Perfect Bbq Chicken Rub: Spicy Secrets Revealed

A good BBQ chicken rub can take your grilled chicken to the next level. While there are many store-bought options available, making your own rub at home is easy and allows you to customise the flavours to your liking. A typical BBQ chicken rub might include a mix of brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, chilli powder, and smoked paprika. You can also experiment with other spices like onion powder, oregano, mustard powder, or cayenne pepper to add some heat. Once you've settled on your perfect blend, simply mix the ingredients together and store them in an airtight container until you're ready to fire up the grill.

What ingredients do you need?

A good BBQ chicken rub is made with a mix of spices and seasonings. The exact ingredients can vary, but here is a list of common ingredients used in BBQ chicken rubs:

• Brown sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness to the rub and helps create a crispy caramelized exterior on the chicken when grilled.
• Salt: Salt is essential for enhancing the flavour of the chicken and bringing out the flavours of the other spices.
• Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper or cracked black pepper adds a bit of heat and a nice bite to the rub.
• Garlic powder: This provides a savoury, slightly sharp flavour that complements the other ingredients.
• Cumin: Cumin adds an earthy, warm flavour to the rub.
• Chili powder: Chili powder gives the rub a kick of heat and a nice red colour.
• Smoked paprika: This ingredient adds a deep, smoky flavour and a beautiful red colour to the rub.
• Onion powder: Onion powder contributes a savoury, sweet flavour that enhances the overall taste of the rub.
• Oregano: Dried oregano can be added for an extra layer of savoury flavour.
• Cayenne pepper: A small amount of cayenne pepper can be included to increase the heat and add a bit of spice.
• Mustard powder: This ingredient provides a sharp, tangy flavour that goes well with the other spices.

You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences and experiment with adding other spices and herbs to create your own unique BBQ chicken rub.

How do you make it?

Making a BBQ chicken rub is simple. The basic ingredients are brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, chilli powder, and smoked paprika. You can also add cumin, onion powder, oregano, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper to taste.

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, using a whisk or fork to break up any clumps. You can also use a food processor to mix the ingredients until well combined.

Once combined, transfer the mixture to a clean, dry container with a lid, such as a glass jar. Store the rub in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or spice cabinet.

This rub can be used as a dry rub on chicken drumsticks or a whole chicken. Make sure to get some under the skin and inside the cavity if using a whole chicken. You can also use it on any type of chicken cut: thighs, legs, or breasts.

It's recommended to let the chicken sit with the dry rub for at least 15 minutes, but preferably 30 minutes. Remember to keep it in the fridge while it marinates.

If the chicken has skin, a pro tip is to rub some of the seasoning under the skin to help the flavour really penetrate the meat.

This rub will keep for months if stored in a cool, dry place, so you can make a large batch and use it throughout the year. It also makes a great gift for foodie friends and family.

How do you store it?

A BBQ chicken rub is a great seasoning to have on hand, and making a large batch means you can store it and use it throughout the year.

To store your chicken rub, you'll need to use an airtight container. Glass jars are a popular choice, and a mason jar is perfect for this. You can also use plastic containers with a tight-fitting lid, or even a zip-top bag. Label your container with the date and the name of the seasoning—you don't want to get it confused with another rub or seasoning mix!

Store your chicken rub in a cool, dry place, like a pantry or spice cabinet. It's best to use the rub within six months to a year, depending on the freshness of your spices. If you use older spices, the rub won't last as long.

How do you use it?

A good BBQ chicken rub can be used in a variety of ways to elevate the flavour of your chicken. Here's how to use it:

Preparation

Before applying the rub, you can parboil the chicken for 5-7 minutes to reduce grilling time and prevent the meat from drying out. This step is optional. If you do parboil the chicken, be sure to pat it dry before applying the rub.

Applying the Rub

Place your chicken in a large bowl and sprinkle the rub generously over the meat, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. If your chicken has skin, gently lift the skin and apply the rub underneath as well. Using your hands, massage the rub into the meat, ensuring it gets into every nook and cranny.

Marinating

Once the rub is applied, let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to several hours or even overnight. The longer it sits, the more time the flavours have to penetrate the meat.

Grilling

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature of around 350-400°Fahrenheit. Grease the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken on the grill, leaving some space between each piece to allow for even cooking. Grill the chicken for about 25-30 minutes, flipping the pieces every 4-5 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

Temperature Check

To ensure your chicken is cooked through, use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, away from the bone. Chicken is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°Fahrenheit. However, for chicken on the bone, you may prefer to cook it to a higher temperature of 170-175°Fahrenheit.

Serving

Once your chicken has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender bite. Serve your BBQ chicken with classic picnic sides like potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, or a refreshing watermelon salad.

What cuts of chicken is it best for?

A good BBQ chicken rub can be used on any cut of chicken, but some cuts are better than others.

Chicken breasts are great for grilling, especially if you are using a marinade. They are also good for chopping up and adding to grilled chicken salads.

Chicken thighs are another popular choice for grilling, as are wings. Skin-on chicken is recommended as this helps to keep the meat moist.

Drumsticks are a good choice if you are short on time as they take less time to grill than larger cuts of chicken. However, you can also parboil chicken before grilling, which will reduce the grilling time by half and prevent the meat from drying out.

You can also use a BBQ chicken rub on a whole chicken.

Frequently asked questions