Depends on what temperature you're going to be cooking at. Ideally for chicken I do it at around 250-275*F. to get crispy skin. I use almond because it's easy to get where I'm at. As for a rub, use what ever you like...I use pepper, garlic, and some paprika for color. I brine it overnight in 2qts water,12oz. salt, pepper corns, tyme, and coriander seeds. Good luck.