Hey there, home chefs! If you’re looking for an easy way to level up your smoked chicken, you’ve come to the right place.
This Chicken Rub for Smoker Recipe has been my go-to for making BBQ chicken that’s packed with flavor without the fuss.
Whether you’re using a pellet grill or a Pit Boss smoker, this simple rub is just what you need to bring out the best in your chicken.
I love whipping this rub up because it’s made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
The combination of paprika, brown sugar, and a little kick from cayenne pepper creates the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy. Trust me, this recipe will have your family and friends coming back for more!
Chicken Rub For Smoker Recipe
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cuisine: American BBQ
- Course: Seasoning/Spice Mix
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Yield: 1 cup of rub (enough for 4-6 chicken quarters)
- Calories Per Serving: 15 calories (per tablespoon)
Ingredients For Chicken Rub For Smoker Recipe
Here’s a quick list of ingredients to create a mouthwatering rub that’s perfect for your next smoked chicken. No need to run out for anything fancy—these are all staples in most kitchens.
- ¼ cup paprika
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions For The Perfect Chicken Rub
Follow these easy steps to make your very own smoked chicken rub:
- Mix The Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the paprika, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if you’re up for some heat). Make sure everything is well mixed and evenly distributed.
- Store It Right: Once combined, transfer your rub to an airtight container or mason jar. It’ll keep for up to 6 months in a cool, dry place—perfect for when you’re ready to fire up the smoker again!
- Rub It On: Generously rub the seasoning mix all over your chicken. Be sure to get it into every nook and cranny to maximize flavor. For the best results, let the rub sit on the chicken for at least 30 minutes before smoking.
- Fire Up The Smoker: Whether you’re using a Pit Boss, pellet grill, or any smoker of your choice, this rub is versatile and works great with different types of smokers. Smoke your chicken low and slow for that tender, juicy goodness.
Tips And Variations
- Adjust The Heat: If you like your chicken on the spicier side, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or even a pinch of chili powder. Not a fan of heat? Leave the cayenne out altogether for a milder rub.
- Brown Sugar Substitution: Don’t have brown sugar? No worries—you can swap it with white sugar, though you’ll miss a bit of that rich molasses flavor. If you have molasses, mix a teaspoon into white sugar to create your own brown sugar.
- Storing Tip: If you make a big batch of this rub, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark spot. It’ll stay fresh for up to six months, which means you can use it on ribs, pork butts, or even turkey!
Serving Suggestions
This smoked chicken rub is versatile and works on any cut of chicken—think drumsticks, thighs, or whole chicken.
I love serving it with some grilled veggies or a hearty side like mac and cheese. Another great option is pairing it with a tangy coleslaw or baked beans to round out that BBQ flavor.
If you’re feeling adventurous, use this rub on turkey or even pork ribs. It’s a fantastic all-purpose rub that gives you that classic BBQ taste.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve got the ultimate Chicken Rub for Smoker Recipe, it’s time to fire up the grill and get cooking! I promise this simple blend of spices will turn your chicken into a smoky, flavorful masterpiece that’s sure to impress.
If you try this rub, I’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment below or ask me any questions you have—happy to help you out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Should Dry Rub Sit On Chicken?
For the best flavor, let the rub sit on your chicken for at least 30 minutes before smoking. If you have more time, you can even let it sit overnight in the fridge. The longer the rub sits, the deeper the flavors will penetrate the meat.
What Is Chicken Rub Made Of?
Chicken rubs typically contain a blend of spices like paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs such as thyme. Some rubs include a bit of heat from cayenne pepper or chili powder for an extra kick. The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy elements gives smoked chicken that irresistible BBQ flavor.
What Is A Good Binder For Smoked Chicken?
A good binder helps the rub stick to the chicken. Common binders include olive oil, mustard, or even a little bit of water. Mustard is a popular choice as it doesn’t add much flavor but creates a sticky surface for the rub to adhere to, ensuring an even coating during smoking.
Chicken Rub For Smoker Recipe For Flavorful BBQ
Ingredients
- ¼ cup paprika
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
Instructions
- Mix The Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the paprika, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if you’re up for some heat). Make sure everything is well mixed and evenly distributed.
- Store It Right: Once combined, transfer your rub to an airtight container or mason jar. It’ll keep for up to 6 months in a cool, dry place—perfect for when you’re ready to fire up the smoker again!
- Rub It On: Generously rub the seasoning mix all over your chicken. Be sure to get it into every nook and cranny to maximize flavor. For the best results, let the rub sit on the chicken for at least 30 minutes before smoking.
- Fire Up The Smoker: Whether you’re using a Pit Boss, pellet grill, or any smoker of your choice, this rub is versatile and works great with different types of smokers. Smoke your chicken low and slow for that tender, juicy goodness.
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