teaspoon more of Cayenne pepper if you like your rub spicier.
- I prefer smoked paprika. But sweet or hot paprika will work too.
- You can use white sugar too. But brown sugar is coarse and has a tenderizing effect on meat which is its best for rubs.
Nutrition
Final Words:
Make juicy, tender smoked chicken coated in our mouthwatering homemade spice rub that will leave your taste buds singing. With this dry rub, smoked chicken hits every flavor and becomes the perfect zesty bite of goodness! This rub is insanely flavorful and goes well with all cuts of meat, even with whole chicken.
Stop wasting money buying spice rubs you can easily make at home. So, make this perfect smoking chicken rub with our easiest recipe and enhance the taste of your BBQ chicken. Grill, roast, or smoke, it’s good in every way. Enjoy!
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