• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Seeking Good Eats
  • Recipes
  • by Course
  • Low Carb Recipes
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
×
Home » Recipes » Dressing, Sauces, and Seasonings

The Best Chicken Dry Rub

Modified: Feb 8, 2024 by Kori Butler · Published: Mar 3, 2019

FacebookPinterestEmailReddit
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
Pinterest Hidden Image

This healthy homemade chicken rub recipe has the best savory, smoky flavor taste and can be used on all cuts of chicken! A simple, easy recipe for perfectly seasoned and flavorful chicken every time! By the way you can also use it on pork, lamb, and vegetables as well! It's so good you should double the recipe and store the extras for later.

Dry rub for chicken ingredients on a white plate.Pin

The Best Chicken Seasoning Rub

Easy Chicken Seasoning. This is an EASY recipe. Mix the seasonings and sprinkle over chicken or pork. It's like a dry marinade that just gets better the longer it sits.

Easy Grilled Chicken Recipe. Here is my favorite recipe for grilled chicken - Dry Rub Grilled Chicken with White Barbecue Sauce. You will go crazy over this!

Make-Ahead Recipe. You can easily make this ahead, double or triple the recipe, and save it for later use - storing it in an airtight container.

Healthy Homemade Spice Blend. This chicken dry rub is sugar-free and uses only whole ingredients. This works perfectly for low-carb, paleo, keto, whole-food, and sugar-free diets.

Want more low carb and easy keto grilling recipes? Check out these recipes!

Chicken Dry Rub Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need to make dry rub for chicken. 1 recipe will season approximately 2½ pounds of bone-in chicken, 2 pounds of boneless chicken, or 1 whole chicken (a general rule of thumb: 8 thighs, 6 breasts, or a whole chicken).

  • Dried oregano
  • Cumin
  • Smoked paprika (regular paprika is fine, but smoked has the best flavor)
  • Dried parsley
  • Garlic salt
  • Ground thyme 
  • Onion powder: I used onion powder, but garlic powder can be used or a combination of both.
  • Ground mustard
  • Ground Black Pepper

For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!

Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later! 😉

Pinterest pin with a white plate of dry rub for chicken ingredients.Pin

Chicken Rub Recipe Variations

  • Rub it on dry or drizzle the chicken with olive oil first then sprinkle on.
  • After you make this the first time, play around with different herb and seasoning combinations until it's just right for you!
  • For a little sweetness, a tablespoon of brown sugar or brown sugar substitute may be added.
  • Garlic powder may be added or used in combination with the onion powder.
  • Make it spicy and add chili pepper flakes and as much cayenne pepper as you want.

Recipe idea! Slow Cooker Pulled Pork With Dry Rub Seasoning: place a pork butt roast in a slow cooker. Pour a can of root beer (regular or diet/sugar-free) over the top, then add this dry rub. Cook on low 8 to 10 hours or until pork is very tender and pulls apart easily. Remove from liquid and shred pork. Add some Barbecue Sauce if you like, and serve on a sandwich bun or wrapped in lettuce. Voila! Super easy dinner idea

How To Make Rub for Chicken

  1. Add all the spices to a small bowl. Mix all ingredients until blended. Use or store in an airtight container until ready to use.
  2. Place chicken (pork or veggies, too) in a plastic bag or bowl. Sprinkle dry rub over the meat or vegetables and toss until all pieces are evenly covered with dry rub. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or even overnight if you have to.
An image collage making this dry rub for chicken.

How to Apply Chicken Rub to Chicken

My favorite way to apply dry rub to chicken is to place the chicken pieces in a gallon-sized plastic bag and then add the dry rub. Seal the bag and then toss until the chicken is coated. You can then place the bag and all straight into the refrigerator! Super easy!

How To Use Dry Rub for Chicken

On chicken! Use boneless or bone-in chicken, and then grill, bake, or fry in a skillet. It's also a great dry rub for chicken cooked in a smoker! Instructions for how to bake chicken in the oven and or cook on a grill are below.

On pork! This recipe works great as a pork rub for pork chops (bone-in or boneless), tenderloin, and more! You can enjoy baked, grilled, or fried in a skillet. You can even cook a pork roast with dry rub in a slow cooker!

On vegetables! This really tastes great on pork and vegetables too. One of my favorite things to do is toss with vegetables such as potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, etc and then grill in a basket or roast in the oven. SO dang good! 🙂

How To Bake Chicken In The Oven

To bake chicken in the oven, set your temperature to 400ºF. For easy cleanup, line a baking sheet with nonstick foil or foil coated with a nonstick spray. Bake bone-in chicken for about 45 minutes and boneless chicken for 20 to 25 minutes.

The times below are approximate and can change based on the sizes of your chicken pieces. According to the USDA, always cook your chicken to a safe temperature of 165ºF.

How Long To Cook Chicken In Oven:

These are approximations; cooking times will vary with the size of your chicken pieces. Chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees in the center when measured with a meat thermometer.

  • Bone-in chicken: bake for approximately 45 minutes
  • Boneless chicken: bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

How To Cook Chicken On The Grill

To grill chicken, preheat the grill to medium (350º to 450ºF). The times below are approximate based on the sizes of your chicken pieces.

How Long To Cook Chicken On Grill

Note that cooking times will vary according to the size of the chicken pieces. Always make sure that chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature (165 F).

  • Bone-in chicken: grill for 25 to 30 minutes (flipping once).
  • Boneless chicken: grill for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How to Store Chicken Dry Rub

Transfer the chicken dry rub to an air-tight container and store in a cool, dark place for up to 12 months.

Chicken Dry Rub Top Tips

  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste after cooking.
  • 1 recipe will season 2½ lbs bone-in chicken, 2 lbs of boneless chicken, or 1 whole chicken (a general rule of thumb: 8 thighs, or 6 chicken breasts - or a whole chicken). 
  • Spicy lovers can add more heat with cayenne pepper.
  • Make extra and store in an airtight container for future use! 
  • For the best taste, use fresh, dried herbs if possible. I am guilty of having a large spice cabinet full of old spices! Most of the ingredients in this recipe are commonly used. The two that aren't as common are ground thyme and smoked paprika. You can substitute 1 tablespoon of dried oregano instead, and once you try smoked paprika, you will use it all the time - it's definitely worth buying!

Chicken Rub FAQs

How to tell if chicken is done

Use a Thermometer to test (most accurate method)
Using an instant-read thermometer, insert it into the middle of the thickest part of the chicken without touching the bone. The chicken is done when the temperature reaches 165º.
Check the Color of the Chicken
Another way to test the chicken for doneness is to cut it into the thickest part. Chicken is done cooking when you can no longer see pink. Tip: Don't let the chicken cook until the fibers separate, or it will be very dry.

How much dry rub should I use on chicken?

One recipe makes approximately 6 tablespoons of seasoning (or, a heaping ⅓ cup). This recipe seasons approximately 8 chicken thighs, 6 chicken breasts, or one whole chicken. If you make extra for storing later, you can estimate approximately 1 tablespoon per piece - give or take. 

How do you stick dry rub to chicken?

The dry rub in this recipe will stick if the chicken is slightly moist, and I've never had an issue getting it to stick. However, if you have a more granular dry rub you can moisten chicken by rinsing in water and removing excess, or you can brush with a little oil (like olive oil). 

How long can dry rub sit on chicken?

You can let this dry rub sit on the chicken up to 2 days. If you can, refrigerate chicken with dry rub on it for a minimum of 2 hours (it's ok if you can't do this). I frequently let the chicken sit in the refrigerator with a dry rub overnight. It has more flavor when I do this.
If you are following a different dry rub recipe, the amount of time you can leave dry rub on chicken may vary. 

What temperature should chicken be cooked to?

Safe cooking temperature for chicken is 165ºF. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the middle of the chicken. When it is no longer pink in the center it is done. 

Can I ask you a favor?

If you tried this recipe, let me know! I'd love for you to come back and give the recipe a 5 star rating and leave a review in the comments! 🙂 Let's stay connected, so please follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! Subscribe to my newsletter to get healthy fresh recipe ideas every week!

📖 The recipe.

A white plate with chicken rub recipe ingredients piled separately.

Easy Chicken Dry Rub

This healthy homemade chicken rub recipe has the best flavor and can be used on all chicken! A simple, easy dry rub recipe for pork & veg too! P.S. It's sugar-free, low-carb, keto, and gluten-free too!
4.53 from 94 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
Author Kori Butler
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Dressing, Sauces, and Seasoning
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 16 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (regular paprika is fine, but smoked has the best flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground thyme
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper

Instructions
 

How To Make Dry Rub

  • Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Store in an airtight container until ready for use. Use immediately or store in an airtight container for later.
  • Place chicken in a plastic bag or bowl. Sprinkle dry rub over chicken and toss until all pieces are evenly cover with the dry rub. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours or even overnight if you have to.
    An image collage making this chicken rub recipe.

How To Cook Chicken In The Oven

  • Preheat oven to 400ºF. For easy cleanup, line a baking sheet with nonstick foil or foil coated with a nonstick spray. For boneless chicken bake 20 to 25 minutes, bone-in chicken 40 to 45 minutes until chicken is no longer pink or internal temperature reaches 165ºF.

How To Cook Chicken On The Grill

  • Preheat grill to medium (350º to 450ºF). Place chicken pieces on the grill and cook 25 to 30 minutes for bone-in chicken, and 8 to 10 minutes for boneless chicken - turning once. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink or the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Note that larger pieces of chicken will require additional grilling time.

Video

Kori's Tips

  • One recipe makes approximately 6 tablespoons of seasoning (or, a heaping ⅓ cup). This recipe seasons approximately 8 chicken thighs, or 6 chicken breasts - or one whole chicken. If you make extra for storing later, you can estimate approximately 1 tablespoon per piece - give or take. 
  • Make extra and store in an airtight container for future use!
  • Spicy lovers can give it some heat by adding cayenne pepper.
  • Try our recipe, Dry Rubbed Chicken with White Barbecue Sauce

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoonCalories: 16kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSodium: 796mgFiber: 1g
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Mention @seekinggoodeatsofficial or tag #seekinggoodeats! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

© 2025 Seeking Good Eats™

More Seasoning Recipes

Here are a few more homemade spice blends and seasoning mixes I think you'll enjoy:

  • Pork Dry Rub
  • Cowboy Ribeye Steak with Cumin Chili Rub
  • Lamb Rub
  • Homemade Shake and Bake
  • Chipotle Seasoning
  • Chicken Taco Seasoning Recipe
  • Copycat Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe
  • Pot Roast Seasoning
  • All Purpose Easy Marinade for Steak

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kim bebout

    December 27, 2020 at 4:22 pm

    Hubby and I tried this recipe today in our new Christmas present Nuwave and thought that it was pretty good! Added about 1/4 t cayenne but decided next time to add more!

    Reply
    • seekinggoodeats

      December 30, 2020 at 10:21 am

      Thank you! So glad you loved the seasoning. I will be posting some air fryer chicken recipes in the near future! 🙂

      Reply
4.53 from 94 votes (94 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Image of Kori Butler Seeking Good Eats FounderPin

Hey there, I'm Kori.

I’m a culinary school trained chef specializing in holistic nutrition and wellness. I’ve always been a major foodie, and as I’ve aged, the full impact of my love of food—and not-necessarily-healthy eating habits—caught up to me. In an effort to make positive changes in my life (and hopefully yours, too), I created this website where I could share great-tasting, craveable, healthy recipes.

More about me

Most Popular Recipes

  • A round white bowl of fried rice with shrimp and chicken.
    Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice
  • Buffalo chicken wing dip served in a gray baking dish and garnished with celery. A person is dipping a cracker into the dip.
    Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip Recipe
  • A bowl of New Orleans gumbo served over rice with a spoon.
    Louisiana-Style Gumbo Recipe
  • Pork Shoulder Roast Recipe
  • a jar full of premade fajita seasoning mix with a spoon full of seasoning on a cutting board.
    Easy 8-Ingredient Fajita Seasoning Mix
  • Blue cheese wedge salad with dressing, bacon, tomato, and cheese
    Wedge Salad Recipe with Blue Cheese

Footer

as featured in:

Seeking Good Eats as feature in various publication onlinePin
back to top
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsor
  • Accessibility Policy
Badge of the Internation Association of Culinary ProfessionalsPin

Copyright © 2025 Seeking Good Eats™

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.