Best Rub for Smoked Chicken Thighs (Storebought + Homemade)

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There’s nothing better than the rich flavor of smoked chicken – I love it! Smoked chicken thighs are an easy and delicious meal that pairs well with any side dish. However, not all smoked chicken is made equal. After all, it is only as good as the seasoning or rubs you use. That’s why I’ve created a recipe for the best rub for smoked chicken thighs, as well as 3 options for the best store-bought rubs to buy. Give it a try!

RELATED: 5 Best Store-Bought Dry Rub For Ribs & How To Use Them

Why you should use a rub for smoked chicken thighs

Many beginners find themselves asking, “do I really have to use a rub?” The truth is that no, you don’t NEED to use a rub to make smoked chicken thighs, but you should. If a chicken thigh is underseasoned, it can end up being bland and dry, and no one wants that.

While you can simply pour on the seasoning and hope for the best, it’s best to rub the seasoning into the meat. When the chicken begins to cook, the moisture from the meat will soak up the rub and draw it into the meat. With a good rub, the chicken will be tasty and well-seasoned all the way through.

What to pair with smoked chicken thighs

Create new and exciting flavors by pairing smoked chicken thighs with your favorite sides.

This rub recipe is savory, smoky, and a little sweet, so it goes well with almost any side dish.

Staple sides for a smoked chicken thigh dinner include macaroni and cheese, beans, pasta, salad, corn on the cob, potatoes, rice, asparagus, collard greens, and so much more.

3 Best Rubs for Smoked Chicken Thighs to Buy

McCormick Grill Mates Smokehouse Maple Seasoning

McCormick seasonings are a household name for a reason: they are delicious, affordable, and consistent! For smoked chicken thighs, we love and recommend the Smokehouse Maple seasoning.

With a deliciously bold blend of garlic, onion, brown sugar, as well as maple syrup – this dry rub adds incredible flavors to chicken thighs.

Plus, there’s no MSG or artificial flavors added in the rub!

Wayward Gourmet Applewood Smoked BBQ Awesomeness

If you’re looking for a dry rub for chicken thighs that is the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy – Wayward Gourmet’s Applewood Smoked BBQ Awesomeness rub is it.

This rub is also 100% gluten-free, produced in the USA, and free of MSG!

Spiceology Smoky Honey Habanero

The Spiceology Smoky Honey Habanero bbq rub tastes delicious on chicken thighs, especially when you smoke them!

Use it as a dry rub, or use it to make your own sauces and marinades. The possibilities are endless (need inspiration? Just read through the 1,000+ positive reviews on Amazon from other customers who love this rub!)

Extra tips for tasty smoked chicken thighs

Now that you know how to make the best rub for chicken thighs, you can finally cook your drool-worthy chicken dinner. But before you mix your seasonings and dive in elbows deep, check out these few extra tips that will make your smoked chicken thighs taste even better.

Not a fan of spicy?

Cayenne pepper can make your chicken thighs pretty spicy. So if you don’t want your smoked chicken thighs to be too hot, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper when mixing your rub. Don’t worry, the rub will still taste delicious!

Substituting brown sugar

If you’re avoiding brown sugar for any reason, you can substitute the brown sugar with equal amounts of coconut sugar. But don’t omit the sugar completely, as it helps create a sweet undertone and helps form a caramelized crust.

How to Make the Best Rub for Smoked Chicken Thighs

Homemade Rub for Smoked Chicken Thighs Ingredients

• 1 tbsp paprika
• 2 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp pepper
• 1 1/4 tbsp salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 tbsp garlic powder
• 1/2 onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Storebought Rub for Smoked Chicken Thighs

• Spiceology Smoky Honey Habanero
• Wayward Gourmet Applewood Smoked BBQ Awesomeness
• McCormick Grill Mates Smokehouse Maple Seasoning

How to Make the Best Rub for Smoked Chicken Thighs

Homemade Dry Rub

1. Add all the rub ingredients into a jar.
2. Shake until well combined.
3. Store until ready to use.

Best Storebought Rubs

1. Use the dry rubs according to package directions.

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If you make this recipe (i.e: what we think is the absolute best rub for smoked chicken thighs), please drop a comment below! I’d LOVE to know what you think! Or take a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging @dwellbymichelle so I can repost it on my stories!