Smoked Chicken Spice Rub

Smoked Chicken Spice Rub

A smoky-sweet blend of paprika, brown sugar, and warm spices for chicken.

Total 10 min Makes 16 oz Calories 18/serving

Dietary

Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Wheat free, Dairy free, Nut free, Halal, Kosher

This rub combines smoked paprika, brown sugar, and a mix of savory spices to build a deep, caramelized crust on smoked chicken. Pat it onto skin or flesh before smoking for a balanced sweet-savory bark with a hint of heat. Make a batch ahead and store it in an airtight jar for weeks of quick seasoning.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup smoked paprika
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder

Method

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the smoked paprika, brown sugar, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, thyme, and mustard powder.

  2. Whisk or stir the mixture thoroughly, breaking up any clumps of brown sugar, until the color and texture are uniform.

  3. Transfer the rub to an airtight jar or container, pressing out air pockets and breaking up any remaining sugar clumps with a fork.

  4. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months, and shake or stir before each use to redistribute settled spices.

Rate this recipe

★ 3.7 (1)

Smoked Chicken Spice Rub

This rub combines smoked paprika, brown sugar, and a mix of savory spices to build a deep, caramelized crust on smoked chicken. Pat it onto skin or flesh before smoking for a balanced sweet-savory bark with a hint of heat. Make a batch ahead and store it in an airtight jar for weeks of quick seasoning.

10 min 16 oz 18 cal

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup smoked paprika
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder

Method

  1. 1

    In a medium bowl, combine the smoked paprika, brown sugar, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, thyme, and mustard powder.

  2. 2

    Whisk or stir the mixture thoroughly, breaking up any clumps of brown sugar, until the color and texture are uniform.

  3. 3

    Transfer the rub to an airtight jar or container, pressing out air pockets and breaking up any remaining sugar clumps with a fork.

  4. 4

    Store in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months, and shake or stir before each use to redistribute settled spices.