This Turkey Rub and poultry seasoning recipe brings every classic Autumn flavor together to ensure a super-flavorful turkey or chicken
This turkey seasoning rub features an aromatic blend of classic seasonings that you probably already have in your spice cabinet to make the perfect dry rub. This can also be made into an herb paste, as well.
Prep is so easy! It takes just 5 minutes to combine everything and then rub the blend onto your turkey (or chicken) to roast or grill!
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Create the perfect turkey dinner with the addition of creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Orange Sauce, and Green Beans Almondine. If you are hosting a smaller holiday or family dinner, try our savory Easy Oven Roasted Turkey Breast which is perfect for a smaller crowd.
Homemade seasoning mixes are a smart way to go for 3 reasons:
- HEALTHIER: You know exactly what’s in your mix – no artificial flavors or additives
- PERFECT QUANTITY: This poultry seasoning recipe makes just the right amount for 2 turkeys or 3 large chickens. So, no leftover stale seasoning mix hiding in the back of the spice cabinet (hey, we’ve all done it!)
- ECONOMICAL: Why spend $7-$20 on a small can of seasonings that you can likely make for $2.00 in 5 minutes?
Ingredients in Turkey Seasoning Rub
- Light Brown Sugar – This is optional but it gives the skin a gorgeous crackly brown color as well as helping to balance the spices. If you’re going sugar-free you can omit the sugar
- Kosher Salt – it’s important to use Kosher salt, rather than table salt. Kosher salt is larger and more coarse which makes it easier to evenly spread on the turkey and helps prevent over-salting. If you need to use table salt just use 1 teaspoon, instead of 2 Tablespoons.
- Dried Rosemary, Thyme, and Sage – the “trifecta” of herbs for poultry! (See below if you want to use fresh herbs instead)
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder– If you substitute garlic salt or onion salt then cut back a little on the kosher salt.
- Paprika – We use regular sweet paprika, but if you want a smoky flavor use smoked paprika, or if you’d like a bit of spice, try hot paprika
- Black Pepper – freshly ground
How to substitute fresh herbs for dried herbs: We use dried herbs for this recipe but if you decide to use fresh herbs make sure to finely chop them, double the amount (just the herbs, not the spices), and use the mixture within 3 days.
How to make Turkey Dry Rub
- Combine all of the ingredients together in a bowl or jar and whisk or stir to combine. Or simply place the lid on and shake to combine.
- If you want the dried herbs to be slightly more fine place them in a mortar and pestle and crush lightly.
- If not using the turkey seasonings immediately we recommend storing the blended mix in a sealed glass jar in a cool dry place.
Using this rub to season your Thanksgiving Turkey:
- Coat the thawed bird with a thin layer of olive oil and rub the mixture all over the turkey. Make sure to fully coat the bird.
- We recommend gently loosening the skin around the breast and thighs and putting some of the mixture directly on the meat. Great for an added pop of flavor.
- The turkey can be rubbed 30 minutes before cooking and up to 24 hours ahead of time. (if not cooking within one hour place the turkey back in the refrigerator)
Making a seasoned spice paste or wet rub:
- For a very thick paste – mix the blended mixture with about 2 Tablespoons of olive oil, melted coconut oil, or melted and slightly cooled butter
- For a looser “wet” rub – add 4 Tablespoons of olive oil, coconut oil, or melted butter to the poultry seasoning and blend together
- Smear the paste with a spatula all over the bird. Finish by using your hands to smooth out the paste. Make sure the entire surface area of the bird is covered with the rub. For more flavor, allow the meat to marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
Ingredient Variation Ideas:
It’s easy to customize this blend and very forgiving of substitutions!
- Herbs: Herbs you could add include basil, oregano, marjoram, parsley
- Sugar: substitute raw sugar or coconut sugar, or use honey if making a paste
- Spices: Like it a little hot? Add hot paprika, a pinch of cayenne, or add chili powder. Smoked paprika will give it a lovely smoky flavor even without grilling
- Use fresh minced garlic if you are making a fresh herb rub and paste
- Try adding some lemon zest for added zing!
Storage
- This Turkey Rub recipe can be doubled, tripled or even cut in half
- Store tightly sealed in a jar, container, or zip-up plastic bag for up to 3 months. Keep in a cool dry place
We ♥️ fresh spice mixtures and rubs!
Here are a few of our other favorites:
- Potlatch Seasoning – great for fish, especially salmon
- Dry Rub for Ribs – a reader favorite!
- Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix – packed with flavor and a must for Taco Tuesday!
- Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix – perfect for pie but also the base for our popular Pumpkin Spice Syrup for your favorite Fall coffee: the Pumpkin Spice Latte
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Turkey Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoon Light brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoon Kosher salt (or 1 teaspoon table salt)
- 1 Tablespoon Dried rosemary
- 1 Tablespoon Dried thyme
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon Paprika
- 2 teaspoons Dried sage
- 2 teaspoons Onion powder
- 2 teaspoons Black pepper
Instructions
Dry Rub Seasoning for two 10-12 pound turkeys
- Combine all of the ingredients in a small dish and whisk to combine
- Store in a sealed container and use within 3 months for the best flavor
- Spread the rub all over the turkey, up to 24 hours before cooking
For a wet rub:
- Combine the seasoning blend with 4 Tablespoons of olive oil, coconut oil, or melted butter. Spread evenly all over the turkey.
Notes
- Need more? This recipe can be doubled or tripled
- Store: tightly sealed in a container for up to 3 months
- Prefer no sugar? Just omit the brown sugar
- Using fresh herbs? Double the amount of herbs
Teresa Baggiolini
I used this rub on my turkey this Thanksgiving and actually barbecued the Turkey in the Traeger and it was the best turkey ever. I never really use paprika before until I discovered this site and it has such great flavor. There’s a great rub for the tomahawk steak as well and use that rub on all my steaks.
Jayne
Thank you Teresa! We are glad you enjoy our recipes.
Stephanie
This is the perfect blend of seasonings for our Thanksgiving turkey rub. It is loaded with flavor!
Ali
This turkey rub was so simple to make but packed in a ton of flavor! Will definitely be making it again for Thanksgiving.
Suja md
Outstanding recipe thanks so much! tasted so much good!
justine
Added a bit of spice on our breast for dinner and was excellent. Will make again
Anjali
This rub is so rich and flavorful!! We used it today, but I know we’ll be using it all season long, and I’ll definitely be adding it to our menu for Thanksgiving!