Who doesn’t love barbeque, especially if it is smoky, juicy chicken thighs? However, try as we might, many of us are unable to get the restaurant-like taste when we barbeque chicken thighs at home. The solution is to use a well-balanced BBQ rub that gives smoked chicken thighs the perfect spicy hit.
Barbeque is always a hit when it comes to a family get-together or Saturday night dinner. However, we are often unable to get that restaurant-like taste or even one from old family recipes in our BBQ chicken. Thus, although our recipes are good, they are rarely perfect.
Let’s learn how to create a basic BBQ rub for smoked chicken thighs, and tips to elevate it to get the flavor just right.
What Is a BBQ Rub?
BBQ is a blend of spices, herbs, and salt that is used to coat the surface of the protein being cooked. These help add flavor to the meat and create a crispy crust that adds an extra bit of oomph to your recipe.
This usually comes in two forms:
- A Dry Rub: Perfect for BBQ and smoking, this contains a blend of dried onion, garlic, paprika, salt, herbs, and other spices and is used to coat your protein right before cooking.
- A Wet Rub: Also called a marinade, this also contains a mix of dried spices and herbs. However, it also contains yogurt, buttermilk, olive oil, or vinegar, making the blend a paste for coating the protein in.
Dry Rubs vs. Wet Rubs
Since there are two ways to go about it, here’s how you can decide the kind of rub to use for making smoked chicken thighs
| Feature | Dry Rub | Wet Rub |
| Application | Can be applied right before cooking. | Should preferably be applied in advance (few hours to overnight) to help absorb flavor. |
| Goal | Creating a flavorful crust. | Retaining moisture and tenderizing the meat. |
| Flavor Intensity | Intense (based on spice blend). | Subtle. |
| Moisture | Dries out the protein and creates a crust. | Retains moisture and tenderizes the protein. |
| Flavor Penetration | Localized and depends on how well it is applied. | Evenly distributed. |
| Adherence | May not stick to dry meat; will stick to meat that has been thawed and patted dry of excess moisture | Helps ingredients stick to the protein. |
| Best For | Smoking, pan searing, and slow cooking | Cuts that need extra moisture |
Why Dry Rubs are the Best for Smoking Chicken
Smoking is a slow cooking process, and chicken thighs will take close to 2 hours to cook, depending on the temperature. Dry rubs are the way to go since they help create a flavorful crust (bark) and get that perfect, crispy chicken skin. Plus, the time it takes to smoke chicken thighs allows the spice to penetrate well.
Chicken thighs are also a less lean cut than breasts and usually have more moisture. A dry rub will prevent it from going soggy as it spends a prolonged time in the smoker. Dry rubs also enhance the natural flavor of the meat, plus give the smoked chicken thighs a strong spicy hit.
Key Ingredients for a Great Chicken BBQ Rub
To make a basic BBQ rub, here’s what you will need:
| Ingredient | Amount
(for 10 pieces of chicken thighs) |
Purpose |
| Brown Sugar | ½ cup | Sweetness and caramelization |
| Paprika | ½ cup | Color and mild smokiness |
| Salt | 1 tbsp | Flavor enhancement and balance |
| Garlic powder | 1 tbsp | Earthy base flavor |
| Onion powder | 1 tbsp | Depth and sharpness |
| Chilli powder | 1 tbsp | Gentle heat |
| Black pepper | 1 tbsp | Spicy bite |
The above are common for every BBQ Rub. For a better depth of flavor, here are some extras that you can add:
- Cayenne (1 teaspoon): can make your regular smoked chicken thighs extra spicy and hot.
- Dried herbs (1 teaspoon): rosemary, thyme, oregano, and parsley are a good addition to the BBQ rub.
- Mustard powder (1 teaspoon): to help tenderize the meat and add a smoky, tangy flavor.
- Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): adds a subtle sweetness and warm flavor.
- Mace (¼ teaspoon): for a unique warm flavor.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): will give your chicken a savory, smoky flavor.
Step-by-Step Process for Making the BBQ Rub
Once you have your spices ready, here’s how you create the spice blend:
- Measure all the spices precisely.
- Place them in a bowl or jar and mix well.
- Store the rub in an airtight container to make it last longer.
Be sure to taste test the BBQ rub on a spoon before using it on your chicken.
Making Smoked Chicken Thighs
Now that your BBQ rub is ready, test this out:
- Pat the chicken dry to help the spices stick better.
- Lightly oil the chicken first (optional).
- Apply the BBQ rub generously on both sides.
- Let it rest for 30 minutes to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Use a smoker or indirect heat on the grill to cook.
- Maintain a temperature of 225°F – 250°F in the smoker while cooking.
- Smoke it using apple or cherry wood for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken (it should be 165°F).
- Use a coat of BBQ sauce for a glossy finish.
BBQ Rub Variations for Experimentation
Once you have perfected your basic BBQ rub for smoked chicken thighs, here are a few tips to customize and experiment:
- Smoky Chipotle Rub – Add chipotle powder and smoked paprika for the extra spicy hit.
- Mediterranean Rub – Add oregano, rosemary, and lemon zest for a citrusy, herby chicken.
- Spicy Cajun Rub – Add cayenne, thyme, and white pepper for an earthy, spicy, and smoky chicken.
Wrapping Up: Your Perfect Smoked Chicken Thighs
Using a homemade BBQ rub for smoked chicken thighs gives a bold flavor, plus control over how your recipe tastes. With simple ingredients in your daily pantry, you can master BBQ rub for perfect chicken thighs every time.
Excited to try out the recipes? Experiment with our recipes and make perfect smoked chicken thighs every time.