What to Season BBQ Chicken With: Mouthwatering Options Beyond Basic BBQ Sauce

Are you tired of the same old BBQ chicken? I know I was! After years of slathering the same store-bought sauce on my grilled chicken I decided it was time to explore the wonderful world of chicken seasonings. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend cookout or preparing a weeknight dinner knowing what to season BBQ chicken with can transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary one.

In this article I’ll share some killer seasoning options that’ll make your taste buds dance. From dry rubs to marinades and brining techniques we’ve got you covered with everything you need to take your BBQ chicken game to the next level!

Why Proper Seasoning Matters for BBQ Chicken

Before diving into specific seasoning options let’s understand why seasoning your chicken properly is so darn important

• Flavor Enhancement: Seasonings infuse the meat with robust flavors that penetrate deeply
• Tenderization: Certain ingredients (especially acids) break down proteins, resulting in juicier meat
• Aroma Development: Well-seasoned chicken creates enticing smells when grilled
• Visual Appeal: Seasonings create a beautiful crust as the chicken cooks
• Moisture Retention: Proper seasoning techniques help keep chicken juicy

As Chef Billy Parisi, a classically trained culinary expert, points out, “Chicken is a great blank canvas for all the charred, sweet, and smoky flavors of barbecue.” The key is knowing how to prepare it properly.

Essential Preparation Steps

Before you even think about seasonings, you need to prepare your chicken properly:

1. Pat it dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps seasonings adhere better
2. Apply a base layer: A thin coat of olive oil or melted butter helps spices stick
3. Choose your cuts: Different cuts (breasts, thighs, drumsticks) may benefit from different seasoning approaches
4. Consider timing: Season at least 30 minutes before grilling, but longer is often better

As Parisi recommends, “I first pat it dry on all sides to ensure a good sear. I then coat the chicken in a thin layer of oil to ensure the seasonings will stick and not bounce off as I season it.”

Dry Rubs vs. Marinades: Which Should You Choose?

Both dry rubs and marinades have their place in BBQ chicken preparation. Let’s explore the differences:

Dry Rubs

Dry rubs create a concentrated flavor profile and form a delicious crust when grilled. They’re perfect when you’re short on time but still want big flavor.

Popular dry rub ingredients include:

• Salt (enhances natural flavors)
• Brown sugar (balances sweetness with smokiness)
• Paprika (adds color and mild heat)
• Garlic powder (provides savory kick)
• Black pepper (adds warmth and bite)

For application, you can either sprinkle the seasoning directly on the chicken or put your rub in a bowl and toss the chicken pieces for even coating. Parisi advises sprinkling from about a foot away “so that you can cover a larger surface area, ensuring every bite is delicious instead of just a few concentrated areas.”

Marinades

Marinades involve soaking chicken in a liquid mixture, allowing flavors to penetrate more deeply. They’re ideal when you can plan ahead.

Effective marinades typically include:

• Acidic element (vinegar, citrus juice, yogurt)
• Oil (helps distribute spices and moisture)
• Seasonings (herbs and spices)
• Aromatics (garlic, onion)

Parisi emphasizes that marination takes time: “One to two hours won’t do much; you need 12 and up to 48 hours.” He recommends adding “a good mix of bright flavors like garlic, vinegar, and onions that balance the flavor of chicken and barbecue sauce well.”

Winning Seasoning Combinations for BBQ Chicken

Now let’s get to the fun part—specific seasoning combinations that’ll make your BBQ chicken sing!

1. Classic BBQ Blend

This tried-and-true combination works beautifully on any cut of chicken:

• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder

2. Citrus Herb Marinade

Perfect for chicken breasts or thighs that need a refresh:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

3. Spicy Kick Rub

For those who like it hot:

• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

4. Sweet and Tangy Marinade

A crowd-pleaser with balanced flavors:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cloves minced garlic

Advanced Techniques: Brining for Maximum Flavor

If you wanna take your BBQ chicken to the next level, consider brining. There are two main approaches:

Wet Brining

Soaking chicken in a saltwater solution (often with added spices) for several hours before cooking. This increases moisture and flavor throughout the meat.

Basic Wet Brine Recipe:

• 4 cups water
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Optional aromatics (bay leaves, peppercorns, herbs)

Dry Brining

As Parisi explains: “You lay your chicken cuts over a rack on a sheet tray and season all sides with salt and pepper. Leave it uncovered in the refrigerator for four hours or up to 24 hours. This helps retain moisture while drying out the skin on the outside, resulting in a superb Maillard reaction.”

Dry brining is easier and less messy than wet brining while still delivering excellent results.

Regional BBQ Chicken Seasoning Styles

Different regions have distinct approaches to seasoning BBQ chicken:

Don’t be afraid to experiment with these regional styles to find your favorite!

Beyond BBQ Sauce: Alternative Coatings

If you’re tired of traditional BBQ sauce, there are plenty of other options:

• Herb Butter: Mix softened butter with fresh herbs and spread under the skin before grilling
• Pesto: Italian basil pesto adds brightness and complexity
• Chimichurri: This Argentinian herb sauce works beautifully on grilled chicken
• Yogurt-Based Marinades: Common in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking
• Teriyaki Glaze: Sweet soy-based alternative with Asian flavors
• Alabama White Sauce: Mayonnaise-based sauce with vinegar and spices

Timing Is Everything: When to Apply Seasonings

When you apply seasonings matters almost as much as what you apply:

• Dry rubs: Can be applied 30 minutes to 24 hours before cooking
• Marinades: Work best with 12-48 hours of contact time
• Brines: Usually require 4-24 hours
• BBQ sauce or glazes: Apply only in the final minutes of cooking to prevent burning

As Parisi notes about BBQ sauce specifically, he “doesn’t add barbecue sauce until right before the chicken is done cooking so that it can pick up all the smoky flavors from the grill first.”

Pro Tips for Perfectly Seasoned BBQ Chicken

Here are some final tips to ensure your BBQ chicken is bursting with flavor:

1. Access all areas: If cooking a whole chicken, Parisi recommends “opening the skin around the cavity, allowing you to get down into the thighs and breasts and add rubs, marinades, or simply salt and pepper.”

2. Even application: When applying seasonings, ensure even coverage. For dry rubs, consider using a shaker or sifter for uniform distribution.

3. Two-zone cooking: Start chicken over direct heat to develop a crust, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking without burning.

4. Temperature matters: Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety while maintaining juiciness.

5. Rest before serving: Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.

Common Seasoning Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced grillers make these mistakes sometimes:

• Under-seasoning: Chicken needs more seasoning than you might think
• Not getting under the skin: For bone-in chicken with skin, seasoning under the skin delivers better flavor
• Adding sugar too early: Sugar-heavy rubs can burn; apply them later in the cooking process
• Forgetting the salt: Salt is essential for bringing out other flavors
• Using old spices: Spices lose potency over time; refresh your collection regularly

There’s a whole world of flavors waiting beyond basic BBQ sauce! By understanding the basics of seasoning BBQ chicken—whether through dry rubs, marinades, or brining—you can create customized flavor profiles that will impress your family and friends.

Remember that proper preparation is key: pat the chicken dry, apply a base layer of oil, and give your seasonings enough time to work their magic. Experiment with different combinations until you find your signature BBQ chicken seasoning.

Now get out there and fire up that grill! Your taste buds will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate chicken before grilling?
For optimal flavor, marinate for at least 12 hours and up to 48 hours. Shorter marination times (1-2 hours) won’t have much impact on flavor.

Can I use the same seasonings for all cuts of chicken?
Yes, but you might want to adjust amounts. Chicken breasts benefit from more moisture-adding ingredients, while thighs can handle more robust seasonings.

Should I season chicken under the skin?
For whole chicken or bone-in cuts with skin, seasoning under the skin delivers better flavor. For boneless, skinless cuts, this isn’t necessary.

When should I apply BBQ sauce?
Apply BBQ sauce in the final 5-10 minutes of cooking to prevent burning while still allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly.

What’s the best oil to use when seasoning chicken?
Olive oil works great as a base for seasonings, but you can also use melted butter, avocado oil, or even mayonnaise as a binding agent for your spices.