Homemade BBQ Chicken Seasoning

This homemade BBQ Chicken Seasoning uses basic spices you already have on hand, and it’s perfect for making grilled, smoked, or baked chicken. Sprinkle it over any cut of chicken for a bold bbq flavor! 

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About This Recipe 

This bbq chicken dry rub has been a reader favorite for years, and it’s one that my family enjoys every summer too! 

Like any homemade spice mix, it’s fast and easy to whisk together and can be customized according to your personal preference. Unlike store-bought seasoning blends, YOU have full control over how much sugar and salt is in your bbq seasoning.

You can use this bbq rub to season any cut of chicken, and it also works with any cooking method (grilling, smoking, baking, or even pan frying). 

Ingredients in This Seasoning Blend

This dry rub gets its bold flavor from the following simple ingredients:

• Brown Sugar — Has a subtle caramel flavor that works well with the savory flavors in this seasoning. 
• Kosher Salt — If you only have table salt on hand, use much less than the recipe calls for since it tastes saltier than kosher salt. 
• Black Pepper — Freshly ground is preferred, but use what you have on hand. 
• Garlic Powder — Infuses the spice rub with garlic flavor, without the risk of it burning like fresh garlic tends to do. 
• Cumin — Use ground cumin rather than cumin seeds. 
• Chili Powder — By this, I mean American-style chili powder which is a blend of spices. Do not use actual ground chiles, which will make the seasoning super spicy! 
• Smoked Paprika — Can be swapped with regular paprika in a pinch, but smoked paprika is essential in my opinion since it’s what gives this dry rub a true “bbq” flavor. 

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Seasoning 

Simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine. 

I love how you have total control over what goes into the mix. If you don’t like a particular flavor, you can leave it out! 

Katie’s Tip: This recipe makes 2 cups of bbq spice rub. Feel free to double or triple the recipe if you plan on giving it away as a gift or like to keep bulk spice blends on hand. 

Storage Instructions 

This homemade seasoning is best stored in an airtight container in a dry place. 

My favorite jars for storing homemade seasoning blends are these cute Weck Jars! They’re sturdy, attractive, and stack easily.

Ways to Use This Seasoning Blend 

This is the perfect bbq rub for grilled chicken, but it’s also fantastic for smoking or baking chicken. Use it on any cut of chicken you like, be it in a whole chicken, drumsticks, breasts, etc. 

• On Smoked Chicken — This recipe calls for a whole chicken, but you can smoke any cut of chicken. (I also have a recipe for smoked chicken drumsticks, should you want more detailed instructions.) 
• On Grilled Chicken — My bbq chicken recipe calls for a bbq marinade, but you can swap out the marinade with this dry bbq seasoning and then grill the chicken as instructed. 
• For BBQ Chicken Pizza — My pizza recipe calls for pre-cooked chicken. Season the chicken with this dry rub before cooking for even more bbq flavor. 
• For BBQ Pulled Chicken — Follow my slow cooker shredded chicken recipe, but omit all of the seasonings and veggies called for. Instead, liberally sprinkle the chicken with this bbq seasoning and slow cook as instructed. Then, use the shredded chicken to make BBQ Chicken Sliders.