Get ready to elevate your grilling game with these 18 mouth-watering Traeger recipes that showcase the star of the show: chicken! From tender and juicy whole chickens to crispy wings and flavorful drumsticks, we’ve got you covered with a wide range of smoky, savory, and sweet options. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, these recipes are sure to impress your family and friends.
In this article, we’ll dive into the wonderful world of Traeger chicken delights, featuring everything from classic comfort food dishes to international-inspired flavors. You’ll find recipes that incorporate a variety of ingredients, from herbs and spices to sauces and glazes, all designed to bring out the best in your chicken. So grab your Traeger, fire up the grill, and get ready to indulge in some deliciously smoky goodness!
Traeger Smoked Whole Chicken with Herb Butter
Elevate your poultry game with this mouthwatering recipe that combines the rich flavor of smoked chicken with a savory herb butter.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 1 cup wood chips (apple or cherry work well)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger to 225°F.
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Season the chicken inside and out with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Place the wood chips in the Traeger’s smoker box.
5. Smoke the chicken for 2 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Meanwhile, mix together the softened butter, chopped parsley, and thyme.
7. Brush the herb butter all over the smoked chicken during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
8. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2 hours
Traeger Chicken Thighs with Honey Garlic Glaze
Elevate your BBQ game with this easy and flavorful recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend gathering. With the rich flavor of honey and garlic, these chicken thighs will become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger grill to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and brush with the honey glaze, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Place the chicken on the Traeger grill, skin side up.
5. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until crispy.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Traeger Smoked Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce
Elevate your game day snacks with these tender and juicy Traeger-smoked chicken wings slathered in a spicy buffalo sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1 cup wood chips (your choice of fruit or hardwood)
– 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger grill to 275°F.
2. Season the chicken wings with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Place the wood chips in the Traeger grill and close the lid. Smoke the wings for 2 hours.
4. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the buffalo wing sauce, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
5. Remove the wings from the smoker and toss with the buffalo sauce until well coated.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 2 hours (smoking) + 10-15 minutes (sauce preparation)
Traeger Beer Can Chicken with Spicy Rub
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this mouth-watering Traeger beer can chicken recipe, infused with a spicy kick. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for any occasion, and the best part? It’s ready in under an hour!
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 1 cup beer of your choice
– 2 tbsp Spicy Rub (see below)
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Spicy Rub:
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger to 375°F.
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together Spicy Rub ingredients.
4. Place the beer can in the cavity of the chicken, making sure it’s centered.
5. Sprinkle the Spicy Rub evenly over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
6. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Cook for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast with Lemon Pepper
Elevate your chicken game with this tender and flavorful recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend gathering. With the added brightness of lemon pepper, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup lemon pepper seasoning
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger to 275°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together lemon pepper seasoning, olive oil, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts in the Traeger’s main compartment.
4. Brush the lemon pepper mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken.
5. Close the lid and smoke for 2-1/2 to 3 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Let chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 to 3 hours
Traeger BBQ Chicken Quarters with Sweet Molasses Glaze
Elevate your chicken game with this simple and delicious Traeger recipe that combines the rich flavors of molasses, brown sugar, and spices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a backyard BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken quarters
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 2 tablespoons molasses
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, sweetened condensed milk, molasses, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken quarters on the Traeger grill mat or directly on the grill grates.
4. Brush the sweet molasses glaze all over the chicken, making sure to coat evenly.
5. Cook for 30-40 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Traeger Smoked Chicken Legs with Cajun Seasoning
Get ready to experience the bold flavors of Louisiana on your Traeger smoker! This recipe combines the richness of chicken legs with a spicy kick from Cajun seasoning, perfect for any outdoor gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 chicken legs
– 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Remove any giblets from the chicken legs and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken legs evenly with the Cajun seasoning mixture.
5. Place the chicken legs on the Traeger grill mat or directly on the grill grates.
6. Close the lid and smoke for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle brown sugar over the chicken legs to caramelize.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Traeger Chicken Drumsticks with Maple Mustard Glaze
Elevate your chicken game with this sweet and tangy recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or game-day gathering. These tender drumsticks are smothered in a sticky maple mustard glaze, making them a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in chicken drumsticks
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder.
3. Remove drumsticks from packaging and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Season drumsticks with salt and pepper.
5. Place drumsticks on Traeger grill grates.
6. Brush glaze over drumsticks during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
7. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Traeger Smoked Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Experience the perfect blend of smoky flavor and sweet heat in this unique taco recipe, where tender chicken meets tangy pineapple salsa on a crispy tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup Traeger Smoked Chicken Rub
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Pineapple Salsa (recipe below)
– Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, and sour cream for toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together chicken rub, brown sugar, and pineapple juice.
3. Place chicken breasts in the smoker and season with the mixture.
4. Smoke for 4-5 hours or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Shred chicken and warm tortillas according to package instructions.
6. Assemble tacos by placing shredded chicken onto a warmed tortilla, followed by a spoonful of Pineapple Salsa.
Pineapple Salsa:
– 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Traeger Spatchcock Chicken with Rosemary and Garlic
Perfectly seasoned and tender chicken, infused with the aroma of rosemary and garlic, is just a few hours away with this easy Traeger recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Traeger to 375°F.
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, and rosemary.
4. Place the chicken on the Traeger grill mat or directly on the grill grates.
5. Brush the garlic-rosemary mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Close the lid and cook for 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Traeger Smoked Chicken Fajitas with Peppers and Onions
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this mouthwatering Traeger Smoked Chicken Fajitas recipe, packed with tender chicken, caramelized peppers and onions, and a hint of smokiness.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into fajita-style strips
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 small flour tortillas
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from marinade and cook on Traeger for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook peppers and onions for 5-7 minutes or until caramelized.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in foil and heating on Traeger for 2-3 minutes.
6. Assemble fajitas with chicken, peppers, and onions. Add desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (Traeger), including marinating time.
Traeger Chicken Kebabs with Teriyaki Marinade
Traeger Chicken Kebabs with Teriyaki Marinade Recipe
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki-marinated chicken kebabs, perfectly cooked to tender perfection on your Traeger grill.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup teriyaki marinade (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki marinade, brown sugar, garlic, soy sauce, and ginger.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix until coated.
3. Thread 4-5 pieces of marinated chicken onto each skewer, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Place the kebabs on the Traeger grill at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Traeger Smoked Chicken Salad with Avocado Dressing
Elevate your salad game with this mouthwatering combination of tender Traeger-smoked chicken, crisp greens, and a creamy avocado dressing. Perfect for a light and refreshing meal or as a satisfying side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup Traeger Chicken Rub
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 225°F.
2. Season chicken with Chicken Rub, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.
3. Smoke chicken for 4-5 hours or until tender.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced avocado, and thinly sliced red onion.
5. Shred the smoked chicken and add it to the salad.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (smoking time)
Traeger Whole Chicken with Citrus and Thyme
Transform your Traeger into a citrus-scented kitchen with this flavorful recipe for whole chicken. The combination of juicy chicken, zesty orange and lemon, and herbaceous thyme will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
– 1 (3-4 lb) whole chicken
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together orange and lemon juices.
3. Rub the chicken all over with the citrus mixture, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Place the chicken on the Traeger grill grates, breast side up.
5. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, followed by 1 sprig of thyme.
6. Close the lid and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Remove from heat, let rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Traeger Smoked Chicken Nachos with Cheese and Jalapeños
Transform your snack game with this mouthwatering recipe that combines the rich flavors of smoked chicken, melted cheese, and spicy jalapeños on top of crispy tortilla chips. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing gathering or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/4 cup Traeger Smoked Chicken Seasoning
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1 can (16 oz) of tortilla chips
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2-3 jalapeños, sliced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 225°F.
2. Season the chicken breast with Traeger Smoked Chicken Seasoning and smoke for 2 hours or until cooked through.
3. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
4. In a separate pan, heat the tortilla chips over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until crispy.
5. Assemble the nachos by spreading half of the tortilla chips on a baking sheet, topping with shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, and smoked chicken.
6. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
7. Place under broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 4 hours (includes smoking time)
Traeger Chicken Sandwiches with Smoked Gouda
Transform your chicken sandwiches into a mouthwatering masterpiece with the addition of smoky Gouda and Traeger’s tender, juicy chicken.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger grill to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Place the chicken on the Traeger grill and cook for 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Meanwhile, toast the hamburger buns on the Traeger grill for 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned.
6. Assemble the sandwiches by placing a cooked chicken breast on each bun, topping with shredded smoked Gouda cheese and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Traeger Smoked Chicken Pizza with BBQ Sauce
Elevate your pizza game with this unique fusion of smoky chicken and tangy BBQ sauce. This recipe combines the convenience of a Traeger smoker with the comfort of a classic pizza.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 pre-made pizza crust or homemade dough
– Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger to 275°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub the mixture all over the chicken breasts.
3. Place the chicken in the Traeger and smoke for 2-3 hours or until cooked through.
4. Roll out the pizza crust and spread with BBQ sauce.
5. Shred the smoked chicken into bite-sized pieces and scatter on top of the pizza.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the chicken.
7. Cook in a preheated oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (Traeger) + 15 minutes (oven)
Traeger Chicken and Veggie Foil Packets with Herbs
Elevate your outdoor cooking experience with this easy and flavorful recipe that combines juicy chicken, colorful vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a single foil packet.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1 cup mixed herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger grill to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, bell peppers, garlic, zucchini, and herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and place each portion onto a large piece of aluminum foil, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Drizzle olive oil over each packet, then fold the foil over the ingredients to form a sealed package.
5. Place packets on the Traeger grill and cook for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Summary
Get ready to fire up your Traeger grill and elevate your chicken game! This article features 18 mouth-watering recipes that showcase the versatility of smoked chicken. From classic favorites like Buffalo wings and BBQ quarters, to innovative dishes like smoky tacos and pizza, there’s something for everyone. With a range of flavors from spicy to sweet, these recipes will inspire you to try new things and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Whether you’re a Traeger newbie or a seasoned pro, this collection is sure to become your go-to guide for delicious smoked chicken delights.