↑

Good Dinner Mom

Sharing Love through Good Food

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • The Main Dish
      • Chicken & Poultry
      • Beef & Meat
      • Slow Cooked Meals
      • Meatless Main Dish
      • Fish & Seafood
      • Soups, Stews & Chili
      • One Pot Meals
      • Breakfasts & Brunch
      • Eggs
    • Fresh from the Bakery
      • Bakery
      • Bread & Biscuits
      • Cakes
      • Cheesecake
      • Chocolate
      • Cookies, Bars & Brownies
      • Fruit Desserts
      • Jams, Jellies & Preserves
      • Muffins & Pastries
      • Pastries & Pie
      • Tarts
    • On The Side
      • Salads & Salad Dressings
      • Side Dishes
    • Hors d’oeuvres & Party Fare
      • Appetizers
      • Condiments, Dips & Sauces
      • Snacks
    • Frozen Treats, Drinks & Smoothies
      • Beverages & Smoothies
      • Frozen Treats
    • Even More Healthy
      • Gluten Free
      • Quinoa
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
    • Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker
    • Holiday Recipes
    • 30 Minutes or Less
    • Cuisines
      • Asian
      • Italian
      • Mediterranean
      • Mexican
  • Shop
  • About
    • About Good Dinner Mom
    • Where I Live
    • Backyard Chickens
    • Contact

Good dinner recipeswhen you subscribe for recipes

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

.
  • The Main Dish
  • 30 Minutes or Less
  • Fresh from the Bakery
  • Vegetarian
  • Shop

Cajun Spice Rub Recipe

20 Comments

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

Cajun Spice Rub is AMAZING as a chicken dry rub recipe, or with fish, pork, or even vegetables. Mildly hot made with common spices from your pantry. 

cajun spice mix before mixing in white bowl

I once bought a pre-packaged Cajun spice mix and it was very smokey, as in bottled liquid smoke-smokey, and overly salty. From then on, that is what I thought was classic Cajun. Years later, and fresh out of my break-up with packaged and processed foods, I decided to give it a go with spice mixes from scratch. This recipe is an incredible combination with all the flavors that add depth and brightness. Plus, I already have all the ingredients in my pantry.

cajun spice mixed in white bowl

Ingredients in Cajun Spice Mix

Salt – Salt is important to any seasoning mix and just the right amount makes flavors come alive. Salt should enhance and brighten a dish but not be THE flavor you taste the most. This mix adds just enough to play well with the other ingredients.

Garlic Powder – Garlic powder adds a deep slightly peppery-smoky flavor to this mix and is a fantastic “base” flavor in many spice mixes.

Paprika – Sweet and fruity, with mild heat- paprika adds beautiful color to this mix and really helps all the flavors play well together. Don’t use smoked paprika for this recipe as it may overpower.

Black Pepper – Black pepper starts adding some sharpness to the Cajun Spice Mix.

Onion Powder – Onion powder ads the sweet side of this mix as well as a little sharp bite.

Cayenne Pepper – Cayenne pepper definitely adds heat and this heat intensifies as it cooks. This spice has a sharp bite and also enhances the other flavors in the mix.

Dried Oregano – Oregano adds some bright, almost minty notes to the Cajun Spice Mix. Some people describe the flavor as “green”.

Dried Thyme – Thyme is also a kind of minty spice, with floral properties.

Red Pepper Flakes – Red pepper flakes in this seasoning combination add heat and a little texture. Made from a combination of red peppers, cayenne peppers being in there for sure, this is where I would increase for more heat and if you’re afraid of any heat at all, you can omit it. However, in this seasoning mix, 1/2 teaspoon is spread out enough that even kids will find it mild enough.

Ways to use Cajun Seasoning-

Sprinkle over popcorn.

Add to oven fries before baking.

Add to Greek yogurt for an instant vegetable dip or to top baked potatoes.

Mix with your favorite oil and brush on salmon before grilling. The same can be done with any fish or seafood.

Use as a classic chicken rub recipe. You can add this to chicken breasts or even cover a whole chicken, there’s enough for that. Excellent on the grill or to bake in the oven.

Use with a pork butt in the slow cooker. Pat the pork roast to remove extra moisture and then work the rub around all sides of the pork. Cook on low for 8 hours.

Toss with vegetables before roasting and then drizzle with olive oil.

As you can see, Cajun spice mix comes together using common spices from your pantry, so make a bunch to always have on hand. I use it on my Instant Pot Easy Chicken Wings. This is the most popular recipe on my site and the seasoning is one of the reasons it’s so delicious.

Chicken wings in white bowl with carrots, onions on the side

Pin
Print Recipe
5 from 10 votes

Cajun Spice Mix and Rub

This spice mix is mildly hot. Adjust the heat by changing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. Very versatile mix to have in the pantry.
Course Condiments, Dinner
Cuisine American, Mediterranean, Tex Mex
Keyword cajun, chicken spice rub, spice mix
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 5
Author Sally Humeniuk

Ingredients 

  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 ½ teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional or adjust to taste

Instructions

  • Stir 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 ½ teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, 1 ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes together and store in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Cajun spice rub can be stored in an airtight container for at least 3 months. No need to refrigerate.
  • Increase or decrease the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to your liking but I don't recommend leaving them out completely. At least a good dash of cayenne adds a nice complexity to the mix without adding heat.
Nutrition Facts
Cajun Spice Mix and Rub
Amount Per Serving (1 g)
Calories 5 Calories from Fat 1
% Daily Value*
Fat 0.1g0%
Saturated Fat 0.03g0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.02g
Sodium 390mg17%
Potassium 28mg1%
Carbohydrates 1g0%
Fiber 0.5g2%
Sugar 0.1g0%
Protein 0.2g0%
Vitamin A 308IU6%
Vitamin C 0.2mg0%
Calcium 9mg1%
Iron 0.4mg2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

cajun spice mix Pinterest pin

You might also like

  • Cajun Spiced Chicken Wings
  • Here's a quick and easy Peanut Sauce Recipe that's perfect for any Asian Salad or Chicken Satay. Regular and gluten-free version.
    Peanut Sauce Recipe
  • Chicken Salad Recipe

Published on October 6, 2020

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. jackie k says

    January 28, 2022 at 5:59 AM

    5 stars
    This rub is wonderful! If I’m using it on wings or rotisserie I like to half the oregano amount but if I’m using it on burgers or meatloaf I keep the oregano as is in the recipe.

    Reply
  2. Beth h says

    January 28, 2022 at 5:56 AM

    5 stars
    Nice blend of flavors! And it still leaves room to add more heat if you want to. Thanks Sally for the great recipe.

    Reply
  3. Sam r says

    January 27, 2022 at 6:22 AM

    5 stars
    FANTASTIC RUB! We always keep a batch on hand. We put it on burgers and it makes the burger!

    Reply
  4. mary Ann m says

    January 27, 2022 at 6:20 AM

    5 stars
    Very tasty! A great addition to my rotisserie chicken. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  5. WENDY says

    January 25, 2022 at 7:02 AM

    5 stars
    This is absolutely the best rub I have ever made myself. I use it on just about every meat I cook! I HIGHLY recommend this rub, very delicious!

    Reply
  6. Dan says

    January 25, 2022 at 6:58 AM

    5 stars
    Ive made this twice, and its great! I mixed all the powders and put it in an extra shaker that I had, then shook the rub all over pork ribs! delicious Sally Thank you for the addition to my spice cabinet.

    Reply
  7. Brad D says

    January 24, 2022 at 6:26 AM

    5 stars
    This looks so flavorful and delicious! There’s nothing better than a fresh homemade rub!

    Reply
  8. Alexis M says

    January 24, 2022 at 6:24 AM

    5 stars
    I cannot live without this in my spice collection! I always have the ingredients on hand and it takes no time to mix up when you run out (and you will fast, its that delicious) I love it on potatoes and chicken best!

    Reply
    • Sally Humeniuk says

      January 24, 2022 at 9:12 AM

      Thanks Alexis, I always try to have this blend on hand, as well. I appreciate you taking the time to comment!

      Reply
  9. Jennifer says

    October 24, 2020 at 1:27 PM

    This looks amazing and just the right amount of heat! Can’t wait to try for some wings for football season (and the pre-made mixes always have such unhealthy stuff like msg).

    Reply
  10. Lavonne Jarosz says

    March 12, 2019 at 1:12 AM

    5 stars
    Love this with the wing sauce. Use it on full-size drumsticks and comes out perfectly!!! Big hit with family and friends! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Sally Humeniuk says

      March 13, 2019 at 6:52 PM

      Thanks Lavonne! It’s one of my favorite spice rubs ever. 🙂

      Reply
  11. Claudia says

    November 1, 2018 at 2:44 AM

    What if you don’t like it too spicy?

    Reply
    • Sally Humeniuk says

      November 1, 2018 at 12:53 PM

      Hi Claudia, I would omit the red pepper flakes and decrease the cayenne pepper by half. You could also leave out the cayenne, but even the original amount is very little so a dash or so might still be a good addition. 🙂

      Reply
  12. Jackie says

    June 23, 2018 at 12:47 AM

    5 stars
    I absolutely LOVE this Seasoning ! Its great on Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli.
    My second time making it and won’t be my last 😉

    Reply
  13. Tom says

    June 30, 2017 at 3:42 PM

    gave it 5 stars big hit at my cookout thank you for sharing

    Reply
    • Sally says

      July 2, 2017 at 4:16 PM

      Thanks Tom, glad you liked it!

      Reply
  14. Denise says

    May 7, 2017 at 8:53 PM

    Delicious!

    Reply
  15. Bill says

    October 14, 2016 at 1:38 PM

    Very good recipe.

    Reply
    • Sally says

      October 14, 2016 at 8:42 PM

      Thank you Bill! And also thanks for taking the time to comment.

      Reply
About Sally - Good Dinner Mom.

About Good Dinner Mom

My name is Sally and I love to be in the kitchen. Making fresh, unique dishes is my way of showing love for family and friends and I hope that here you’ll find recipes of both healthy and indulgent dishes that will inspire you to cook more at home while sharing some love of your own. more about me

Find a recipe:

Latest Recipes

The Best Macaroni and Cheese I’ve Ever Had

Jalapeno Peppers with cheese and jalapenos stacked on a plate. A can of beer in background

Jalapeno Popper Pigs In A Blanket

Stuffed Jalapeños

Delicious Spiced Pear Oatmeal Recipe

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Cake

Halloween neapolitan cookies layered on black board. Cookies are purple black and natural with M&M's on them.

Halloween Neapolitan Cookies

  • The Main Dish
  • 30 Minutes or Less
  • Fresh from the Bakery
  • Vegetarian
  • Shop
macaroni and cheese with peas asparagus and basil
The best Chinese Chicken Salad is right here with fresh vegetables, tender chicken and amazing Asian peanut salad dressing. Ready in under 30 minutes.
Oven Baked Chowder
Privacy Policy
Copyright ©2023, Good Dinner Mom. All Rights Reserved.
Design by Pixel Me Designs