13 BBQ Chicken Rub Recipes
When it comes to BBQ chicken, the right rub can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking for something smoky, spicy, sweet, or tangy, these 13 BBQ chicken rub recipes will give you the flavor you’re craving. Each recipe is unique, offering a different twist on traditional BBQ flavors. From classic spice mixes to international inspirations, these rubs will transform your chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics, or even weeknight dinners, these recipes are sure to become your go-to for delicious, flavorful chicken.
Planning a big cookout? Be sure to check out our crowd-pleasing Memorial Day BBQ Recipes for delicious ideas to pair with your favorite rubs.
Lemon Herb Marinade Rub
This Lemon Herb Marinade Rub is a refreshing and zesty blend that combines the brightness of lemon with the earthiness of herbs. Perfect for those who enjoy a lighter, citrusy flavor, this rub is great for grilled or baked chicken. The lemon zest adds a nice texture, while the herbs provide a subtle aroma that complements the chicken beautifully.
| Nutrition | per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
Ingredients
– 2 tbsp lemon zest
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp dried rosemary
– 1 tbsp dried thyme
– 1 tbsp garlic powder
– 1 tbsp onion powder
– 1 tbsp salt
– 1 tbsp black pepper
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, mix together the lemon zest, olive oil, dried rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Rub the mixture generously over the chicken, making sure to coat all surfaces evenly.
3. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling or baking.
Smoky Paprika and Garlic Blend
The Smoky Paprika and Garlic Blend is a bold and savory rub that brings out the deep, smoky flavors of paprika. This rub is perfect for those who love a robust, slightly spicy flavor profile. The garlic adds a pungency that pairs perfectly with the smokiness of the paprika, making this rub a great choice for grilled chicken.
| Nutrition | per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Ingredients
– 1/2 cup smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup garlic powder
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp salt
– 1 tbsp black pepper
– 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, ensuring a thick, even coat.
4. Let the chicken sit for 15-20 minutes before grilling or baking.
Classic BBQ Spice Mix
The Classic BBQ Spice Mix is a timeless blend that captures the essence of traditional BBQ flavors. This rub is a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy, making it a crowd-pleaser. It’s great for those who want a familiar, comforting flavor that pairs well with a variety of sides.
| Nutrition | per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
Ingredients
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup garlic powder
– 1/4 cup onion powder
– 2 tbsp salt
– 1 tbsp black pepper
– 1 tbsp cumin
– 1 tbsp chili powder
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder.
2. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure to coat all surfaces.
3. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Cajun Spice Explosion
The Cajun Spice Explosion is a spicy and flavorful rub that captures the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine. This rub is perfect for those who love a little heat and a lot of flavor. The combination of spices creates a vibrant, aromatic crust on the chicken that’s sure to impress.
| Nutrition | per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80 |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Ingredients
– 1/2 cup paprika
– 1/4 cup garlic powder
– 1/4 cup onion powder
– 2 tbsp cayenne pepper
– 2 tbsp salt
– 1 tbsp black pepper
– 1 tbsp dried oregano
– 1 tbsp dried thyme
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
2. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Rub the mixture generously over the chicken, ensuring a thick, even coat.
4. Let the chicken sit for 15-20 minutes before grilling or baking.
Sweet and Spicy Brown Sugar Rub
The Sweet and Spicy Brown Sugar Rub is a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors. The brown sugar adds a caramel-like sweetness, while the spices provide a nice kick of heat. This rub is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of flavors in their BBQ chicken.
| Nutrition | per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
Ingredients
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup chili powder
– 2 tbsp garlic powder
– 2 tbsp onion powder
– 1 tbsp salt
– 1 tbsp black pepper
– 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure to coat all surfaces.
3. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Chipotle Lime Kick
The Chipotle Lime Kick is a smoky and tangy rub that combines the deep flavor of chipotle peppers with the brightness of lime. This rub is perfect for those who love a smoky, slightly spicy flavor with a hint of citrus. It’s great for grilled chicken and adds a nice char when cooked over an open flame.
| Nutrition | per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
Ingredients
– 1/2 cup chipotle powder
– 1/4 cup lime zest
– 1/4 cup lime juice (dried)
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp salt
– 1 tbsp black pepper
– 1 tbsp garlic powder
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine the chipotle powder, lime zest, dried lime juice, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Rub the mixture generously over the chicken, ensuring a thick, even coat.
4. Let the chicken sit for 15-20 minutes before grilling or baking.
Asian-inspired Sesame Ginger Rub
The Asian-inspired Sesame Ginger Rub is a unique and flavorful blend that combines the nutty taste of sesame with the spicy warmth of ginger. This rub is perfect for those who enjoy Asian-inspired flavors and want to add a bit of exotic flair to their BBQ chicken.
| Nutrition | per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Ingredients
– 1/2 cup sesame seeds
– 1/4 cup grated ginger
– 1/4 cup soy sauce powder (or salt)
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp garlic powder
– 1 tbsp black pepper
– 1 tbsp crushed red pepper
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix together the sesame seeds, grated ginger, soy sauce powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, and crushed red pepper.
2. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure to coat all surfaces.
3. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Honey Mustard Glaze Rub
The Honey Mustard Glaze Rub is a sweet and tangy blend that combines the richness of honey with the sharpness of mustard. This rub is perfect for those who enjoy a sticky, caramelized crust on their chicken. The honey adds a nice sweetness, while the mustard provides a tangy kick.
| Nutrition | per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
Ingredients
– 1/2 cup honey powder
– 1/4 cup mustard powder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp garlic powder
– 2 tbsp onion powder
– 1 tbsp salt
– 1 tbsp black pepper
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix together the honey powder, mustard powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure to coat all surfaces.
3. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling or baking.
Garlic and Rosemary Infusion
The Garlic and Rosemary Infusion is a classic herb-based rub that combines the pungency of garlic with the earthiness of rosemary. This rub is perfect for those who love a simple, aromatic flavor profile. The rosemary adds a fragrant, herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with the garlic.
| Nutrition | per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
Ingredients
– 1/2 cup dried rosemary
– 1/4 cup garlic powder
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp salt
– 1 tbsp black pepper
– 1 tbsp onion powder
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, mix together the dried rosemary, garlic powder, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and onion powder until well combined.
2. Rub the mixture generously over the chicken, making sure to coat all surfaces evenly.
3. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling or baking.
Sriracha Honey Fusion
The Sriracha Honey Fusion is a spicy and sweet rub that combines the heat of sriracha with the sweetness of honey. This rub is perfect for those who love a balance of spicy and sweet flavors. The sriracha adds a nice kick, while the honey provides a caramel-like sweetness.
| Nutrition | per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
Ingredients
– 1/2 cup sriracha powder
– 1/4 cup honey powder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp garlic powder
– 2 tbsp onion powder
– 1 tbsp salt
– 1 tbsp black pepper
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix together the sriracha powder, honey powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure to coat all surfaces.
3. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Tandoori Spice Rub
The Tandoori Spice Rub is a vibrant and aromatic blend inspired by Indian cuisine. This rub is perfect for those who love bold, exotic flavors. The combination of spices creates a beautiful red color and a flavorful crust on the chicken that’s sure to impress.
| Nutrition | per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
Ingredients
– 1/2 cup garam masala
– 1/4 cup turmeric
– 1/4 cup red chili powder
– 2 tbsp garlic powder
– 2 tbsp onion powder
– 1 tbsp salt
– 1 tbsp black pepper
– 1 tbsp lemon zest
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine the garam masala, turmeric, red chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest.
2. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Rub the mixture generously over the chicken, ensuring a thick, even coat.
4. Let the chicken sit for 15-20 minutes before grilling or baking.
Southwestern Chili Lime Rub
The Southwestern Chili Lime Rub is a zesty and spicy blend that captures the bold flavors of the Southwest. This rub is perfect for those who love a combination of tangy lime and spicy chili. The lime adds a bright, citrusy note, while the chili provides a nice kick of heat.
| Nutrition | per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
Ingredients
– 1/2 cup chili powder
– 1/4 cup lime zest
– 1/4 cup lime juice (dried)
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp salt
– 1 tbsp black pepper
– 1 tbsp garlic powder
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine the chili powder, lime zest, dried lime juice, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Rub the mixture generously over the chicken, ensuring a thick, even coat.
4. Let the chicken sit for 15-20 minutes before grilling or baking.
Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Rub
The Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Rub is a tropical and flavorful blend that combines the sweetness of pineapple with a touch of heat. This rub is perfect for those who love a fruity and spicy combination. The pineapple adds a nice sweetness, while the spices provide a subtle kick.
| Nutrition | per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
Ingredients
– 1/2 cup pineapple powder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup chili powder
– 2 tbsp garlic powder
– 2 tbsp onion powder
– 1 tbsp salt
– 1 tbsp black pepper
– 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix together the pineapple powder, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure to coat all surfaces.
3. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
These 13 BBQ chicken rub recipes offer a wide range of flavors to suit every taste. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or bold and exotic, there’s a rub here for you. So next time you fire up the grill, try one of these recipes and take your BBQ game to the next level!
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