How to season chicken

The Ultimate Guide to Juicy, Flavorful Chicken Every Time 

When we decided to add a blog to our website this year, we aimed to help home cooks improve their skills, whether they are new to BBQ, experienced pitmasters or simply love to cook! 

But then we were faced with the question, “Where should we start?” We can talk about cooking, smoking and food all day! So we looked at the most common questions we get on social media. One of the most frequent questions is: “How do I season chicken?” So, that’s where we’ll begin. 

No matter the protein, every home cook and backyard griller knows that seasoning is crucial. Whether you’re using a smoker, grilling over charcoal, roasting in the oven or searing on the stovetop or flattop, the right seasoning transforms chicken from good to unforgettable. So we’ll explore how to season chicken, the best rub for chicken and the basics of cooking chicken so it’s juicy, tender and full of flavor. 

We love bold, strong flavors that complement your protein without overwhelming it. Here’s how to level up your next chicken dish: 

Proper seasoning is essential

Chicken is a blank canvas for flavor, but it needs the right seasoning to avoid being bland. Unlike beef or pork, chicken has a more delicate taste that can easily be masked. The right seasoning should:
•    Improve its natural flavor 
•    Create a delicious crust 
•    Balance savory, herbal and citrus notes 
•    Prepare the meat to pair well with sauces and sides 

If you’re looking for the best rub for chicken, you guessed it, we happen to think our Loot N’ Booty BBQ Gold Star Chicken Rub is a winner. And many of you do, too, because it’s one of our most popular seasonings. 

People like it because it is: 

• Versatile: Great on chicken, but also works on turkey, seafood and fish. 
• Herby and citrusy: Fresh notes from herbs and citrus pair nicely with savory spices
• Well-balanced: Not too salty or sweet
• Everyday friendly: Works on drumsticks, breasts, thighs, wings and fish fillets. 
Gold Star Chicken Rub is a user-friendly all-purpose seasoning to keep handy in your kitchen spice rack or BBQ bag. 

How to season chicken like a pro 

Seasoning chicken involves more than just shaking spices on top. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide: 

1. Remove excess moisture — This can be done using paper towels to remove excess moisture, allowing the seasoning to adhere to the meat or skin for a crispy finish. 
2. Marinate it — Marinating your chicken is key for a tender, juicy and flavorful result. You can add seasoning to your marinade, allowing the chicken to absorb all the flavors. If your marinade doesn’t have oil in in, you can coat it in oil or give it a quick spritz of avocado oil if grilling, pan-searing, cooking it on the flattop or baking it.
3. Sprinkle the rub — Generously coat your chicken with Loot N’ Booty BBQ Gold Star Chicken Rub. Don’t be shy, chicken loves seasoning. 
4. Let it rest For the best results, let your seasoned chicken sit for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature for quick meals, or several hours in the fridge for more flavor. This allows the herbs, citrus zest and spices to penetrate the meat. 
5. Cook it right Whether you grill, roast, smoke or pan-sear, make sure the chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the meat. There’s nothing worse than undercooked chicken, except overcooked chicken. 

How to cook chicken 

Chicken is incredibly versatile and your seasoning should be as well. Here’s how to cook chicken using various methods and how to make the most of the flavor with Loot N’ Booty Gold Star Chicken Rub. 

Grilling 

Grilling chicken is classic for a reason. That char and smoky aroma are hard to resist. Tips for grilling: 
• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. 
• Start with the chicken skin-side down to get it crispy. 
• Close the lid and try not to flip too often. 
• Baste with oil or butter if you want extra juiciness. 

With Gold Star Chicken Rub, grilling highlights a vibrant citrus and herb flavor alongside a subtle savory crust that pairs well with your favorite BBQ sauce. We love pairing chicken with our Honey Gold BBQ Sauce. 

Oven roasting

Oven roasting works well for larger cuts like whole chickens or bone-in pieces. Tips for roasting: 
• Preheat to 400°F. 
• Place pieces on a rack to help crisp the skin. 
• Roast until golden brown and fully cooked. 

Roasting concentrates flavor and caramelizes the rub into the skin. We love roasted chicken with pan-roasted vegetables that soak up all the delicious juices. 

Smoking 

Smoking low and slow gives chicken incredible depth of flavor and juiciness. Tips for smoking: 
• Smoke at 225 to 275°F. 
• Use fruit woods or pellets for a hint of sweetness. 
• Keep the smoke gentle and steady. 

The herby and citrus flavors of LNB Gold Star Chicken Rub really shine through when smoking chicken, balancing beautifully with the rich smoke taste. If you want a deep-dive into my exact process for BBQ competition chicken, I have an online chicken course available at BBQ Champs Academy.  

Pan- or flat-top searing 

This method is perfect for boneless cuts like breasts or thighs. Tips for pan-searing: 
• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with some oil. 
• Sear skin-side or presentation side first. Avoid overcrowding the pan. 
• Finish in the oven if needed. 

Pan-seared chicken develops an awesome crust while locking in juices, and Loot N’ Booty Gold Star Chicken Rub caramelizes beautifully at high heat, giving the chicken not only flavor but a beautiful golden hue. 

Top three tips for championship chicken 

• Don’t skimp on seasoning. Chicken appreciates bold flavors. 
• Balance is key. Sweet, salty, citrusy and herby flavors combine for a mouthwatering outcome. 
• Let it rest after cooking. Cover with foil and allow the juices to redistribute before slicing. 

Learning how to properly season chicken is a skill that you’ll use repeatedly. When you choose Loot N’ Booty BBQ Gold Star Chicken Rub, you set yourself up for success every time, whether you are grilling, roasting, smoking or searing. 

We hope you find these tips helpful for making a delicious chicken dinner for your family and friends. What topic should we discuss next? Let us know and it might be our next blog post!