10 Best Chicken Rub For Smoking (2024 Update)

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If you're looking to smoke some chicken, you're going to need a good chicken rub to take your dish to the next level. But with so many rubs on the market, it can be challenging to decide which one to use. Here are five key points to keep in mind when searching for a chicken rub for smoking.

1. Flavor: First and foremost, you want a rub that tastes great! Look for a blend of spices that complements the flavor of chicken without overpowering it.

2. Ingredients: Check the ingredients list to make sure you're getting a rub that's made with high-quality, natural ingredients. Avoid rubs that contain preservatives or artificial flavors.

3. Heat level: Consider how spicy you want your chicken to be. Some rubs are mild, while others pack a serious punch. If you're sensitive to heat, look for a rub that's labeled as mild.

4. Texture: Some rubs are coarse, while others are fine. Consider what texture you prefer and how it will affect the final product.

5. Brand reputation: Finally, look for a brand that has a good reputation for producing quality rubs. Read reviews and ask for recommendations from fellow smokers to ensure you're getting a rub that will deliver great results.

In summary, when looking for a chicken rub for smoking, consider the flavor, ingredients, heat level, texture, and brand reputation. With these factors in mind, you're sure to find a rub that will take your smoked chicken to the next level.

10 Best Chicken Rub For Smoking

1. 5-Pack Flying Swine Bbq Rub Set: Butt Rub, Grilling Spices, Spicy Dry Rubs, Beef Seasonings – For Smoking Meats, Ribs, Brisket, Pulled Pork & Chicken – No Msg & Gluten Free.

The Flying Swine BBQ Rub Set is a collection of five 11oz shakers of award-winning BBQ rubs and seasonings that are perfect for grilling, smoking, and more. Developed by the National Barbecue Association, these seasonings are gluten-free and contain zero MSG.

The set includes five unique flavors: Original All-Purpose Rub, Slap Apple Bourbon, Sweet N' Smoky, Sweet N' Spicy, and Whiskey Maple. Each seasoning is designed to bring out the delicious flavors of chicken, brisket, salmon, pork ribs, and more. You can even use them to spice up your popcorn or homemade chips!

Using these grilling spices and seasonings is easy. Simply shake them right out of the shaker onto your meat, or mix them with water to create an injection, marinade, or brine. They can be used on pork belly, pork butts, and chicken breasts, as well as a turkey rub, pork rub, or brisket rub.

This BBQ rub set is the perfect gift for meat lovers, grill masters, smokers, and home chefs alike. Whether it's for Christmas, Father's Day, or a birthday, anyone who enjoys cooking will love these BBQ rubs and spices for smoking.

In addition to their delicious taste, these seasonings are also a healthier option, as they are gluten-free and contain no MSG. This makes them a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy BBQ without sacrificing their health.

Overall, the Flying Swine BBQ Rub Set is the perfect way to transform your BBQ into a truly delicious and unforgettable experience. With its unique blend of flavors and easy-to-use design, it's sure to become a staple in any kitchen or backyard grill.

2. Bbq Dry Rub Gift Set For Grilling & Smoking Meat – Includes Chicken, Brisket, Ribs, Pork, Poultry, Steak, Burgers, Veggies & More!

The Triple B BBQ Dry Rub Gift Set for Grilling & Smoking Meat is the perfect blend of flavors for all your meat seasoning needs. This all-in-one package includes five generous-sized bottles of rubs and seasonings that can be used on a variety of proteins, including chicken, brisket, ribs, pork, steak, burgers, fish, and veggies.

What sets Triple B BBQ Rubs & Meat Seasonings apart is their commitment to using meticulously sourced quality ingredients. They use as many domestic products as possible, ensuring that the quality and freshness of their products are unparalleled. You can taste the difference between Triple B and other brands.

The Triple B All-Purpose Seasoning is a versatile seasoning that can be used on anything. Its high-quality domestic salt, granulated garlic, and 16-mesh black pepper add fantastic flavor to your food. Use it as a dry rub or seasoning for meats, poultry, salmon, fish, brisket, burgers, steak, chicken, or turkey. It's a great replacement for your salt and pepper shakers as Triple B's All-Purpose is all you need!

The Triple B Pork Rub is the perfect seasoning for baby back ribs, spare ribs, pork shoulders, pork butt, tenderloin, pork chops, and even bacon. Its perfect marriage of sweet and savory, with a little kick, creates a beautiful rich red color that can't be beat! Besides the phenomenal taste, the beautiful rich red color of Triple B PORK simply can't be beat! Tastes amazing and looks incredible!

The Triple B Poultry Seasoning is an intensely savory seasoning that's complimented by a mild heat and citrus overtones to create a rich, incredibly flavorful experience. You've never had chicken that tasted this good! Tired of Boring Chicken or Turkey? No problem – Triple B's Poultry seasoning will blow your mind! Incredible flavor, with a rich, vibrant color that's as appealing to the eye as it is to the taste!

The Triple B Beef Seasoning is the beefiest seasoning out there! Developed for use on brisket and true to its Texas origin, Triple B's Beef Rub will kick the flavor up 10 notches, making your friends and family crave your BBQ night and day. It's perfect for brisket, steak, burgers, and roast.

Finally, the Triple B Spicy Seasoning is a great seasoning for anything that needs a kick of heat! Put it on your chicken, fish, veggies, fajitas, popcorn, and French fries! Triple B's Spicy Seasoning is great on ribs, pulled pork, and pork chops too! It's a sweet heat, with three different peppers imparting an interesting and immersive heat that doesn't overwhelm! Just enough heat that you can still taste how good it is, but definitely not for amateurs!

In conclusion, the Triple B BBQ Dry Rub Gift Set for Grilling & Smoking Meat is the perfect gift for any meat lover or grill master. With its perfect blend of flavors and meticulously sourced quality ingredients, you'll be a master chef in no time!

3. Spiceology's Smoky Honey Habanero Bbq Rub Is A Versatile Seasoning Blend Perfect For Smoking Or Grilling Meats, Nuts, And Even Fruits. Its Sweet And Spicy Flavors Add Depth And Complexity To Any Dish. 24 Oz.

Spiceology's Smoky Honey Habanero BBQ rub is a versatile seasoning blend that can be used on a variety of foods. This sweet and spicy rub is a customer favorite and can be used on all proteins and vegetables, including beef, chicken, fish, seafood, pork, and game.

The Smoky Honey Habanero BBQ rub is packed with flavor and is perfect for adding interest and depth to sauces, marinades, dressings, and more. This rub is packed in a 24 oz glass jar, making it a great gift for the barbecue lover in your life, or simply a must-have for your own kitchen or grill.

Spiceology takes pride in ensuring that their products are packed fresh in the USA, so you can be sure that you're getting a top-quality product. The Smoky Honey Habanero BBQ rub is easy to use and will become a go-to seasoning for all of your grilling and smoking needs.

The combination of smoky, honey, and spicy flavors in this rub will enhance the natural flavors of your meats and vegetables, making them truly irresistible. Plus, with its versatile nature, you can use it on a variety of foods, such as nuts, butter, bacon, burgers, pineapple, and even meatloaf.

Overall, the Smoky Honey Habanero BBQ rub is a must-have for any grill master, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out. With its delicious flavor and versatility, it's sure to become a staple in your kitchen or at your grill.

4. Cattlemen's Cowboy Rub – 27.25 Oz Container Of Bbq Rub With Hickory Smoke, Molasses, And Coffee Flavor, Ideal For Beef, Chicken, And Brisket.

Cattlemen's Cowboy Rub is a premium BBQ rub that blends the bold flavors of hickory smoke, molasses, and coffee, creating a deliciously robust taste that elevates any dish. This versatile seasoning pairs well with steak, chicken, pork or ribs, especially when cooked low and slow. Made with only the finest ingredients, Cattlemen's Cowboy Rub is perfect for professional chefs and home cooks alike who demand consistent, high-quality results.

Crafted with food service in mind, Cattlemen's Cowboy Rub is a pre-mixed blend that offers optimal performance and meets flavor needs in the kitchen. Whether used as a dry rub or to create signature sauces and marinades, this cowboy rub is versatile enough to be used on proteins, vegetables, and other dishes. The possibilities are endless.

Cattlemen's Cowboy Rub is Non-GMO Project Verified and kosher, containing no added MSG, making it a feel-good flavor option for discerning customers. This rub delivers a bold, smoky taste that will take your dishes to the next level, whether you're grilling, smoking, or searing. With its irresistible flavor profile, Cattlemen's Cowboy Rub is perfect for those who demand the best in their BBQ rubs and spices.

This 27.25-ounce container of Cattlemen's Cowboy Rub is perfect for those who love to cook and experiment with new flavors. The large size ensures that you have enough rub to use on multiple dishes, and the convenient container makes it easy to store and access. Whether you're a professional chef or a casual home cook, Cattlemen's Cowboy Rub is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

5. Sucklebusters Clucker Dust Bbq Rub For Chicken

SuckleBusters Clucker Dust BBQ Rub for Chicken is a premium quality seasoning blend, designed to enhance the flavor profile of your favorite poultry dishes. This full-flavored rub is perfect for those who love a mild to medium level of heat in their food, and enjoy the sweet and spicy taste of BBQ chicken.

Crafted with a blend of carefully selected herbs and spices, the Clucker Dust BBQ Rub delivers an authentic taste that is sure to delight your taste buds. The rub has a beautiful red BBQ color, which adds an appealing visual element to your dish.

To use this seasoning blend, simply season your chicken with the Clucker Dust BBQ Rub prior to grilling. The rub is designed to infuse the meat with a rich, smoky flavor that will leave your guests asking for more. Whether you are cooking for a crowd, or just enjoying a backyard BBQ with your family, the Clucker Dust BBQ Rub is the perfect choice for your chicken dishes.

SuckleBusters is a well-known brand in the world of BBQ, offering a range of high-quality seasoning blends and sauces that are loved by BBQ enthusiasts across the country. The company is committed to using only the finest ingredients in their products, ensuring that every dish you prepare with SuckleBusters seasoning blends is delicious and flavorful.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a seasoning blend that will enhance the taste of your chicken dishes, then look no further than SuckleBusters Clucker Dust BBQ Rub. This seasoning blend is packed with flavor, easy to use, and perfect for any occasion. So, fire up your grill, grab a bottle of Clucker Dust BBQ Rub, and get ready to impress your guests with mouth-watering BBQ chicken.

6. Rubwise Texas Style Chicken Bbq Rub – Premium Meat Seasoning For Smoking And Grilling, Great For Poultry And Seafood, With No Msg. 1lb.

RubWise presents its Texas Style Chicken BBQ Rub, a premium blend of spices that will elevate your grilling and smoking game to new heights. This authentic Texas spice blend is carefully curated to deliver bold and zesty flavors that will leave your taste buds begging for more.

With a combination of nine different ingredients, RubWise's chicken rub is designed to enhance the flavor of all your poultry dishes, from beer can chicken to turkey, duck, and even seafood. This versatile BBQ rub seasoning is perfect for all delicate proteins, giving them a mouth-watering taste that will make your cooking stand out.

RubWise has partnered with top chefs from around the state to curate its authentic Texas-style rubs. This partnership has resulted in a unique blend of flavors that represent all parts of Texas, ensuring that you can experience bold flavors from every corner of the state.

All of RubWise's BBQ spices are made in the USA, and the company takes pride in manufacturing and packing its seasonings daily on-site at its facility in Texas. This process ensures that all RubWise products are fresh, and you can trust that you're getting the best quality spices available.

RubWise's Texas Style Chicken BBQ Rub comes in a beautifully designed packaging, making it a perfect gift for your friends and relatives who also love to cook, grill, and smoke. The company's team has produced original spice rubs for numerous championship cook-off winners throughout Texas, giving them the expertise to deliver what works.

In summary, RubWise's Texas Style Chicken BBQ Rub is a premium blend of spices that will take your grilling and smoking game to new heights. Its versatile seasoning is perfect for chicken, turkey, duck, and seafood, and its authentic Texas spice blend will give your cooking a unique and bold flavor that represents all parts of the state. All RubWise products are made in the USA, ensuring that you are getting the best quality spices available.

7. 5-Pack Large Rubs For Beef, Chicken, Pork, Fish, Veggies – Clean Ingredients For Grilling & Smoking Meats

Introducing Hey Grill Hey Large Rubs, the ultimate 5-pack of seasonings for your grilling and smoking needs. These rubs are crafted by Susie Bulloch, a renowned backyard BBQ hero and award-winning chef, to help you dazzle and impress your family and friends with your grilling skills.

The Hey Grill Hey Large Rubs pack includes five different seasonings, each specially formulated to complement a specific type of meat or vegetable. You can use the Beef rub for your beef steaks, the Chicken rub for your chicken breasts, the Pork rub for your pork chops or ribs, the Fish rub for your salmon or other fish fillets, and the Veggies rub for your grilled vegetables.

One of the best things about Hey Grill Hey Large Rubs is that they are made using only clean, high-quality ingredients. The rubs are free from MSG and other harmful additives, and they use Real Salt that is mined right here in Utah. This means that you can enjoy the delicious flavors of these seasonings without compromising your health or well-being.

Hey Grill Hey Large Rubs are also incredibly easy to use. Simply apply the desired amount of rub to your meat or vegetables before grilling or smoking, and let the flavors infuse into the food. The rubs are versatile enough to be used for all kinds of grilling and smoking techniques, including charcoal grilling, gas grilling, and smoking with wood chips.

Whether you're a seasoned backyard BBQ pro or a novice griller, Hey Grill Hey Large Rubs are the perfect addition to your grilling arsenal. With these rubs, you can take your grilling and smoking to the next level and become the hero of your backyard BBQ. So why wait? Order your Hey Grill Hey Large Rubs pack today and start impressing your family and friends with your amazing grilling skills!

8. Killer Hogs Hot Bbq Rub – Spicy Championship Seasoning For Meat And Chicken – 16oz By Volume (12oz Net Weight)

Killer Hogs HOT BBQ Rub is a championship spicy BBQ and grill seasoning that is perfect for beef, steak, burgers, pork, and chicken. Developed by the award-winning Killer Hogs Championship BBQ team, this rub is an adaptation of their original BBQ rub, with an added kick of heat.

For over a decade, Killer Hogs has been making this rub and shipping tens of thousands of jars across the United States. Their rub has been highly rated by professional pitmasters, amateurs, backyard BBQ enthusiasts, chefs, and everyone in between.

The BBQ Rub is designed for consistent results, so you don't have to worry about seasoning your meat or veggies. It provides a delicious flavor that you can count on every time you use it.

If you're not satisfied with your purchase of any Killer Hogs product, the company offers a no-risks and no-hassle policy. They have been delighting customers for almost a decade, and if you're not happy with your purchase, they'll gladly refund your money.

All Killer Hogs products are made in the USA using only the highest quality ingredients. The company prides itself on manufacturing all of their products in-house, ensuring that each jar of rub is of the highest quality possible.

In summary, if you're looking for a championship spicy BBQ and grill seasoning that delivers consistent, delicious results, look no further than Killer Hogs HOT BBQ Rub. With a no-risk and no-hassle policy, you can trust that your purchase is backed by a company that is dedicated to customer satisfaction.

9. Traeger Pellet Grills Spc170 Chicken Rub With Citrus And Black Pepper

Traeger Pellet Grills SPC170 Chicken Rub with Citrus and Black Pepper is a great addition to any kitchen. This cooking seasoning features a delicious blend of citrus and black pepper flavors that enhance the taste of your chicken creations. It is specifically designed to complement chicken, making it the perfect BBQ rub for any poultry dish.

One of the key features of this rub is its easy storage. The rub comes in a stackable aluminum tin container, which makes it easy to store and keeps it fresh for longer. This means that you can use it for multiple cooking sessions without worrying about it losing its flavor.

Another great feature of this rub is that it is Kosher, Gluten Free, and GMO Free. This makes it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs and preferences, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the delicious taste of this rub.

Made in the USA, this rub is of the highest quality and is made using only the finest ingredients. This ensures that you get the best possible taste and flavor from your chicken dishes.

In summary, Traeger Pellet Grills SPC170 Chicken Rub with Citrus and Black Pepper is the perfect addition to any kitchen. Its great taste, easy storage, and dietary suitability make it a great choice for anyone who loves to cook and wants to make their chicken dishes even more delicious. Whether you're a seasoned BBQ pro or a beginner, this rub is sure to impress and elevate your chicken creations to the next level.

Best Chicken Rub For Smoking FAQs

Are there any specific techniques or tips for applying a chicken rub when smoking?

Yes, there are specific techniques and tips for applying a chicken rub when smoking. Firstly, ensure that the chicken is dry before applying the rub. This helps the rub to stick to the chicken better. Secondly, apply the rub generously, making sure to cover all parts of the chicken, including under the skin. Thirdly, let the chicken sit with the rub on for at least an hour before smoking to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. Fourthly, consider using a brine or marinade before applying the rub to enhance the moisture and flavor of the chicken. Additionally, try to use fresh, high-quality ingredients in the rub for the best results. Finally, experiment with different rubs and techniques to find the perfect combination for your taste preference.

Can I use the same rub for both chicken breasts and thighs when smoking?

Yes, you can definitely use the same rub for both chicken breasts and thighs when smoking. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts and thighs have different textures and flavors, so you may want to adjust the amount of rub you use for each cut of meat.

For example, chicken breasts tend to be leaner and have a milder flavor, so you may want to use a bit more rub to help flavor and tenderize the meat. On the other hand, chicken thighs have more fat and a stronger flavor, so you may want to use less rub to avoid overpowering the natural chicken flavor.

Ultimately, the key to a great smoked chicken is to experiment with different rubs and cooking techniques until you find the perfect balance of flavor and texture. With a little practice and patience, you can easily create mouth-watering smoked chicken dishes that will impress even the most discerning palates.

How long should I let the chicken sit with the rub before smoking?

As a professional recommendation, it is best to let the chicken sit with the rub for at least 1-2 hours before smoking. This will allow enough time for the flavors in the rub to penetrate the meat and infuse it with flavor. However, some people prefer to let it sit overnight for maximum flavor.

Keep in mind that the duration of time you let the chicken sit with the rub will also depend on the type of rub you are using. If the rub contains a lot of salt, it is best to let it sit for a shorter period to avoid the chicken from becoming too salty.

It's also essential to ensure that the chicken is properly refrigerated during the marinating process to avoid any risk of bacteria growth. Once the chicken is ready, you can then proceed to smoke it according to your preferred method and temperature until it reaches the desired internal temperature.

Should I apply the rub directly onto the skin or under it when smoking chicken?

As a professional chef or cook, it is advisable to apply the rub directly onto the skin of the chicken when smoking it. The reason for this is that the skin provides a protective layer that locks in the flavor and moisture of the rub, thereby enhancing the taste of the chicken. Additionally, smoking the chicken with the rub on the skin helps to create a crispy and flavorful crust that is highly desirable in smoked chicken.

However, if you prefer to apply the rub under the skin, it is also an acceptable method. This involves separating the skin from the meat of the chicken and rubbing the seasoning mixture directly onto the meat. This method is particularly useful if you want the flavors of the rub to penetrate the meat deeply, giving it a more intense taste. Regardless of the method you choose, it is essential to ensure that the rub is evenly distributed to avoid over-seasoning or under-seasoning the chicken.

What are the best ingredients to use in a chicken rub for smoking?

When it comes to creating a chicken rub for smoking, there are several ingredients that can be used to enhance the flavor of the meat. Some of the best ingredients include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder. These ingredients not only add flavor to the chicken, but they also help to create a beautiful crust on the meat.

For the best results, it is recommended to use a combination of ingredients rather than just one or two. You can also experiment with different quantities of each ingredient to find the perfect balance of flavor. Additionally, some people like to add sugar or brown sugar to their rubs to create a sweet and savory flavor. However, be careful not to add too much sugar, as it can burn easily during smoking.

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