This homemade turkey rub is the perfect turkey seasoning to give your bird lots of flavor, just mix, rub down the bird inside and out, and get cooking!
Turkey Rub Recipe (Turkey Seasoning)
Are you ready to make the turkey, but need a good Turkey Seasoning blend? I have the perfect Turkey Rub right here!
If you're looking for the most flavorful turkey you can get this year, this is the ideal spice blend.
It's a great mix of savory spices and dried herbs, guaranteed to make your Thanksgiving turkey or holiday bird truly shine, whether you are making a roasted turkey breast, a whole turkey, or a wonderful meal of turkey legs or turkey wings.
I use this turkey seasoning rub with many turkey recipes, and we always love the resulting flavor.
Let's talk about how to make turkey seasoning, shall we?
Turkey Rub Ingredients
The full ingredients list with measurements is listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Salt. Typical table salt is good, or use kosher salt.
- Paprika. I like smoked paprika, though you can use sweet or hot.
- Onion Powder.
- Garlic Powder.
- Black Pepper.
- Dried Thyme.
- Dried Rosemary.
- Dried Sage.
- Cayenne Pepper. Optional, for spicy. Or use other hot chili powder.
How to Make Turkey Seasoning - the Recipe Method
Combine all of the ingredients for your spice rub together in a small bowl.
Rinse and dry your turkey, then rub the turkey rub spices into the turkey, including underneath the skin and inside the bird's cavity. Use oil or butter if you’d like.
Prepare your turkey as desired.
This is enough for a 12-15 pound turkey.
Boom! Done! Your awesome turkey rub is ready to serve. Quick and easy, and huge on flavor. Time to rub down the turkey and get cooking!
Recipe Tips & Notes
- Turkeys require lots of seasoning to impart flavor, so feel free to rub your bird down liberally. I use a lot of spices.
- Be sure to rub the turkey down inside the cavity and under the skin, and even pierce the skin with a knife, to get full flavor penetration.
- Consider a dry brine by rubbing your turkey down with this turkey dry rub, then refrigerating overnight to develop lots of flavor and help keep it juicy.
- You can also season your turkey with a wet brine by soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution with this turkey rub blend, which adds moisture and flavor to the meat.
- Try this spice blend with chicken as well. It works great as a general poultry seasoning.
Storage
Store your homemade turkey rub in a sealed container in a pantry or cabinet for up to 6 months. You can still use it after that time, but it begins to lose potency.
That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy! Best turkey rub recipe out there! Let me know if you make it. I'd love to hear how it turned out for you, and if you decided to spice it up!
Cookbook Recommendation
If you enjoy spicy cooking, I hope you'll check out my cookbook! 75 easy recipes with big, bold flavor.
- The Spicy Food Lovers' Cookbook, by Mike Hultquist (affiliate link, my friends!)
Tools Used For This Recipe
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Try Some of My Turkey Recipes
Turkey Side Dish Ideas
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Turkey Rub Recipe (Turkey Seasoning)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon paprika smoked paprika is great here
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- ½-1 teaspoon cayenne optional, for spicy
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients together in a bowl.
- Rinse and dry your turkey, then rub the turkey rub spices into the turkey, including underneath the skin and inside the bird's cavity. Use oil or butter if you’d like.
- Prepare your turkey as desired.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Peg says
Mike, your rub recipes are awesome!
Mike H. says
I appreciate it. Enjoy!
Kels says
This made a fantastic bird! I haven't tried one recipe from here that's been a dud. Good job as always!
Mike H. says
I appreciate it, Kels. Enjoy!
Christina says
I came across your site just about a week ago, and I’m so glad I did, I love your step by step instructions, I’ve already saved many of your recipes I’m going to use your turkey rub on my bird this year, I’m sure it will go great with your sausage stuffing.
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks so much, Christina! I hope you find many recipes you enjoy!
Toni says
yum! I'm just going to add 1 tsp jalapeño powder to the mix. but thanks this sounds great! Happy Turkey Day.
Mike Hultquist says
I love the addition! Thanks, Toni!
Doug Doty says
This looks awesome! Unfortunately, I will have to make it sans the cayenne for my family.
I'll try it on some Cornish hens sometime with the cayenne. That should be awesome!
Mike H. says
I am sure you will enjoy it! Thanks, Doug!
Mary Askin says
This turkey was wonderful. My turkey came out so flavorful and juicy. Thanks for tne recipe. Might be making he turkey stew next.
Mike Hultquist says
Excellent! Thanks, Mary!
Pat says
Do you have any recipes using hatch green chili powder?
Mike Hultquist says
You can really use it many of my recipes, Pat. Use it in place of the chili powder. Try my Chili Verde Recipe: https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/recipes/chili-verde/