Emily Carter
Chicken is a versatile meat that can be seasoned in many ways, including dry rubs, brines, marinades, and sauces. A spice rub is a blend of aromatics and heat, perfect for adding flavour and colour to chicken. You can make a large batch of a spice rub and store it for up to six months, ready to use whenever you need to add a kick of flavour to your chicken. To apply the rub, pat the chicken dry, rub it with oil, and then sprinkle and massage the spice blend into the meat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of rub | Dry rub |
| Ingredients | Salt, dried herbs, smoked paprika, ground mustard, pepper, olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, coriander, onion powder, oregano, thyme, saffron, rosemary, basil, cayenne pepper, chilli powder, honey, vinegar |
| Storage | Airtight container in a cool, dry place |
| Storage duration | 2-3 years |
| Chicken preparation | Pat chicken dry, rub with olive oil, sprinkle rub, rub into meat, marinate |
| Chicken cooking | Grill, bake, air fryer, broiler, stovetop grill pan |
| Chicken types | Breasts, thighs, legs, wings, tenders, rotisserie, whole chicken |
Preparing the chicken
Next, you can sprinkle your chosen spice rub over the chicken. It is recommended to use around 1 tablespoon of the seasoning mix per pound of chicken, but you can adjust this to your taste. Use your fingers to gently rub the spices into the meat, ensuring you cover both sides of the chicken. If your chicken has skin, try to rub some seasoning under the skin for extra flavour.
You can cook the chicken right away, but for maximum flavour, it is best to let the meat marinate in the seasoning for at least 15 minutes, and up to 12 hours, before cooking. Be sure to refrigerate the chicken during this time.
Once your chicken is seasoned and marinated, it is ready to cook! You can grill, roast, or broil the chicken, following your usual method. For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly brush the grill with oil before placing the chicken on it. Grill each side for 4-7 minutes, depending on thickness, or until the internal temperature reaches 165° F. For roasting, follow your usual method, but consider adding garlic or vegetables to create a more flavoursome dish. If broiling, place a metal rack on a foil-lined baking sheet, lightly coat the rack with cooking spray, and arrange the chicken in an even layer. Broil for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through.
Your chicken is now ready to serve!
Chicken Casserole: How Much Chicken Per Person?
You may want to see also
Making the spice rub
You can make a basic spice rub with salt, dried Italian herb blend or herbs de Provence, smoked paprika, and dry ground mustard. You can also add a touch of sweetness to your spice rub with honey, or add a floral, citrusy note with coriander. If you like your chicken spicy, include some cayenne pepper. You can also add garlic powder, cumin, coriander, sea salt, pepper, and olive oil.
If you want to make a bigger batch, you can add more paprika, as well as granulated garlic and onion powder. You can also add herbal notes with oregano and dried thyme. For an earthy, savoury kick, add porcini mushroom powder. Lemon, lime, or orange zest will add a citrus touch.
Once you have selected your ingredients, add them to a small bowl or a jar, adjusting the amounts based on your taste. Mix or whisk well.
Converting Cups of Chicken to Pounds: Easy Guide
You may want to see also
Applying the rub
You can cook the chicken right away, but it is recommended to let the meat marinate in the seasoning for at least 15 minutes, and up to 12 hours, before cooking. This allows the flavours to meld together and infuse the meat, resulting in a more flavourful dish. During the marination process, be sure to refrigerate the chicken to maintain food safety.
When Do Chickens Start Roosting?
You may want to see also
Cooking methods
There are various cooking methods that can be used to cook chicken with a spice rub. The most common method is grilling. To grill chicken with a spice rub, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly brush the grill with oil. Sprinkle the desired amount of spice rub over the chicken and toss to coat. Place the chicken on the grill and grill each side for 4-7 minutes, depending on thickness, or until it is no longer pink. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Another option is to bake the chicken in an oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For a crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes.
You can also cook spice-rubbed chicken in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.
Additionally, you can cook spice-rubbed chicken on a stovetop grill pan. Preheat the pan over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with cooking spray. Place the chicken on the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
For a smokier flavour, you can also cook spice-rubbed chicken in a smoker. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for preheating and loading the smoker with fuel. Place the chicken in the smoker and smoke according to your desired level of doneness.
Building a Chicken Wire Fence: Wooden Stakes Guide
You may want to see also
Storage
Storing your chicken with a spice rub on it is a simple process. If you don't plan on cooking the chicken right away, place it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator. The chicken should be used within 1-2 days so the meat doesn't spoil.
If you have extra spice rub, you can store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place such as a cupboard or spice drawer. It's a good idea to label the container with the date it was made and the name of the seasoning. Assuming the spices used are fresh, the spice rub will last for about 6 months when stored properly.
It's worth noting that dried herbs and spices do lose potency and flavour over time, so it's best to use fresher dried herbs and spices for optimal flavour. Most herbs and spices have a 2-year shelf life for potency. To test each herb and spice, you can crush a pinch and smell it to get an idea of its potency.
Uncover the Secret of General's Orange Chicken Pieces
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
First, mix your chosen herbs and spices in a small bowl or jar. Fresh or dried herbs and spices are packed with flavour and can be adjusted to your taste. Next, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and rub a small amount of olive oil over it. Sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken and rub it into the meat with your hands (with or without gloves). Aim for 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of chicken. Leave to marinate for at least 15 minutes, but for the best flavour, leave it for up to 12 hours.
Assuming your herbs and spices are fresh, a homemade chicken spice rub will last for about 2-3 years when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
A simple spice rub recipe for grilled chicken includes garlic powder, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, sea salt, pepper, and olive oil. Mix the ingredients and rub them onto both sides of the chicken. Grill each side for 4-7 minutes, depending on thickness, or until the internal temperature reaches 165° F.
You can customise your chicken spice rub by adding herbs such as dried basil, parsley, marjoram, or sage for a more herbal flavour. Lemon, lime, or orange zest will add a citrus touch, while porcini mushroom powder will give it an earthy, savoury kick. Omit ingredients like cayenne pepper if you don't like it spicy.
