We are delving into the realm of mouthwatering smoked chicken recipes. One of the key elements in achieving the fantastic flavor and crispy skin is a well-crafted chicken rub. Chicken seasoning is so crucial. So, let’s gather a few common pantry staples, and embark this journey of creating the best chicken rub for your smoker. With this homemade dry rub recipe, you’ll discover the perfect balance of flavors to elevate your smoked chicken to new heights.

Homemade Dry Rub Recipe

A dry rub is a blend of aromatic spices and herbs that adds a burst of flavor to your chicken. My homemade chicken rub recipe combines pantry staples and spices to create a flavor profile that will leave your taste buds dancing for joy. Bonus points this is such an easy recipe.

Ingredients for the Best Dry Rub

2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Grab the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Instructions For Chicken Rub Recipe

Begin by gathering your spices and measuring them out. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
With a spoon or a whisk, gently mix the ingredients together, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
Congratulations, you’ve just created your very own homemade dry rub! Now, transfer the chicken rub to an airtight container like a mason jar to keep it fresh and readily available.

Choosing the Right Cut of Chicken

When it comes to the flavor of your chicken, different cuts offer unique characteristics. Whether you prefer the succulent tenderness of chicken thighs or the juicy goodness of chicken breasts, this smoked chicken rub recipe works wonders for any cut.

My personal preference is to smoke a whole chicken because there are so many options for other recipes I can create from the leftovers. I also feel like I get the best flavor by smoking the whole bird. Although there is something to be said for some chicken wings or chicken legs. Yum!

Preparing the Chicken For Smoking

Before applying the homemade rub, make sure your chicken is clean and dry. Pat it gently with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step allows the rub to adhere to the meat, creating a flavorful crust during the smoking process.

Generously sprinkle the homemade rub on all sides of your chicken, gently massaging it into the meat. Next put the rub coated chicken into the fridge and allow it to just hang out for an hour.

This technique is often referred to as a dry brine and serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it allows the spices and seasonings in the rub to deeply penetrate the meat, infusing it with their delicious flavors. The dry brine creates a chemical reaction that enhances the natural juiciness of the chicken, resulting in moist and succulent meat. Secondly, it helps to draw out any excess moisture from the surface of the chicken, which promotes the development of a beautifully crispy skin during the smoking process.

How To Store Homemade Rubs

To ensure the longevity of your homemade dry rub and preserve its flavors, storing it in a proper manner is key. The simple way to store a good dry rub is by using an airtight container like a mason jar. This ensures that the blend of spices remains fresh and the flavors are retained for a longer period.

How To Achieve Crispy Chicken Skin

Achieving crispy chicken skin when smoking is a goal worth pursuing. To make it happen, start by ensuring your chicken skin is dry. Pat it gently with a paper towel to remove any moisture. This allows the dry rub, packed with the flavors of your homemade spice blends, to adhere to the chicken skin effectively.

Next, brush the chicken skin lightly with olive oil. This will help the spice mixture, from your delicious rub, to create a beautiful crust and enhance the overall flavor. As the chicken cooks on the pellet grill, the wood chips infuse it with aromatic smoke, imparting a tantalizing depth of flavor. The combination of the spice rub, olive oil, and smoky environment creates a magical synergy that works wonders for achieving that desired crispy chicken skin.