You'd be amazed at what a great bbq dry rub recipe can do for your chicken. I mean, think about it... why do people say that everything tastes like chicken? Because chicken (and most poultry in general) doesn't have that much flavor on its own.

Now, I'm not gonna knock chicken. It's absolutely wonderful, and I eat it all the time-- in fact, I wouldn't be surprised if mother chickens threatened baby chicks with a legendary monster (me) who will come and gobble them up if they don't behave. But sometimes chicken and turkey need a little help.

Think the bbq chicken recipes you already use are good enough as it is? Add a bbq dry rub recipe from the list below and see how much better it gets.

Want more info about BBQ rubs, how to use them, and how long to marinate your meat? Check out our All About BBQ Dry Rubs page.

Dry Rubs for BBQ Chicken Recipes

Love Memphis style barbecue? Then this bbq dry rub recipe will get your mouth watering-- but try not to eat the spice mix with a spoon. Even if you're tempted. It probably won't be pleasant.

Ingredients:
1/4 C. paprika
1 tsbp. brown sugar
1 tbsp. white sugar
1 tbsp. kosher salt
1 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp. cayenne
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder

Instructions: Combine in a bowl or shake together in a jar. Apply liberally to chicken pieces or whole chicken.

This great bbq rub (adapted from a recipe by Chef Paul), takes chicken to the next level. Lots of herbs and plenty of spice.

Ingredients:
1/4 C. sugar
2 tbsp. paprika
1 1/2 tbsp. kosher salt
1 tbsp. onion powder
1/2 tbsp. garlic powder
1/2 tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. lemon pepper
1 tbsp. dry rubbed sage
1/2 tsp. dry basil
1/2 tsp. dry rosemary
1/2 tsp. cayenne

Instructions: Combine in a bowl or shake together in a jar. Rub into chicken and let marinate. Cook however you like.

Barbecue Dry Rub Recipes for Other Poultry

An "all-purpose" bbq dry rub recipe probably doesn't sound very glamourous. But don't let it fool you. This zingy, mustardy rub is so good you may want to take the name literally and use it for everything. Don't skip the lemon zest-- it makes this rub.

Ingredients:
3/4 C. paprika
1/4 C. freshly ground black pepper
1/4 C. celery salt
1/4 C. sugar
2 tbsp. dry mustard powder
2 tbsp. onion powder
2 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 tbsp. finely minced lemon zest

Instructions: Combine ingredients. Rub into chicken, turkey, cornish game hens... anything that flies.

This is more of a wet than a dry rub recipe, and should finish up with a pasty texture. This bbq rub is also delicious with chicken.

Ingredients:
1/4 C. fresh rosemary (stems removed)
8 cloves garlic, sliced
zest from two lemons
2 tbsp. fresh thyme
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Instructions: Combine ingredients in a food processor or blender. Process until a smooth paste forms. Use immediately, applying over and under turkey skin.

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