This is the Best BBQ Spice Rub for pork, beef and chicken. Rub it on whatever meat you’re planning on having, grill or bake and enjoy the most flavorful dinner ever.
Making your own blends are not only economical but they are also customizable to your taste. Two more favorites are my Pizza Spice and my Chile Lime Seasoning.
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Why this Best BBQ Rub Recipe is a Keeper
I love this BBQ rub seasoning because it’s an easy homemade alternative to store-bought versions. I get to control all the ingredients to how my family likes it.
- 5 Minute Mix: Give your food a kick and enhance the flavor in just a few minutes.
- Easy Ingredients: All found in pantry, just make sure they are fresh.
- Family Friendly: Ideal for all family members because it adds so much flavor to the meat. It is my go-to for summer backyard cookouts over some hickory coals.
- Adaptable: Can make it with little to no salt or add more or less spicy as you like it. This recipe is an adaptation of the famous Meat Church one.
- Serve With: Serve this recipe with Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder (Pulled Pork BBQ) or Crockpot BBQ Chicken.
What is the Difference Between a Barbecue Rub and a Marinade or BBQ Sauce?
A dry rub is a mixture of dry spices and herbs, and is applied directly to the surface of the meat before cooking. A marinade is when you submerge meat into a wet mixture so the flavors can penetrate deep.
What Reader’s Are Saying…
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“First time made the rub and BBQ sauce for chicken. My husband LOVED it. So this is a keeper recipe.”
~ Ruth
Ingredient Notes for the Seasoning Spice Blend
You only need a few pantry staples to make BBQ rubs and seasonings. You may not even need to shop.
This is an overview of key ingredients. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Sugar: You will need both brown and white sugar to sweeten up this seasoning.
- Paprika: Paprika will bring the natural smoky flavor, elevating your grilling game.
- Chili Powder and Cayenne Pepper: These will bring the heat to your rub.
Variations and Substitutions for the Dry Rub and Seasoning
This barbecue dry rub is super flexible when you create it at home. Switch it up to make it work for your tastes.
➡️ Add Heat: Stir in cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
➡️ Make It Smokier: Replace regular paprika with smoked paprika.
➡️ Reduce Sweetness: Slightly reduce the amount of brown sugar.
➡️ Add Depth: Mix in onion powder or cumin for a more savory profile.
Kitchen Tools To Make The Mix Easier
Although there aren’t any special tools needed to make the best BBQ rub for beef brisket, a few are useful when it comes to storing.
- Measuring Spoons: Use measuring spoons to measure out the ingredients.
- Airtight Jar: Shake the ingredients and store in an airtight jar.
How to Make My Premium Grill Rub
This bold and spicy recipe comes together in 1 extremely quick and easy step. This simple spice mix is so good, it quickly became one of my favorite homemade seasonings.
These are just highlights. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Make the Spice Blend: Mix together brown sugar, white sugar, salt, black pepper, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper and cumin.
Prep Ahead and Short Cut Tips for the Chicken or Pork Rub
I prepare my spice mixes ahead of time, so that they’re ready to be used when I’m making dinner.
➡️ Mix in Bulk: Prepare a larger batch and store it for future use.
➡️ Pre-Season Protein: Apply the rub a few hours ahead of cooking for better flavor.
➡️ Keep It Handy: Store the rub near your cooking area for quick access.
Alternate Cooking Methods for My Favorite Rub Mix
There are so many different ways you can use this homemade spice blend.
- Oven Roasting: Apply the rub and roast meat in the oven for similar flavor.
- Slow Cooker: Use the rub on meat before slow cooking for deeper flavor.
- Air Fryer: This works well for smaller cuts like chicken or pork.
How Much BBQ Rub Should I Use Per Pound of Ribs, Beef or Other Protein?
A good rule of thumb for applying dry rub to BBQ meat is around 1 tablespoon of rub per pound of meat.
Do You Put BBQ Rubs on Before or After Cooking?
A lot of pitmasters actually do both: rub before cooking for depth and bark, then a light dusting after cooking to wake everything up. It’s a simple trick that makes the seasoning taste layered instead of flat.
How Long Should BBQ Rubs Sit on Meat?
A quick 20–30 minute rest is enough for chicken breasts, pork chops, or thinner cuts because the salt in the rub starts to draw out a little moisture, dissolves, and pulls the seasoning back in. For larger cuts like ribs, pork shoulder, brisket, or whole chickens, giving the rub 2–12 hours (or even overnight) helps the seasoning penetrate deeper and builds a better bark.
Store, Reheat and Use Leftovers BBQ Dry Rub
- Storing: Keep the rub in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
- Reheating: This does not apply to the rub itself, but seasoned meat can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Using Leftovers: Use extra rub on vegetables, potatoes, or snacks like popcorn.
Expert Tips for Making Barbecue Meat Rub
➡️ Even Coating: Apply the rub evenly across all surfaces of the meat for consistent flavor.
➡️ Rest Time: Let the meat sit for 15 to 30 minutes after applying the rub.
➡️ Watch Sugar: Be careful when cooking at high heat to avoid burning the sugar.
➡️ Layer Flavor: Add a light second coating before cooking if needed.
➡️ Dry Surface: Pat the meat dry before applying the rub so it sticks better.
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Best BBQ Spice Rub
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Ingredients
- ½ cup Brown sugar
- ½ cup White sugar
- ¼ cup Salt
- ¼ cup Paprika
- 1 Tablespoon Chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon Onion powder
- 2 teaspoons Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer to a container with a tight fitting lid.
Christina’s Notes
- Fresh: Always use fresh spices and seasonings. If a spice or seasoning has been in your pantry for a few years, it’s probably time to get a fresh container. If you like the killer hogs rub, you will love making your own.
- Styles: Texas style or memphis style are easy to make with this delicious rub it locks in the moisture.
- Grind your own: If you want a finer version of this BBQ rub you can run it through a grinder
. - Health issues: Can make with no msg and gluten-free or gmo.
.- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
I made this rub for Baby Back Ribs and it was AWESOME! Hands down the B-E-S-T!
Thank you!
Made a few adjustments but mostly folded recipe. Added some smoked paprika as well as regular. Best rub ever,
So simple and yet delicious!
This is a great rub! I use it for everything!
This looks really easy! I’m glad it’s barbecue season again! Can’t wait to try this.
Made this on top of chicken kabobs and it was amazing!
First time made the rub and BBQ sauce for chicken. My husband LOVED it. So this is a keeper recipe.
Thank you