If you find yourself looking for a go-to all-purpose seasoning for chicken, this homemade chicken seasoning rub is the solution packed with the perfect blend of garlic, onion, and a hint of sweetness. Whether you use this dry rub spice on its own or as a base for other chicken recipes, you will want to keep this versatile seasoning mix on hand in your spice drawer.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Pantry ingredient-friendly: This spice rub is made up of common pantry ingredients that you likely already have on hand. With the right measurements, you can have a ready-to-use seasoning on hand at all times with no special grocery trips needed.
- Versatile: This all-purpose chicken seasoning is extremely versatile. It works as a great chicken seasoning blend on its own to amp up bland chicken, but also works well as a base with other chicken recipes like Alabama white BBQ sauce chicken, napa almond chicken salad, or skillet spatchcock chicken. This spice mixture will work as a pork rub, like for these pulled pork sliders or pork chops. This spice rub also stands up to different cooking methods, which adds to its versatility.
- No mystery ingredients: One of the best parts of making your own seasoning blends is that you know exactly what is going into them. Some store-bought blends have added anti-caking ingredients or preservatives to keep them shelf-stable for long periods. This is the perfect seasoning to have on hand as you can make a big batch to keep in your spice collection, making it easy to ditch the pre-packaged ones.
Ingredient Notes
- Granulated garlic: Granulated garlic is different from garlic powder because of its texture. Granulated garlic has more distinct granules, which also makes it slightly more aromatic than garlic powder. Granulated garlic adds a mellow and subtle garlic flavor that is a staple in most spice blends.
- Granulated onion: Similar to granulated garlic, granulated onion has the same textural elements that add depth to the spice rub. Do not confuse granulated onion with dehydrated onion flakes, which will be much too large for a spice rub.
- Brown sugar: For this recipe, light or brown sugar will work. Avoid using regular granulated sugar, as you want the molasses caramelized flavor that brown sugar adds.
- Mustard powder: Mustard powder adds some tang and background heat to the spice rub. You will generally find one type of mustard powder in the grocery store, but sometimes you will find hot mustard powder, which you will not want to use in this recipe.
A full list of ingredients with measurements is located on the recipe card, below.
Substitutions
- Granulated garlic: Use garlic powder instead of granulated garlic.
- Granulated onion: Onion powder can be used instead.
- Smoked paprika: Hot paprika or sweet paprika can both be used in place of smoked paprika.
Variations
- Spicy: Add a few dashes of cayenne pepper to the spice mix for a little kick of spice.
- Cajun: Turn this base recipe into a delicious cajun seasoning blend. Add some cayenne, dried thyme, and some black pepper.
- Italian: Mix some dried basil, parsley, and oregano into the seasoning blend for an Italian seasoning blend.
- Taco: With chili powder, ground cumin, and a dash of chipotle powder, transform this blend into a homemade taco seasoning.
- Smoky flavors: Add a dash of hickory smoke powder to the spice mix for a smokey take on a classic chicken rub with great flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Work Before Cooking
Collecting all ingredients: This will make cooking so much easier. Gather all the spices you will need, and keep them nearby.
- Add the spice mix ingredients to a large mason jar, a small bowl, or an airtight container.
- Whisk (or shake) the spices together until fully combined.
- Store in a cool room temperature, dry space for 3-6 months. Keep in mind, that the shelf life of your homemade seasonings depends on how fresh the individual spices are, that you are using.
Expert Tips
- Form a paste: Mix the homemade spice rub with a little olive oil to form a paste/marinade to season chicken. This will help the spice rub stick to the outside of the chicken and is an easy way to prevent the seasoning from burning.
- Smoky flavors: Add a dash of hickory smoke powder to the spice mix for a smokey take on a classic chicken rub with great flavor.
- Go light on salt: Add kosher salt or sea salt sparingly to this spice mix. With homemade spice blends, it is best to have a low base level of salt so that you can adjust the salt according to the dish you are making. Some recipes use ingredients with higher salt levels, and you do not want the rub to make your chicken recipe extra salty.
- Keep away from moisture: Avoid holding your spice jar over a steaming pot or pan when seasoning or cooking. Excess moisture will cause the spice to clump together.
Serving Suggestions
- Chicken recipes: Use as a starting point for homemade chicken recipes like air fryer chicken cordon bleu, buffalo chicken bites, or grilled Caesar chicken. This recipe is an easy way to season any cut of chicken like skinless chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or even a whole chicken.
- Turkey: This spice blend is the perfect seasoning for delicious compound butters, that you can slather on a whole roast turkey, or an air fryer turkey breast too.
- Side dishes: Why stop at chicken or poultry? This seasoning works perfectly with air fryer home fries or spicy air fryer potato wedges.
Recipe FAQs
How much seasoning do I need per pound of chicken?
Usually, 1-1 ½ tablespoon of seasoning is good for 1 pound of chicken. Of course, as always, adjust to your taste and the type of chicken. A whole rotisserie chicken will need more seasoning than chicken.
How can I get the dry seasoning to stick to the chicken?
A thin layer of olive oil or cooking spray will help the dry rub stick to the exterior of the chicken. If you do not want to use extra oil, keep some of the extra moisture on the exterior of the chicken, and press the seasoning rub into the chicken.
Why is my chicken bland?
If you are finding your chicken to be bland, you may want to use more seasoning. You also want to check how fresh your spices are, since the flavor will become less potent as they sit in your cupboard.
More Condiment Recipes
Easy Homemade All-Purpose Chicken Seasoning Rub
If you find yourself looking for a go-to all-purpose seasoning for chicken, this homemade chicken seasoning rub is the solution packed with the perfect blend of garlic, onion, and a hint of sweetness. Whether you use this dry rub spice on its own or as a base for other chicken recipes, you will want to keep this versatile seasoning mix on hand in your spice drawer.
✱Before You Get StartedBe sure to read the recipe notes for helpful tips and tricks, to make the best recipe each and every time!
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Granulated garlic
- ¼ cup Granulated onion
- ¼ cup Dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon Mustard powder
- 2 tablespoon Smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Sea salt - or to taste
Instructions
- Add the spice mix ingredients to a large mason jar, a small bowl, or an airtight container.¼ cup Granulated garlic, ¼ cup Granulated onion, ¼ cup Dark brown sugar, 2 tablespoon Mustard powder, 2 tablespoon Smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon Sea salt
- Whisk (or shake) the spices together until fully combined. Store in a cool room temperature, dry space for 3-6 months.
✱Recipe Notes
- Form a paste: Mix the homemade spice rub with a little olive oil to form a paste/marinade to season the chicken. This will help the spice rub stick to the outside of the chicken and is an easy way to prevent the seasoning from burning.
- Go light on salt: Add kosher salt or sea salt sparingly to this spice mix. With homemade spice blends, it is best to have a low base level of salt so that you can adjust the salt according to the dish you are making. Some recipes use ingredients with higher salt levels, and you do not want the rub to make your chicken recipe extra salty.
- Keep away from moisture: Avoid holding your spice jar over a steaming pot or pan when seasoning or cooking. Excess moisture will cause the spice to clump together.
- Shelf life: Keep in mind, that the shelf life of your homemade seasonings depends on how fresh the individual spices are, that you are using.
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