This Chicken Rub Recipe delivers bold, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors with a kick of heat. Your chicken has never tasted this good!
authorโs note
The Fastest Way to Flavor-Packed Chicken!
I love grilled chicken, and while Iโve shared a bunch of marinades on my site (like my current favoriteโthis Chipotle Chicken Marinade), sometimes thereโs just no time to marinateโespecially during the back-to-school rush. Thatโs where this chicken rub comes in. I perfected it over the summer, and itโs been a total game-changer. Itโs quick to mix up and adds so much flavor to grilled chicken.
To make things even easier, prep spice packets ahead of time by measuring the seasonings into small zip-top bags. When youโre ready to cook, just add oil and vinegar, rub it on the chicken, and dinnerโs basically done!
Quick Tip
If you make a large batch of this rub, store it in an airtight container. It should stay fresh for up to 6 months, ready to be used whenever youโre in the mood for some great grilled chicken.
What is a Chicken Rub Recipe?
A chicken rub is a mixture of seasonings and herbs that is applied to the surface of chicken (whole or pieces) before cooking. Its primary purposes are to:
- Flavor the meat: A rub imparts loads of flavor! Depending on the ingredients in the rub, the flavor can range from spicy to sweet to savory or any combination thereof.
- Form a crust: When cooked, the rub can form a delicious crust on the exterior of the chicken which adds flavor and texture.
- Enhance moisture retention: Certain rub ingredients, especially salt or sugar, can help to lock in the chickenโs natural juices, making the end result more juicy.
Quick Tip
Chicken rubs can be dry or wet:
- Dry rub: Mix powdered spices and herbs and sprinkle or rub directly onto the chicken.
- Wet rub (or paste): Incorporate wet ingredients, like oil, vinegar, and mustard with dry seasonings to form a paste and spread over the chicken.
Featured Comment
Tried this last night and this was so delicious. The chicken was flavorful and so moist. I will be making this again and again.
โ Carol
Thank you!
Chicken Rub Recipe Tips
- Even Coating: Rub the seasoning evenly over every piece of chicken.
- Grill Temp: Keep the grill at a steady heat so the chicken cooks evenly with a charred outside and juicy inside.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer instead of guessing. Remove chicken at 160ยฐF; it will rise to 165ยฐF as it rests.
- Resting: Let the chicken rest a few minutes before cutting to keep it juicy.
- Clean & Oil the Grill: Brush the grates after preheating and lightly oil them.
- Other Cooking Options: This rub also works great for roasting, broiling, or pan-searing the chicken.
Use A Meat Mallet!
A meat mallet flattens and tenderizes meat, helping chicken cook more evenly and absorb more flavor. Most have a flat side and a textured side, perfect for pounding chicken to an even thickness.
It also speeds up cook time and helps lock in juices. I use mine every time I prep chickenโitโs one of my favorite kitchen tools!
What To Serve With Grilled Chicken:
Green Salads
Garden Salad
Salads
Potato Salad Recipe
Appetizers
Life-Changing No-Knead Dinner Rolls
Side Dishes
Roasted Carrots (2 Ways!)
Best Chicken Rub Recipe
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts, thighs, or tenderloins
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 2-1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil
Instructionsย
- Trim chicken breasts of fat and slice them evenly in half crosswise. Pound pieces to an even thickness (with a meat mallet or the bottom of a frying pan) to ensure even cooking. If using tenderloins, remove the tendons.
- Add everything except chicken to a small bowl; stir to combine.
- Spread rub evenly over all chicken pieces (on all sides).
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (450ยฐF). Generously oil the grill (I drench a rolled-up paper towel in vegetable oil and, holding it with tongs, rub it over grill grates.) or carefully (standing back) spray grill grates with cooking spray.
- Using tongs, place chicken on the grill, well spaced out. Grill chicken, turning only once halfway through grilling, about 3โ5 minutes per side (or until the thickest part of the chicken registers 160ยฐF and the meat is nicely charred). When chicken is ready to flip, it should come off the grill grates easily. (I use a sharp metal turner to flip chicken to the other side.) Carryover heat will take chicken to 165ยฐF.
- Transfer chicken to a plate and cover with foil. Allow chicken to rest 5โ10 minutes so the juices can redistribute. Thinly slice or chop. Taste and add a sprinkle more salt if needed. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can I marinate the chicken in the mixture for a few hours?
I tried this chicken rub recipe last night, and it was absolutely delicious! The blend of spices really elevated the flavor of the chicken. Thanks for sharing such a fantastic recipe, Chelsea! I canโt wait to use it at our next BBQ!
Thanks! So glad you enjoyed!
I tried this chicken rub recipe, and it was absolutely fantastic! The blend of spices really brought out the flavor. I canโt wait to make it again for my next barbecue! Thanks for sharing!
I am so thrilled to hear this! Thanks Greta!
I just tried this chicken rub recipe, and it was absolutely fantastic! The flavors are so well balanced, and my family couldnโt get enough. Thanks for sharing!
I am so thrilled to hear this! Thanks so much for your comment.
All our plates were empty, including my 2 and 4 year old without any bribes or complaints! Ended up using an air fryer, but definitely added into the rotation!
Thanks so much Lauren! ๐ Iโm so thrilled to hear this!!
Tried this last night and this was so delicious. The chicken was flavorful and so moist. I will be making this again and again.
Thank you!
I am so thrilled to hear this! Thanks so much Carol! ๐
Cant wait to make this soon for me can i use tofu i never had best chicken rub before perfect for my after office meals love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work
Thanks Ramya! I hope you enjoy! ๐