This irresistible Blackened Chicken Rub will give your chicken dinner an intensely rich and savory flavor upgrade!

Be sure to also try this glorious, flavor packed Smoked BBQ Rub, too!

Blue spoon next to a small jar of Blackened Chicken Rub.

Blackened Chicken Rub Recipe

The beautiful thing about this easy Blackened Chicken Seasoning is the versatility. It can be used for cooking on the backyard grill, inside on a stove top grill pan, or even when baking in the oven.

One reader writes: "Great!!  What I like about making my own rub is it allows me to make only as much as I want when I want it."

Move over bland, it’s time for some blackened chicken, blackened steak, blackened tilapia, blackened salmon, pasta and more!

This DIY Blackening Seasoning is loaded with the perfect blend of irresistible heat and spice!

Yes please!

So do yourself a huge favor, and kick up the heat and crank up the flavor of your Chicken, Pork, Shrimp, Steak and Fish this week.

Blackened Chicken on a white plate with green garnish.

And… you won’t believe how easy it is to mix up your own Blackened Seasoning Rub!

Just dump everything in a bowl and give it a quick stir.

That’s it! Easy Peasy!!

I also love knowing exactly what ingredients are going into my dinner.

With this Homemade Seasoning you can rest assured knowing there are no added fillers, and that you can control all of the ingredients. You can even tweak the recipe to make the flavors exactly the way you like!

Plus, when you buy your spices in bulk, you can even save money!

So do yourself a huge favor and let this tasty Blackened Chicken Rub add some serious flavor to your dinner table.

Let the flavor party begin!

Here’s what you need to round up…

Related: 51 Easy BBQ and Grilling Recipes

Does Blackened Mean Cajun?

Not exactly.

Cajun is typically more spicy than blackened, while blackened usually includes a more complex blend of spices and herbs.

Spices on a white surface, including paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper.

What Is Blackening Seasoning Made Of?

It’s simpler than you might have guessed.

Here’s what you need to grab from your spice rack… or on your next trip to the grocery store!

That’s it. You’ll just need 9 simple ingredients to create this glorious blackened rub.

Save money when you round up your Bulk Spices from Sam’s Club!

Large spice containers at a store.

How To Make Blackened Chicken Rub

It’s actually so EASY to make this blackened chicken rub.

Here’s what you’ll do…

1. Add your measured seasonings to a mixing bowl.

2. Combine thoroughly.

3. Store in a small glass jar with lid until needed.

That’s it. It really is that easy!

Scroll down for the printable recipe card with detailed, step-by-step instructions.

Blackened Chicken Dry Rub in a small jar next to a blue spoon.

How To Use Blackened Chicken Rub

Simply use this Blackened Rub Recipe on your favorite cut of Chicken, Steak, Tilapia, Salmon, or even Pork Chops.

Then get ready for a little flavor dance in your mouth!

You can use this blackened chicken rub for…

  • Grilling on your backyard grill.
  • Inside on a stove top grill pan.
  • When baking your meats in the oven.

Small Weber grill on concrete in front of a pool.

Blackened Chicken Rub Reviews

Here’s what your frugal friends are saying about this Blackened Rub Recipe…

One reader writes: “Great!!  What I like about making my own rub is it allows me to make only as much as I want when I want it.”

Heather writes: “Bursting with flavor!”

Cindy writes: “Yummy!”

Traci writes: “Great to have on hand!”

Blue spoon next to a small jar of Blackened Chicken Rub.

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Did You Enjoy This Recipe? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment & review below!

Blackened Chicken Rub Recipe

This irresistible Blackened Chicken Rub gives your favorite dinner protein an intensely rich and savory flavor upgrade! YUM!!
Servings: 6
Blue spoon next to a small jar of Blackened Chicken Rub.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
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Ingredients 

  • 1 Tbsp Paprika
  • 1 Tbsp Smoked Paprika
  • 2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 2 tsp Thyme
  • 2 tsp Oregano
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 2 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions 

  • Add all ingredients to bowl, and stir well.
  • I typically use this rub to coat 4 - 6 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, applying generously to each side of the chicken breast.
  • Recipe makes 6 Tbsp of Rub.
  • Grill or bake… and Enjoy!! (see notes below for instructions)

Notes

Brine Instructions for Chicken Breast:
With this dry rub, I recommend using a brine before baking or grilling.  It will help tenderize your chicken and lock in all that juicy goodness.  Add 1/4 cup salt and 4 cups of warm water (not hot water) to a large bowl.  Stir to combine most of the salt with the water.  Then add your chicken breasts to the brine for 15 – 30 minutes. (Add more water & salt as necessary, to ensure the chicken is completely submerged.)  Next remove chicken from brine and rinse in cold water.  Pat dry each chicken breast with paper towels before generously coating both sides of the chicken with melted butter, then your dry rub.
Chicken Breast Grilling Instructions:
1. Use a thin sliced or flattened chicken breast.  If you need to flatten your chicken breast, do this step before you add your chicken to the brine.
2. To flatten your chicken breast to an even thickness, simply place it between two large pieces of plastic wrap.  Then using the flat side of a meat mallet or tenderizer, gently pound your chicken breast, starting in the middle.
3. After the brine has completed, and the melted butter & rub have been applied (see Brine Instructions above), grill your chicken on the grill outside (8 minutes on each side at 400 degrees), or on a grill pan inside.
Chicken Breast Baking Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees while your chicken is in the brine and coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray or butter.  
2. Once the brine has completed and the melted butter & rub have been applied, add your chicken breasts to the baking dish and bake your chicken for 20 - 25 minutes or until done.  I recommend using a digital cooking thermometer to verify the internal temperature of your chicken is 165 degrees.
3. To allow the flavors to fully marinate, lightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for 5 - 10 minutes after removing it from the oven.  Then serve.
For answers to Frequently Asked Questions or tips for common substitutions and variations, please refer to the detailed information above this recipe card.
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If you need a versatile Chicken Dry Rub Recipe, you just found it!  This is a perfect base rub you can alter to your taste bud preferences!

Jar of chicken dry rub.

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This Smoked BBQ Rub Recipe can be used for cooking on the backyard grill, inside on your stove top, or baked in the oven. It’s flavor packed and simple to make!  The perfect compliment to your favorite Barbecue Sauce!

Spoon in a bowl of BBQ rub.

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So have you tried this Blackened Chicken Rub Recipe yet?

Share with us in the comments below!

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About Heidi Miller

Heidi Miller is the creator of The Frugal Girls, where she shares easy recipes with massive flavor! She has been creating and sharing recipes online for over 15 years, and brings warmth, expertise, and a personal touch to every recipe. Her work has been featured on Today.com, NBC, Fox, Parade, People, Country Living, Woman’s World, and more!

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