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Home » Recipes » Best Rub for Smoked Chicken Thighs (Storebought + Homemade)

Best Rub for Smoked Chicken Thighs (Storebought + Homemade)

February 6, 2022

Best Rub for Smoked Chicken Thighs (Storebought + Homemade)This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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

Table of Contents hide
1 Why you should use a rub for smoked chicken thighs
2 What to pair with smoked chicken thighs
3 3 Best Rubs for Smoked Chicken Thighs to Buy
3.1 McCormick Grill Mates Smokehouse Maple Seasoning
3.2 Wayward Gourmet Applewood Smoked BBQ Awesomeness
3.3 Spiceology Smoky Honey Habanero
4 Extra tips for tasty smoked chicken thighs
5 How to Make the Best Rub for Smoked Chicken Thighs
5.1 Homemade Rub for Smoked Chicken Thighs Ingredients
5.2 Storebought Rub for Smoked Chicken Thighs
6 How to Make the Best Rub for Smoked Chicken Thighs
6.1 Homemade Dry Rub
6.2 Best Storebought Rubs
7 Looking for more delicious recipes?
8 Best Rub for Smoked Chicken Thighs (Store-bought & Homemade)
8.1 Ingredients
8.1.1 Homemade Dry Rub
8.1.2 Other Best Storebought Rubs for Chicken Thighs
8.2 Instructions
8.2.1 Homemade Dry Rub
8.2.2 Best Storebought Rubs

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!

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

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!

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

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!)

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

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.

Looking for more delicious recipes?

  • 5 Best Store Bought Dry Rub For Ribs & How To Use Them
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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!

best rub for smoked chicken thighs, crispy Chicken Thighs With Roasted Lemon Slices and thyme on a black stone board on a concrete table, view from above, flatlay, close-up

Best Rub for Smoked Chicken Thighs (Store-bought & Homemade)

DWELL by Michelle
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!
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Total Time 5 mins
Course Appetizer, Dips, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 36 kcal

Ingredients
  

Homemade Dry Rub

  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 2½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp pepper
  • 1¼ tbsp salt
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¾ tbsp garlic powder
  • ½ onion powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Other Best Storebought Rubs for Chicken Thighs

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

Instructions
 

Homemade Dry Rub

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

Best Storebought Rubs

  •  Use the dry rubs according to package directions.
Keyword chicken recipes, chicken thighs, chipotle chicken recipe, dairy-free, dairy-free recipes, dinner, dinner ideas, easy dinner, easy dinner recipes, easy lunch recipes, Gluten-Free, gluten-free recipes, healthy, healthy chicken recipe, healthy recipes, lunch, qdoba chicken recipe, quick lunch recipe

in American, Appetizer, By Course, By Cuisine, By Diet, Dairy-Free, Dips & Sauces, Gluten-Free, Main Course, Recipes, Snack, Vegan, Vegetarian

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Comments

  1. Jess says

    February 9, 2022 at 8:31 pm

    5 stars
    The homemade rub recipe was delicious!

    Reply
  2. Jess says

    February 8, 2022 at 1:53 am

    5 stars
    The homemade rub was delicious! Spot on!

    Reply

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