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10 Best Seasonings For Chicken Rubs 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Traeger Grills SPC170 Chicken Rub with Citrus & Black Pepper

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,422
Pepper

Most important from
4462 reviews

Pepper
This rub has transformed chicken dishes into mouthwatering masterpieces with its perfect balance of citrusy zing and bold black pepper.

The Traeger Pellet Grills SPC170 Chicken Rub with Citrus and Black Pepper is a versatile seasoning blend perfect for anyone looking to enhance the flavor of their chicken dishes. This rub combines sweet and savory flavors with hints of citrus, black pepper, paprika, and onion, making it a great option for a well-rounded taste profile. One of its key strengths is that it's kosher, GMO-free, and gluten-free, which is a huge plus for those with specific dietary restrictions.

The rub is packaged in a convenient and stackable 9oz aluminum tin, which helps with easy storage and maintaining freshness. The rub's flavor profile is likely to appeal to a wide audience, particularly those who prefer a balance of sweet and savory with a citrusy twist. It is also a product of a reputable brand, Traeger, known for its quality grilling products, adding to its appeal for both casual cooks and serious grill enthusiasts.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,422
Pepper

Most important from
4462 reviews

Pepper
This rub has transformed chicken dishes into mouthwatering masterpieces with its perfect balance of citrusy zing and bold black pepper.
#2

McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning, 23 oz - One 23 Ounce Container of Montreal Chicken Seasoning with Blend of Garlic, Onion, Black and Red Pepper and Paprika for Meats and Seafood

Rating
9.4
Herbs

Most important from
7935 reviews

Herbs
Makes chicken meatballs extremely delicious with a blend of garlic, onion, black pepper, parsley, red pepper, paprika, orange peel, and green bell pepper.

The McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning offers a robust and flavorful blend, perfect for adding a zesty punch to your chicken dishes. This seasoning combines essential spices like garlic, onion, black and red pepper, and paprika, ensuring a vibrant and spicy taste.

The high-quality mix of premium herbs and spices guarantees bold flavor and visual appeal, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen. It's pre-blended, which saves time and ensures consistent taste every time you use it. Although it is primarily intended for chicken, it pairs well with other meats, seafood, vegetables, and even grains, making it highly adaptable for various recipes.

Additionally, it is kosher and free from MSG, which might appeal to health-conscious users. The 23-ounce container is sizable, offering a good value for money and less frequent repurchase. The packaging dimensions could be bulky for those with limited storage space. Despite being labeled as discontinued by the manufacturer, it still stands out for its rich taste and versatility. This product is worth considering if you're seeking a reliable and flavorful seasoning for your chicken and more.

Rating
9.4
Herbs

Most important from
7935 reviews

Herbs
Makes chicken meatballs extremely delicious with a blend of garlic, onion, black pepper, parsley, red pepper, paprika, orange peel, and green bell pepper.
#3

Badia Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning 22 oz

Badia Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning 22 oz is a well-rounded spice blend that combines essential ingredients like salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and various herbs, making it an excellent choice for seasoning chicken. The inclusion of cayenne pepper provides a subtle kick, while brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness, creating a balanced flavor profile suitable for various cooking styles, from grilling to roasting.

The seasoning is gelatin-free, making it a suitable option for those with dietary restrictions. The large 22 oz size ensures you have plenty of seasoning on hand, which is ideal for frequent cooks or large families. The product's packaging dimensions (2.7 x 3.6 x 8 inches) make it easy to store in your spice cabinet. However, it is worth noting that the blend might not cater to those who prefer to adjust individual spices to taste.

With its convenient form as a powder, it is easy to evenly distribute over your chicken, ensuring consistent flavor. This seasoning is a convenient and flavorful option for anyone looking to enhance their chicken dishes.

Buying Guide for the Best Seasonings For Chicken Rubs

Choosing the right seasonings for chicken rubs can elevate your cooking and bring out the best flavors in your dishes. The key is to understand the different types of seasonings available and how they can complement the natural taste of chicken. Here are some important factors to consider when selecting seasonings for your chicken rubs.
SaltSalt is a fundamental seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of chicken. It helps to tenderize the meat and can draw out moisture, creating a juicier result. When choosing salt, you can opt for table salt, kosher salt, or sea salt. Kosher salt is often preferred for rubs due to its larger grains, which are easier to control and distribute evenly. The right amount of salt depends on your taste preference, but a good starting point is about 1 teaspoon per pound of chicken.
PepperPepper adds a sharp, pungent flavor that complements the mild taste of chicken. Black pepper is the most common type used in rubs, but white pepper can be used for a milder, slightly different flavor. Freshly ground pepper is more flavorful than pre-ground, so consider using a pepper mill. The amount of pepper can vary, but generally, 1/2 teaspoon per pound of chicken is a good guideline.
PaprikaPaprika is a spice made from ground sweet red peppers and adds a mild, sweet flavor along with a vibrant red color to chicken rubs. There are different types of paprika, including sweet, smoked, and hot. Sweet paprika is the most common and versatile, while smoked paprika adds a smoky depth, and hot paprika brings heat. Choose based on the flavor profile you want to achieve. Typically, 1 to 2 teaspoons per pound of chicken is sufficient.
Garlic PowderGarlic powder provides a concentrated garlic flavor without the moisture of fresh garlic, making it ideal for dry rubs. It adds a savory, umami taste that enhances the overall flavor of the chicken. When selecting garlic powder, look for a fine, even texture. Use about 1 teaspoon per pound of chicken, adjusting to taste.
Onion PowderOnion powder offers a sweet, slightly tangy flavor that complements garlic and other spices in a rub. It is made from dehydrated, ground onions and is a convenient way to add onion flavor without the bulk of fresh onions. Choose a fine, even-textured powder and use about 1 teaspoon per pound of chicken.
HerbsHerbs such as thyme, rosemary, oregano, and sage can add complexity and freshness to chicken rubs. Dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh, so a little goes a long way. Thyme and rosemary add earthy, piney notes, oregano brings a slightly bitter, peppery flavor, and sage offers a warm, savory taste. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of dried herbs per pound of chicken, or adjust based on your preference.
Cayenne PepperCayenne pepper adds heat and a spicy kick to chicken rubs. It is made from ground dried chili peppers and should be used sparingly, as it is quite potent. If you enjoy spicy food, start with 1/4 teaspoon per pound of chicken and adjust to taste. For a milder rub, you can omit it or use a smaller amount.
Brown SugarBrown sugar adds sweetness and helps to create a caramelized crust on the chicken when cooked. It balances out the savory and spicy elements of the rub. Light brown sugar has a milder flavor, while dark brown sugar has a richer, molasses-like taste. Use about 1 to 2 tablespoons per pound of chicken, depending on how sweet you want the rub to be.

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