Best Smoked Chicken Recipes With BBQ Rub
When it comes to barbecue, chicken is the star. But smoke isn’t the only flavor that can be added to this protein-packed dish. In fact, there are plenty of ways to enhance your chicken recipes with a bit of smoke.
If you’re looking for some easy, delicious recipes that will put a spin on classic BBQ chicken, try one of these best smoke chicken recipes with BBQ rub. From smoky, savory to sweet, and spicy, there’s something for everyone on this list! We’ll begin with the types of BBQ rubs you can use to kick your chicken’s flavor:
What is BBQ Rub?
There are several different types of BBQ rub for chicken, and each has a unique blend of spices and a scrumptious taste. Some are a little bit sweeter on taste buds than others, some have more spices, and some are more citrusy. Below are a few of our favorite BBQ rubs:
Texas Style
This BBQ rub is made up of paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. It’s spicy but also has a nice depth of flavor.
Kansas City Barbecue Rub
This BBQ rub for chicken comprises onion powder, garlic powder, cumin seed, oregano seed, black pepper, and salt. It has a really nice smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with pork or beef as well.
Memphis Style Rub
This BBQ rub is made up of smoked paprika, sugar, chili powder, dried herbs (rosemary and thyme), ground cayenne pepper, and salt. It’s a little spicier than other rubs and has a nice tomato flavor.
How to Make Your Own BBQ Rub
If you’re anything like us, you enjoy messing up with spices, love to cook and grill out but only sometimes have the time or inclination to go out and buy a rub. Or maybe you’ve tried a few recipes and ended up with something that just doesn’t taste as good as you’d hoped. Here are four easy steps to making your own BBQ rub:
- Choose your spices.
- Mix together the spices until they’re evenly distributed.
- Store the BBQ rub in an airtight container for future use.
- Apply the rub to your meats before cooking them over indirect heat (preferably using a chimney starter).
How to Smoke Chicken with BBQ Rub
It’s a bet that there’s no better way to enjoy a juicy chicken breast than with some delicious BBQ sauce. Smoking your chicken breasts allows the smoke to permeate through the meat, giving it a nice flavor and a slightly crispy texture. Here are five recipes for smoking chicken breasts with BBQ rub that will tantalize your taste buds!
Smoke Chicken with BBQ Rub Recipe 1
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- BBQ rub (homemade or store-bought)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
Directions:
- Preheat the smoker at 275 degrees °F (135 degrees °C).
- Place chicken breasts on smoker racks and rub both sides of each with desired BBQ rub.
- Drizzle olive oil or vegetable oil over each chicken breast.
- Smoke chicken for about 1 hour per side or until cooked through and juices run clear when pierced with a knife. Serve immediately.
How to Preheat, the Smoker
Preheat your smoker to 250 degrees. Next, mix together the BBQ rub ingredients in a small bowl. Put the chicken breasts in the smoker, and then sprinkle them with the rub. Close the smoker and smoke for about 30 minutes or until cooked through. Serve hot!
How to Cook A Finger-Licking Smokey BBQ Chicken
If you’re looking for a delicious, easy way to cook chicken that is perfect for any barbecue, these recipes are for you!
Smokey BBQ Chicken Recipe 2
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds skinless & boneless chicken breasts
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 3 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
- Season the chicken with some salt and black pepper and coat with the marinade.
- Place the chicken on the grill & cook it for about 5 minutes per side until cooked through. Serve hot!
How To Add Different Types of BBQ Rubs for Smoke Chicken
There are a variety of BBQ rubs for smoked chicken that can give your meal a unique flavor. Some popular rubs include:
Texas Style Dry Rub
Add 1-tablespoon chili powder, 1-teaspoon cumin, and ½-teaspoon smoked paprika to your favorite rub.
Kansas City Style Dry Rub
Add 1-teaspoon garlic powder, ½-teaspoon onion powder, and ¼-teaspoon black pepper to your favorite rub.
Sweet Baby Ray’s Original Barbecue Rub
Mix together 2-tablespoons sweet baby ray’s seasoning, 1-tablespoon garlic powder, and 1-tablespoon onion powder.
Memphis-Style Dry Rub
Add 2-tablespoons each of salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to your favorite rub.