Amazing Dry Rub Chicken Thighs
You may have seen recipes that involve putting spices on a meat before cooking it and maybe you wondered why that was necessary. Well, your wondering can now end as we will tell you exactly why using a dry rub is essential! Of course, afterward, you should definitely try out this herby dry rub grilled chicken recipe and put the magic of the dry rub to the test!
To begin, it is important to note that all meats are not very flavorful on their own. When cooked unseasoned, meat can be bland and boring- not good! Meat needs spices and herbs to liven it up and also enhance the natural flavor the meat has. On a most basic level, meat needs salt and pepper which many chefs describe as absolutely essential to any good culinary dish. Salt is a fantastic flavor enhancer and it helps meats retain water, keeping then tender and juicy as they cook. Pepper adds a little zing to any dish and compliments just about everything. Yes, seasoning is necessary!
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A dry rub, in particular, is a mix of dry herbs and spices that is rubbed onto the surface of the meat before it is cooked. The spice mix is sprinkled onto the meat and then, you use your hands to massage the dry rub into the meat. This helps the seasoning get into all the crevices of the meat and also helps the rub stick to the meat.
When the dry rub sits on the surface of the meat overnight, the meat takes on the flavor of the rub. It also helps tenderize the meat, helping extract juices and soften the muscle fibers of the meat. This means, when it is time to cook, the meat will be softer and more flavorful- what could be better than that!
Many people prefer dry rubs to marinades as they tend to be more powerful. Marinades are typically made with a significant amount of oil that can create a barrier between the meat and the spices. A dry rub has no oil, allowing the spices to directly penetrate the meat, giving it an intense flavor. Dry rubs will also stay on the meat better when cooked, adhering to the meat as the spices are seared in. Marinades tend to drip off, causing you to lose valuable flavors to the coals of the grill. Seems like dry rubs are the way to go!
Now that you know a little bit more about why dry rubs are amazing, it is time to start cooking! This recipe is a perfect example of a simple yet delicious dry rub and will demonstrate how a regular chicken can be taken to the next level! So mix up those spices and rub away- and don’t worry, it is completely keto-friendly (of course!).
If you loved this recipe, try this keto chicken marinade from Kicking Carbs. Just like our herby dry rub grilled chicken, this recipe is loaded with flavor and will truly amaze your taste buds!
| Servings: Servings |
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoons whole peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon dried fennel seeds
- 8 bone-in chicken thighs
- salt and pepper
- Combine the rosemary, thyme, garlic, peppercorns, and fennel in a small bowl.
- Trim the chicken as needed with a sharp knife then season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle the herb rub over the chicken and press into both sides.
- Place the chicken on a plate then cover and chill for at least 2 hours up to overnight.
- Remove the chicken from the fridge 15 minutes before grilling.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grease the grates with olive oil.
- Place the chicken on the grill skin-side down and cook for 6 minutes.
- Turn the chicken and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes until cooked through.
NUTRITIONAL DISCLAIMER
The content on this website should not be taken as medical advice and you should ALWAYS consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. We provide nutritional data for our recipes as a courtesy to our readers. We use Total Keto Diet app software to calculate the nutrition and we remove fiber and sugar alcohols, like erythritol, from the total carbohydrate count to get to the net carb count, as they do not affect your blood glucose levels. You should independently calculate nutritional information on your own and not rely on our data. The website or content herein is not intended to cure, prevent, diagnose or treat any disease. This website shall not be liable for adverse reactions or any other outcome resulting from the use of recipes or recommendations on the Website or actions you take as a result. Any action you take is strictly at your own risk.
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Dr. Rosmy Barrios, MD is an aesthetic medicine specialist whose work focuses on patients who are treated for obesity, metabolic syndrome, and other weight-related issues through nutritional analysis, keto diet programs, and supporting medications.
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