An all-purpose BBQ seasoning that goes well with chicken, pork, or beef. This recipe is easy to make with readily available ingredients, making it perfect to keep on hand for seasoning any dish.

Originally posted in January 2024, this post has been updated in May 2026.

A spoonful of all-purpose BBQ seasoning on a wooden cutting board and the bottom of the jar of seasoning behind the spoon.

This seasoning is a staple in our house. We always have it on hand to use in all kinds of ways.

Why Make Your Own Seasoning?

The answer to this is simple: It tastes better and is usually less expensive than buying it pre-made.

There are no additives or preservatives in homemade seasonings. Many store-bought seasonings have anti-clumping agents in them.

You can also control some of the ingredients, like salt if you are looking to reduce your sodium intake.

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Ingredients For All-Purpose BBQ Seasoning

This recipe has eight simple ingredients.

Sea salt.
Brown sugar.
White sugar.
Chili powder.
Paprika. For a smokier flavour, we like to use smoked paprika.
Garlic powder.
Onion powder.
Black pepper.

Take this seasoning up a notch with a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer it with a little heat.

How To Make This Seasoning

There are two ways to make this seasoning.

The easiest way to make this seasoning is to place all ingredients in a bowl and whisk together. This way is perfect for using this seasoning as a rub for larger pieces of meat.

Another way to make this spice is using a spice grinder to pulse the ingredients together to form a powder. The powder is easier to sprinkle over smaller pieces of meat, such as chicken wings.

How To Use All-Purpose Seasoning

This seasoning blend can be used for so many different dishes.

Beef. Sprinkle generously on roasts, burgers, or steaks. It helps create a beautiful and flavourful crust when seared in a cast-iron skillet or over the open flame.
Chicken. Whether you’re making whole chicken or chicken breasts, this seasoning adds a lot of flavour.
Pork. Pork chops or pork shoulder. We have used it on shoulders and butts for pulled pork.
Vegetables. Toss raw vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers in seasoning before throwing them on the grill.
As a Marinade. We like to pulse the ingredients in a coffee grinder to make a powder. Then mix 1/4 cup of the seasoning with a tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of lime juice to form a marinade.

Can All-Purpose BBQ Seasoning Be Made in Advance?

Yes. We make large batches of this seasoning mix and keep it in mason jars in the pantry. We use it so much that we always have it on hand.

This seasoning will last in mason jars for up to 3 months in the pantry or other cool dry place.

All-purpose BBQ seasoning also makes a great gift idea for a BBQ lover. We like to pair this seasoning along with our BBQ Apple Pie Seasoning in a basket with BBQ accessories as gifts for Father’s Day and Christmas. Check out Just Keeping It Real’s DIY Gift Baskets for gift basket ideas.

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