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Home » Recipes » Dry Rubs & Seasonings

Smoked Paprika Rub for Chicken

Published: Sep 9, 2021 · Modified: Dec 30, 2022 by Nicole B.

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5 minutes

This smoked paprika rub for chicken is easily made in a matter of minutes and adds amazing flavor and texture to skin-on chicken cuts.

Smoked paprika rub in a glass jar.
Jump to:
  • Why make this recipe?
  • Ingredients needed:
  • Ingredient notes:
  • How to make it:
  • How to use it:
  • Frequently asked questions:
  • More delicious dry rubs for chicken:
  • Full Printable Recipe

Why make this recipe?

This spice rub is bold, spicy and completely delicious. The flavors are carefully balanced and are quite similar to my cajun chicken marinade but while the marinade is best for skinless chicken, this rub is for skin-on chicken cuts. You can use it on chicken leg quarters, whole chickens or skin-on chicken breasts and thighs. It adds not only amazing flavor but also great texture while letting the chicken skin crisp up nicely.

Ingredients needed:

Smoked paprika chicken dry rub ingredients in a glass bowl.
You need onion powder, dried oregano, smoked hot paprika, ground allspice, salt and garlic powder to make the spice rub.

Ingredient notes:

  • As always, I recommend to get the spices (especially the smoked hot paprika) from a dedicated spice shop to ensure freshness and quality.

How to make it:

Smoked paprika chicken rub being whisked in a glass bowl.
  • Whisk all ingredients together until well combined.

How to use it:

You can use this dry spice rub on any skin-on chicken cut. I love to use it on chicken leg quarters. If you’re not familiar with chicken leg quarters, these are a moist, flavorful and very budget-friendly cut of chicken. A chicken leg quarter consists of the thigh, drumstick and part of the back (and that’s about a quarter of a chicken).

Two raw chicken leg quarters with and without spice rub.

Step 1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Pat the chicken leg quarters dry using paper towels, then rub with a mild olive oil until well coated all around. (Use about 1 teaspoon olive oil per leg quarter.)

Step 2. Evenly rub the dry spice rub onto the chicken skin. (Use about ¾ teaspoon per chicken leg quarter.)

Raw spice-rubbed chicken leg quarters on a wire rack.

Step 3. Set a wire rack onto a large rimmed baking sheet, then transfer the chicken leg quarters onto the rack, skin side up. Roast until fully cooked (about 30 minutes).

Frequently asked questions:

How long should the dry rub sit on the chicken?

There is no need to let the chicken sit. As soon as you’ve applied the dry rub, pop the chicken in the oven.

Can I set the chicken directly on the baking sheet?

You can but I prefer to use a wire rack so the fat can drain and the chicken doesn’t sit in a puddle of fat.

How spicy is this dry rub?

This rub has a mild to medium level of spiciness from the hot smoked paprika.

More delicious dry rubs for chicken:

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  • Mediterranean seasoning in a jar.
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    Cook Time5 Minutes
  • Sumac seasoning in a jar.
    Sumac Dry Rub for Chicken
    Cook Time5 Minutes
  • Chicken wing dry rub being stirred in a bowl.
    Chicken Wing Dry Rub (no sugar)
    Cook Time55 Minutes

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating or comment! Thanks!

Full Printable Recipe

Smoked paprika rub in a glass jar.

Smoked Paprika Rub for Chicken

The Spice Train
This sugar-free smoked paprika rub adds deliciously bold and spicy flavors to skin-on chicken cuts.
4.72 from 7 votes
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Prep Time 5 mins
Total Time 5 mins
Course Condiment, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 14
Calories (estimated) 5 kcal

Equipment:

  • measuring spoons
  • bowl
  • whisk
  • glass jar with lid

Ingredients:
  

  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons smoked hot paprika*

Instructions:
 

  • Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Transfer to a glass jar with a lid and store in a cool place, such as a kitchen cabinet.

Notes:

*As always, I recommend to get the spices from a dedicated spice shop to ensure freshness and quality.

Nutrition Information (Estimated):

Calories: 5kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.2gSodium: 167mgPotassium: 30mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 0.2gCalcium: 5mg

Nutrition values provided on this website are generated from a nutrition database and are estimates only. The accuracy of the nutrition information for any recipe on this website is not guaranteed. Nutrition values can vary quite a lot depending on which brands are used.

Keywords: dry rub for chicken, smoked paprika rub for chicken, spice rub for chicken

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