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Pollo Campero Fried Chicken Rub

Pollo Campero Fried Chicken Rub - recipe card
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This signature rub delivers the bold, citrusy, and mildly spicy flavor of Pollo Campero with a perfect balance of garlic, cumin, and a touch of oregano. It creates a crispy, deeply seasoned crust on fried chicken, with a warm golden color and aromatic finish that’s both savory and zesty.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Measure all the spices into a medium bowl. Use a dry measuring cup for the paprika, and level off each spoonful with the back of a knife for accuracy.
  2. Add the kosher salt and black pepper. If you like a little heat, include the cayenne; for a milder rub, omit it or reduce to 1/8 teaspoon.
  3. Whisk everything together with a small wire whisk or fork until the powders are evenly combined and no clumps remain. This ensures consistent flavor distribution on the chicken.
  4. Transfer the rub to an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store in a cool, dark place until ready to use, ideally within 3 months for peak flavor.
  5. When ready to use, generously coat chicken pieces with the rub—about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons per pound. Massage the rub into the skin, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) to let the flavors penetrate before frying.

Notes

Store the rub in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months. For best results, apply the rub to the chicken and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before cooking. If you’re making a larger batch, you can scale the recipe—just keep the ratios the same.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pollo Campero, fried chicken rub, chicken seasoning, Latin chicken spice blend, citrus chicken rub, garlic cumin rub, homemade chicken seasoning, spice blend for fried chicken, Pollo Campero recipe, Guatemalan chicken seasoning

Find it online: https://copycatkitchenco.com/pollo-campero-fried-chicken-rub/