Why You Will Love This Spicy Grilled Chicken Rub
If you’re tired of bland grilled chicken or messy spice jars, this spicy grilled spicy grilled chicken rub is your new go-to. It’s smoky, flavorful, and easy to apply.
Whether you're meal prepping or grilling on the weekend, this rub delivers restaurant-worthy flavor with just a few pantry staples.
Recipe Card
At HEX Spice Company, we believe cooking should be fun, whether you cook with your head, your heart, or a little of both. Our recipes use shakes instead of standard measurements to keep things flavorful and easy. Not sure how many shakes you need? Check out our Shake Conversion Chart here.
**All our recipes account for each type of spice and number of shakes

Spicy Grilled Chicken Rub
Equipment
- 1 Hex Shaker Shield
- 1 Small mixing bowl
- 1 Measuring spoons
- 1 Airtight container or spice jar
Ingredients
- 13 Shakes Smoked Paprika
- 7 Shakes Garlic Powder
- 7 Shakes Onion Powder
- 4 Shakes Ground Cumin
- 6 Shakes Coarse Black Pepper
- 2 Shakes Cayenne Pepper (optional)
- 9 Shakes Coarse Salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl.
- Mix thoroughly until fully combined.
- Rub generously over chicken before grilling or roasting.
- For best results, let chicken sit for 15–30 minutes after seasoning.
- Store remaining rub in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Notes
- This rub works great on pork, steak, or even veggies.
- Use the Hex Shaker Shield to keep your spice jars clean and mess-free during prep.
- Double or triple the recipe to keep a batch ready at all times.
Pro Tips
- Add more cayenne if you like heat
- Store in a sealed jar for up to 3 months
- Great for pork or grilled veggies too
- The HEX Shaker Shield helps avoid contamination while seasoning raw meat
Faq
Up to 3 months in a sealed container kept in a cool, dry place.
Absolutely! It works great on baked chicken too.
Yes! Simply leave it out if you prefer a milder flavor. The rub will still be smoky and well-balanced without the extra heat.
Final Thoughts
This spicy grilled chicken rub proves that big flavor doesn’t require a long ingredient list or complicated steps. With just a few bold spices and five minutes of prep, you can transform plain chicken into something crave-worthy.
Whether you’re grilling outside or cooking indoors, this rub adds a smoky, slightly spicy kick that works for all kinds of meals—from weeknight dinners to weekend cookouts. It’s easy to make, easy to store, and easy to love.
Give it a try, make it your own, and keep it in your regular rotation. Your future chicken will thank you.