Cut salmon into 4 serving size pieces if necessary and pat dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix together rub ingredients: brown sugar, salt, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder and onion powder.
Rub tops of each salmon fillet with ½ teaspoon oil, then evenly rub on spice mixture. Let salmon sit at room temperature about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°F.
Heat large cast iron or enameled skillet over medium high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil to pan or enough to lightly cover the bottom of the skillet. Place salmon fillets in skillet, skin side up, and sear for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and flip fillets over. Salmon should release fairly easily from pan.
Place skillet with salmon in preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes (until internal temperature reaches 145°F or desired temperature).
Video
Notes
If you like, spread prepared BBQ sauce over cooked fillets and place under broiler for a minute to glaze.
Nutrition information is for salmon with rub and does not include optional barbecue sauce.
The BBQ rub is fairly spicy. If you prefer a less spicy version, replace chipotle chili powder with ½ teaspoon chili powder and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.