Competition Chicken Rub

Ingredients & ratio

tbsp = tablespoon / cucchiaio · tsp = teaspoon / cucchiaino

Higher sugar ratio is intentional — creates competition-style caramelized bark

Preparation

1. Mix all ingredients well.
2. Trim chicken thighs removing all loose skin and fat, leaving one clean flat surface.
3. Apply rub on all surfaces and under the skin if possible.
4. Rest in the fridge uncovered for 4–8 hours before cooking.
5. Cook straight from cold.

Notes

Competition judges want bite-through skin with caramelized glaze. The higher sugar delivers that. Finish with Kansas City BBQ Sauce as glaze in the final 15 minutes.