Chicken Dry Rub - Whether you're grilling, roasting or air frying chicken, this dry rub adds winning flavor each and every time!
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Have you ever taken chicken out of the freezer to thaw and wondered what the heck to do with it? I mean, there are SO many things you can do with chicken, but sometimes, you just aren't feeling the creativity. You just want to bake the chicken and eat the chicken. Right? Or is that just me?
Sometimes I just need. . .easy. Don't you, too? That's when I bring out this Chicken Dry Rub. It's a mixture of several different seasonings that when combined, just sing. And all I need to do, is. . .well, rub it on. I actually found this recipe on Food.com awhile ago and just had to try it out. Let me tell you what. It's a winner.
I use this chicken rub for chicken breasts, chicken parts and whole chickens. You can use it when roasting chicken or baking chicken. If you have a turkey fryer or air fryer, this rub is a perfect complement. You end up with a super moist chicken that has a crispy, flavorful crust.
In fact, we use this rub most often when we're using our turkey or air fryer. Even with the cayenne pepper, it's not spicy. It's perfect for even the little ones in the family.
It just makes preparing chicken so easy. . .and delicious. The recipe makes quite a bit, so I always put mine in a shaker bottle. The shaker bottle also makes it super easy to sprinkle on the chicken. Be generous with the rub. It's so flavorful; so good.
Our entire family loves this recipe and I hope you do, too! Let me know in the comments if you try it!
Chicken Dry Rub
Ingredients
- ¾ cup kosher salt
- ¼ cup paprika
- ¼ cup onion powder
- ¼ cup garlic powder
- ¼ cup italian seasoning
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons dry mustard
- 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons garlic pepper
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in air-tight storage container & enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust Salt Level: The amount of salt in this dry rub might be too intense for some tastes. Consider reducing the amount of kosher salt if you prefer a less salty flavor or if you're using it on smaller cuts of chicken.
- Personalize the Heat: The cayenne pepper adds heat to the rub, but feel free to adjust the amount to suit your spice preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. On the other hand, if you like it spicier, increase the amount accordingly.
- Storage and Shelf Life: Store the dry rub in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain its freshness. Properly stored, it should last for several months. Be sure to label the container with the date you made it so you can keep track of its shelf life.
Hick
Hi we used the dry rub on a big chicken we had and found it to be very salty... are you sure that we are to use 3/4 of a cup of salt ?? we are going to mix up more with out salt to balance it out ...other then that we loved the flavor and never had a chicken so moist
Sara
The recipe is correct, and remember, this dry rub recipe makes a big batch that can be used on multiple whole chickens. I'm hoping you didn't put the full recipe on one chicken. I can see how that would be quite intense! If you used the correct amount and still found it salty, then just lighten up on the salt next time you prepare it! Good luck!
ANNE MCLAUGHLIN
Hi, I wondered about the salt content too at first, but remember this is Kosher salt. Quite different from regular table salt. My family has loved this rub and we use it on so many different cuts and meats.
Hope this helped. Anne
Trudy Wilson
I'm not able to print your Dry Rub recipe. It says, "Print", I click on "Print", that takes me to a website but there is no "Print" available there. I would like to print your Dry Rub recipe out.
Thank you.
Trudy
Sara
Hi Trudy, make sure you're using the print button on the recipe card. I just tried it myself and it worked fine.
Kathy
I used the recipe to include the dry rub. I had to do 2nd side for 30 minutes instead of 20. It was moist and the flavor was amazing. We are a family of 7 and it was a big hit with our family.
Sara
So glad you enjoyed it!
Ruth Ann
:'( No air fryer...is this like a basic season-all.
Sprinkle on frying chicken?
Rub on and roast chicken?
Sara
Yes! You can certainly use this for frying or roasting. I hope you like it!
Marv Beachler
I love my airfryer! Mine has a rotisserie in addition to shelves that are removeable should one want to use the rotisserie or a larger something. I use to have one with a pull-out basket. It lasted about a month and stopped working It wasn't the high end AF but it was enough to sell me on a different model. I air fry a whole large pineapple and I use the rotisserie for 45 minutes at 350 degrees. It caramelizes the outside and then gets cut into spears with maple syrup lightly drizzled over. I'm making the chicken tonight and I'll spatchcock it first. That way I can get a larger chicken. Thanks for the chicken and the dry rub recipes. PS... get an air fryer, you really won't be sorry!
Sara
That pineapple sounds delicious, Marv!
linda ferguson
I have been looking for something to put on my drunk chicken
Ann
Going to try this today for a chicken in my air fryer. First time doing a whole chicken.
Sara
I'm anxious to hear how it turned out, Ann! Please share if you can. Thanks!
Christine Martinez
Hi Ann. How did it go as I'm doing exactly the same thing tomorrow ?
Jan
Could you share the brand of the air fryer you have? There are so many, and so many reviews. My husband so wants one, and I thought Black Friday would be the perfect time to get one. He specifically said he wants one that will roast a whole chicken. Thank you!
Sara
Hi Jan, I have the 5.3 quart power air fryer XL. You'll see the words air fryer linked in the post and if you click on it, it will take you to a photo of the one I have! Good luck and I hope you find one. If you'd like to roast a whole chicken, you'll want to at least have something 5+ quarts.
Deborah Silva
Absolutely an excellent dry rub. It can go with so many foods.
I prepped the chicken with the rub and cooking it tonight and can't wait to taste it.
Thank you so much
Sara
I hope you enjoyed it!! Thanks so much for taking time to leave a comment!