Chicken Rub Recipe (How to Make A Chicken Rub & Apply It Properly)

Cooking an awesome whole chicken is a great way of feeding a large group of people with something scrumptious that you know will suit pretty much everyone. A whole chicken is an ideal choice when deciding what to cook at a barbecue or even preparing something for the festive times of the year. 

But chicken, like most meat, must be seasoned in order for it to have that show-stopping flavor. Without the right blend of seasoning, chicken meat will taste pretty bland. And as you know, if your main meat is bland, the rest of the meal just will not sit together well.

Related: How to smoke chicken

The last thing you want at a dinner party, is for people to feel obligated to finish the food on their plates just out of politeness, so you may be wondering – where can I find an excellent chicken rub recipe? 

If you are looking for the most taste bud tantalizing, pallet awakening chicken rub, then stay tuned, as during the course of this article we will reveal to you one of the best chicken rub recipes that you can get your hands on.

Not only will this article discuss a great recipe, but you will also be able to find the answers to some of the most asked chicken rub questions, such as, “How long should dry rub sit on chicken?”, and “What can I season chicken with?” 

All of this and more awaits you in this article!

How Long to Let Dry Rub Sit on Chicken

If you are willing to put the time and effort in, you can make your chicken meal taste absolutely fantastic. 

A chicken rub is like a fine wine, the longer you let it sit (or age in the case of wine) the better and more intense the flavors. If you allow the rub to rest on the chicken, the flavors will penetrate the flesh and begin to create a taste sensation that is really out of this world.

But there are some secrets that will accelerate the marinating period. Take a look at them below.

Related: Grilled chicken legs recipe

Top Tips for Applying Rub to Chicken

• Begin marinating your chicken the night before or first thing in the morning and allow it to rest in the fridge. By the time you are ready to cook the chicken at suppertime, the spices will have seeped into the skin, creating a more aromatic flavor. Even if you haven’t got time for an overnight marinade, allowing your rub to sit on the chicken for just 15 minutes will make a massive difference in the overall flavor.

• Remove the skin of the chicken before marinating it, as the skin acts as a barrier that stops the flavor from sinking into the meat. If you would like to cook the chicken with the skin for a little extra flavor, try applying the rub under the chicken skin instead of removing it altogether.

• Score the flesh of the chicken before applying the rub, as this will make it easier for the condiments to sink into the flesh, making for a deeper and richer flavor.

What to Put in a Dry Chicken Rub 

For a succulent and scrumptious chicken meal, make sure the following spices are included in your mix. 

• Salt and pepper – these are your condiment staples that are important for adding the basic flavors to your chicken.
• Onion and garlic powder – for a deeper and more long-lasting flavor, these condiments are essential.
• Paprika – for a kick of power in your meal, make sure you include a generous amount of paprika.
• Brown sugar – for a slightly lighter note, or to balance out some of the more intense flavors, include a couple of spoons of brown sugar into your rub.

Our Best Chicken Rub Recipe

So now that you are all geared up and ready with the best tips and tricks under your belt, it is time to put them all into practice. The following is a list of all of the spices that make up the most flavorsome chicken rub out there. 

The great thing about this recipe is that it yields one cup of chicken rub so that you can store it in an airtight container and use it again at a later date.

Chicken Rub Ingredients

• ⅓ cup of smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp of freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tbsp of salt
• 3 tbsp of onion powder
• 3 tbsp of garlic powder
• 1 tbsp of ground ginger
• 1 tbsp of medium curry powder
• 2 tbsp mixed herbs
• 2 tbsp of coriander
• 2 tbsp of packed brown sugar
• 1 tbsp of ground mustard powder
• Olive oil (as required)

Directions on How to Make a Chicken Rub

1. In a medium bowl, mix all of the ingredients together until fully combined. 
2. Remove the skin from the chicken and then score the chicken over with grooves ¼ of an inch thick. 
3. Baste the chicken with olive oil as required.
4. Generously pat the chicken over with the rub, and allow it to marinade.
5. Store the leftover rub in an airtight container and use within one month.