I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to post this recipe.
I used to sell this exact all-purpose BBQ dry rub recipe on my website under the brand name Backyard Legend.
As a solopreneur, I couldn’t produce the rub at a scale that made sense financially, so I decided to pull back the curtain and share the recipe instead. It’s simply too good to keep to myself.
This homemade all-purpose BBQ spice rub is bold, balanced, and incredibly versatile—perfect for chicken, steak, pork, ribs, and just about anything that comes off a grill or smoker.
🔥 About This All-Purpose BBQ Rub
I originally developed this rub as a steak rub, and it is absolutely incredible on a grilled tomahawk ribeye. But after a lot of testing—especially on grilled chicken thighs—it became clear this blend worked on far more than just beef.
Thankfully, I realized that before marketing it strictly as a steak rub. That’s how the Backyard Legend AP (All-Purpose) BBQ Rub was born.
🧂 Obsessed Over Every Ingredient (And Measurement)
When I say I obsessed over this rub, I mean it.
Every spice, every ratio, every tiny tweak was tested and retested. My kitchen—according to my wife—was a disaster zone. Funnels, measuring spoons, and spices everywhere. My tongue was raw from tasting batch after batch, making the smallest adjustments until it was just right.
(Yes, it was worth it.)
🌶️ Flavor Profile: Why This Rub Works on Everything
Classic BBQ flavors like salt, sugar, onion, garlic, and black pepper are well represented, but this all-purpose BBQ dry rub includes a few intentional additions that elevate it beyond a standard blend.
Lemon Pepper
Just like in my turkey rub recipe, a touch of lemon pepper adds brightness and balance. It cuts through rich, smoky foods and is a big reason this rub truly earns the name all-purpose.
Celery Salt
Celery salt adds subtle savory depth without pushing the rub into “too salty” territory. It also balances sweetness and is a staple in many Chicago-style BBQ and poultry rubs.
Chili Powder
This is the glue that ties everything together. Chili powder adds warmth and roundness without heat, plus it contributes great color and bark to grilled and smoked meats.
At the end of the day, this rub exists for one reason: to make whatever you’re cooking taste better without getting in the way. If you want to see exactly how I make it — and how it looks on grilled chicken thighs — check out the video below, then jump into the recipe card.
This all-purpose BBQ dry rub is a balanced homemade spice blend that works on chicken, steak, pork, ribs, and more. Easy to mix and incredibly versatile, it delivers bold flavor without overpowering the meat.
Ingredients
4 1/2 teaspoons Morton’s kosher salt
4 1/2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
4 teaspoons onion powder
4 teaspoons garlic powder
3 teaspoons chili powder
2 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon celery salt
1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
Instructions
Measure all ingredients accurately and add them to a medium bowl.
Whisk thoroughly until the spices are evenly combined and no clumps remain.
Transfer the rub to an airtight container or spice jar.
So delicious and versatile for recipes!
Thanks so much!
This rub is amazing! It takes the chicken to the next level! My family loves it when they know I’m using this recipe! Thanks for sharing it!
Mine too! I make chicken thighs just about every week with this stuff.
This is an excellent spice rub recipe! I love it and use it on just abut everything!
I couldn’t agree more :)