Best Chicken Rub

5 from 4 votes

This Chicken Rub is a total flavor bomb! Italian spices, smoky paprika, brown sugar, and a kick of red pepper flakes make for irresistibly tasty grilled chicken that’ll have you coming back for more!

Prep Time15

Cook Time6

Total Time21

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Healthy

Keyword: Chicken Rub

Servings: servings

Author: Chelsea Lords

Cost: $9.87

Equipment

Grill

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken breasts, thighs, or tenderloins
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 teaspoons red wine vinegar
2-1/2 teaspoons salt
2-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Cooking spray or vegetable oil

US - Metric

Instructions

Trim chicken breasts of fat and slice them evenly in half crosswise. Pound pieces to an even thickness (with a meat mallet or the bottom of a frying pan) to ensure even cooking. If using tenderloins, remove the tendons.
Add everything except chicken to a small bowl; stir to combine.
Spread rub evenly over all chicken pieces (on all sides).
Preheat grill to medium-high heat (450℉). Generously oil the grill (I drench a rolled-up paper towel in vegetable oil and, holding it with tongs, rub it over grill grates.) or carefully (standing back) spray grill grates with cooking spray.
Using tongs, place chicken on the grill, well spaced out. Grill chicken, turning only once halfway through grilling, about 3–5 minutes per side (or until the thickest part of the chicken registers 160℉ and the meat is nicely charred). When chicken is ready to flip, it should come off the grill grates easily. (I use a sharp metal turner to flip chicken to the other side.) Carryover heat will take chicken to 165℉.
Transfer chicken to a plate and cover with foil. Allow chicken to rest 5–10 minutes so the juices can redistribute. Thinly slice or chop. Taste and add a sprinkle more salt if needed. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Video

Notes

Nutrition Note: Nutrition information is for the chicken rub alone and does not include the chicken.

Storage: Let the chicken cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Nutrition