BEST Traeger Chicken Thighs: Crispy Skin Every Time!

Traeger grills are the go-to for easy, smoky barbecue flavor at home. They’re so simple to use, even a beginner can turn out great BBQ.

And when it comes to affordable and flavorful protein, chicken thighs are hard to beat. They’re juicy, readily available, and won’t break the bank.

This guide will show you how to cook the perfect chicken thighs on your Traeger, whether you prefer a low-and-slow smoke or a quicker, higher-heat grill. Get ready for some seriously delicious chicken!

Why Chicken Thighs?

Chicken thighs are the perfect cut for the Traeger. They’re much harder to dry out than chicken breasts. You’ll get a juicy, tender result even if you overcook them a little.

Bone-in, skin-on thighs take a little longer to cook, but they give you the most flavor and stay the moistest. Boneless, skinless thighs are faster but won’t have the same richness.

Plus, chicken thighs are usually cheaper than other cuts, which makes them great for feeding a crowd.

Preparing your chicken thighs

Choosing your chicken

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the best choice for smoking on your Traeger. They stay juicier than boneless, skinless thighs. And the skin gets wonderfully crisp as it smokes.

For the best possible flavor, consider organic or free-range chicken.

Dry rub vs. marinade

A dry rub will create a nice “bark” or crust on your chicken. Marinades penetrate deeper and can add even more moisture and flavor.

For a simple dry rub, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Feel free to experiment with adding other spices, such as chili powder or cumin.

A basic marinade should have an acid (such as lemon juice or vinegar), an oil, and seasonings. A simple marinade could be made with soy sauce (or coconut aminos if you’re avoiding gluten), olive oil, garlic, and your favorite spices.

Smoking chicken thighs: Low and slow

The best way to cook chicken thighs on a Traeger is with a “low and slow” approach to smoking. Here’s how to do it.

Setting up your Traeger

First, clean the grill grates thoroughly. Then, fill the pellet hopper with your favorite wood pellets. Pecan, apple, and cherry wood are all delicious with chicken because they don’t overpower the meat with a heavy, smoky flavor. If you want to use a blend, Traeger’s Signature blend, made with maple, cherry, and hickory, is a good all-around choice.

Smoking process

  1. Set your Traeger to 225°F.
  2. Put the chicken thighs directly on the grill grate, skin-side up.
  3. Smoke for approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours, until the internal temperature hits 165°F.

For best results, use a meat thermometer to keep an eye on the internal temperature of the chicken. You don’t need to flip the chicken while it’s smoking.

Crispy Skin: The Final Touch

Let’s be honest: nobody wants flabby chicken skin. Crispy skin gives the thighs great texture and really enhances the whole experience.

To get that perfect crisp, crank up the Traeger to 400°F for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. This blast of heat will render the fat and give you that satisfying crunch.

But don’t forget to keep an eye on the internal temperature! You want those thighs to hit 175-180°F for maximum tenderness, but you don’t want to dry them out. That final burst of heat happens fast, so be vigilant.

Grilling Chicken Thighs: A Quicker Alternative

Smoking chicken thighs on a Traeger is delicious, but what if you don’t have time for a low-and-slow approach? Grilling is a fantastic option for weeknight meals when you’re short on time.

To grill chicken thighs, preheat your Traeger to 400°F. Bone-in, skin-on thighs will take about 35 minutes, while boneless, skinless thighs will be ready in just 15-20 minutes.

Worried about missing out on that smoky flavor? No problem! Simply add wood chips to a smoker box or use a smoke tube to infuse your grilled chicken with that signature Traeger taste.

Serving and Storing Your Traeger Chicken Thighs

Smoked chicken thighs pair well with almost anything! But some of my favorite sides include:

  • Coleslaw
  • Potato Salad
  • Grilled Vegetables
  • Mac and Cheese

To store any leftover chicken, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should stay fresh for 3-4 days.

My preferred method for reheating chicken thighs is the air fryer. Pop them in at 250°F for 5-7 minutes to get that crispy skin back!

Key Takeaways

Cooking chicken thighs on a Traeger is both easy and delicious! Whether you want to smoke them low and slow or grill them at a higher temperature, the key is to get that crispy skin and juicy, tender meat.

So, fire up your Traeger, and experiment with different rubs, marinades, and wood pellet flavors until you find your signature chicken thigh recipe. Enjoy!