My favorite barbecue chicken spice rub

Yes, it is barbecue season! So I thought it would be the perfect time to give you my favorite barbecue chicken spice rub recipe, which you can also use on other ingredients like vegetables.

Why this recipe works

Of course I know you can buy any spice mixture at the grocery stores but most of the mixtures have been there for a while, plus they usually contain ingredients you might not particularly like.

Making your own dry rub recipe has simply the best flavor! Plus it is super easy to do!

​Recipe ingredients

The fun thing with this spice rub recipe is that you can easily vary with whatever spices you like. Or add a bit more of one. The basis of your homemade bbq chicken rub is as follows:

• ​smoked paprika – you can use regular paprika as well but I like the smokey flavor of the smoked paprika
• brown sugar – sugar is an optional ingredient by I love the caramelization that it creates
• garlic power – adding onion powder is also a great addition
• salt
• cayenne pepper – can also be replaced by chili powder
• mustard powder – I love adding a bit of mustard powder to the homemade dry rub

Now in addition to the above you can give the barbecue spice rub any kind of additional spices you like. Think about adding cumin or ground cilantro or a generous amount of black pepper. Check the recipe card for the full details on what I added specifically.

How to use the barbecue chicken spice rub

You can use the barbecue chicken spice rub both dry as well as for a marinade. It would be awesome on chicken breasts, chicken drumsticks or pork chops.

You can mix the spice rub with a bit of olive oil to create an easy marinade. Rub it on vegetable skewers, any cut of chicken or a whole chicken and let it sit for a while.

How long can you store the spice rub?

You can store the spice rub for quite a long time in an airtight container. Keep in mind that spices lose much flavor after a while, so it is best not to make a really big batch.

Unless, of course, you know you’ll be using it a lot this summer. You can store it at room temperature, preferably in a dark place.

As for how long you can store it? Check the expiration dates of the original spices you used but more importantly, use your nose. If the smell starts to go you know your spices need replacement.