Smoked Turkey Rub

This smoked turkey rub is the perfect seasoning to turn a ho-hum bird in to a holiday show stopper. I’ve developed this dry rub for turkey recipe over the last few years and I can honestly say it’s the best rub for smoked turkey or chicken that I’ve ever had. If you use this rub with my smoked turkey recipe, congrats…you’re on turkey duty for life! (sorry about that)

The smoked paprika and chipotle powder perfectly compliment a smoked turkey while the other herbs and spices like sage, thyme, rosemary, and garlic provide those classic holiday flavors that everyone loves.

The end result is a magical balance with enough pizazz for a tailgate, but not too much for the whole family to enjoy on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other holiday. It’s slightly sweet with a bit of spice.

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Best Dry Rub for Turkey

I’m not saying that this rub is why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday…but I’m not not saying it either!

Frying your turkey or oven roasting? No worries. I did create this this dry rub specifically for smoked turkeys, but it would be amazing with any cooking method…even if you’re just making a breast, wings, or turkey legs.

The ingredients in this turkey rub may look familiar, but I’ve tested and tweaked the ratios an insane amount of times to make sure it is perfect.

If you need a delicious gravy recipe to go with this year’s turkey, you could do worse than my turkey gravy without drippings recipe.

Please enjoy and let me know what you think!

Best Smoked Turkey Rub

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 2 reviews

• Author: The Kettle Guy
• Total Time: 6 minutes
• Yield: 4 Tablespoons 1x

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Description

If you’re on turkey duty for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other special occasion, this dry rub for smoked turkey will make this year’s bird be the best you’ve ever had! It’s got the right amount of classic herbs and spices, and a few unexpected additions for balanced flavor that’s sure to impress your guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 Teaspoons Kosher Salt
• 2 Teaspoons Light Brown Sugar
• 1.5 Teaspoons Smoked Paprika
• 1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme Leaves (or 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Thyme)
• 1 Teaspoon Dried Rosemary (finely chopped or ground in a spice grinder)
• 1 Teaspoon Rubbed Sage
• 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Lemon Pepper Seasoning
• 1/2 Teaspoon Chipotle Powder (or substitute with cayenne pepper)

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Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in a medium bowl
2. Whisk or hand-mix together until thoroughly incorporated and no brown sugar clumps remain
3. Use immediately or store in an air-tight container

Notes

This recipe makes the perfect amount for one whole turkey or two whole chickens. It can be used in conjunction with an overnight dry brine but I think the results are best if the rub is applied just before cooking. Rub your bird(s) with either ghee, melted butter, or olive oil and sprinkle on the rub liberally. For more information, please see my easy smoked turkey recipe

• Prep Time: 1 Minute
• Cook Time: 5 Minutes
• Category: BBQ
• Method: Smoking

Nutrition

• Serving Size: about 1 Teaspoon
• Calories: 6
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 467mg
• Fat: 0
• Saturated Fat: 0
• Unsaturated Fat: 0
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0
• Protein: 0
• Cholesterol: 0