Get ready to elevate your game day gatherings and family meals with these mouth-watering, smoky Traeger recipes that put chicken front and center. From tender, juicy breasts to crispy, flavorful wings, we’ve got you covered with a diverse range of delicious dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 scrumptious Traeger recipes that feature chicken as the star of the show. Whether you’re in the mood for classic comfort food or something a little more adventurous, our collection has got it all. So grab your apron and let’s get started with some of our favorite Traeger chicken recipes…
Traeger Smoked Whole Chicken with Herb Butter
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this show-stopping Traeger recipe. A whole chicken smothered in rich herb butter and slow-cooked to perfection on the Traeger, yields a juicy, flavorful bird that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 (3-4 lb) whole chicken
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together herb butter ingredients.
3. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Rub the herb butter all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Place the chicken in the Traeger, breast side up.
6. Smoke for 2 hours, then flip the chicken and continue smoking for another 30 minutes.
7. Let rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2.5 hours
Juicy Traeger Chicken Thighs with BBQ Dry Rub
Smokey flavors meet tender chicken thighs in this mouth-watering recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these Traeger chicken thighs are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp BBQ dry rub (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger grill to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ dry rub, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
4. Sprinkle the dry rub mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
5. Place chicken thighs on Traeger grill, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
6. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Traeger Smoked Chicken Wings with Honey Garlic Glaze
Get ready to elevate your game-day snacks with these tender, smoky chicken wings slathered in a sweet and tangy honey garlic glaze. This Traeger recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a flavor-packed twist on traditional buffalo wings.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Wood pellets (hickory or apple work well)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 275°F.
2. Season chicken wings with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Place wings in the Traeger basket and smoke for 2 hours.
4. While wings are smoking, mix together honey, garlic, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan.
5. Brush glaze onto wings during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
6. Remove from heat and let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Traeger Beer Can Chicken with Citrus Brine
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this simple yet impressive Traeger recipe, featuring a citrus-infused brine and beer can chicken. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 1 cup orange juice
– 1 cup lemon juice
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup kosher salt
– 2 tbsp black pepper
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 can of beer (any style)
– Wood chips or pellets for smoking (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together orange and lemon juice, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, and thyme.
2. Add the chicken to the brine, making sure it’s fully submerged. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat your Traeger to 375°F (190°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the brine, pat dry with paper towels.
5. Place the beer can in the cavity of the chicken and put it on the Traeger grill grate.
6. Cook for 2-1/2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Smoked Traeger Chicken Quarters with Alabama White Sauce
This recipe brings together the rich flavor of smoked chicken quarters and the tangy creaminess of Alabama-style white sauce, all achieved through the simplicity of a Traeger smoker.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken quarters
– 1 cup wood chips (hickory or apple work well)
– 1/2 cup Alabama White Sauce (see below for recipe)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Alabama White Sauce:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
– 2 tablespoons white vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger smoker to 275°F.
2. Season chicken quarters with salt and pepper.
3. Place wood chips in the smoker’s pellet chamber.
4. Smoke chicken for 4-5 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. During last 30 minutes of smoking, brush Alabama White Sauce onto the chicken.
6. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Traeger Spatchcock Chicken with Rosemary and Lemon
Elevate your chicken game with this simple yet impressive Traeger recipe! Spatchcocked chicken, infused with the brightness of lemon and the earthiness of rosemary, is a match made in culinary heaven.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 lemons, zested
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger to 375°F.
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Spatchcock the chicken by removing the backbone and flattening the bird.
4. In a small bowl, mix together lemon zest, olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
5. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
6. Place the chicken on the Traeger grill, breast side up.
7. Cook for 30-40 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Let rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Smoky Traeger Chicken Breast with Chipotle Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this smoky and spicy recipe that combines the richness of chipotle peppers with the tender juiciness of Traeger-smoked chicken. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup chipotle pepper marinade (see below)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Chipotle Pepper Marinade:
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Place chicken on Traeger grill grates. Close lid and cook for 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Baste chicken with olive oil and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Traeger Smoked Chicken Drumsticks with Brown Sugar Glaze
Smoky, sweet, and finger-lickin’ good, these Traeger Smoked Chicken Drumsticks with Brown Sugar Glaze are a twist on classic BBQ fare. This recipe combines the rich flavor of wood-smoked chicken with a sticky, caramel-like glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in chicken drumsticks
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove drumsticks from packaging and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Place drumsticks on Traeger grill grates and cook for 2 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Brush glaze all over drumsticks during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Traeger Chicken Legs with Spicy Cajun Rub
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this mouth-watering recipe that combines the tender, smoky flavor of Traeger chicken legs with a bold and spicy Cajun rub.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 2 tbsp Traeger Cajun seasoning blend
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger grill to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the Traeger Cajun seasoning blend, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove the chicken legs from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels.
4. Generously apply the spicy rub to both sides of each chicken leg, making sure they’re evenly coated.
5. Place the chicken legs on the Traeger grill, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) between each leg.
6. Smoke for 2-3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Traeger Smoked Chicken Tenders with Maple Mustard Sauce
Elevate your game day snacks or weeknight meals with these tender and juicy chicken strips smoked to perfection on the Traeger. The sweetness of maple syrup pairs perfectly with the tanginess of mustard, creating a flavorful combination that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup whole-grain mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 275°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Toss chicken strips with the dry mixture until evenly coated.
4. Place chicken on Traeger grill mat or foil, leaving space between each strip.
5. Smoke for 2 hours.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and whole-grain mustard.
7. Brush the glaze over chicken tenders during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Traeger Rotisserie Chicken with Garlic Herb Injection
Elevate your chicken game with this mouthwatering Traeger recipe that combines the classic flavors of garlic, herbs, and spices. The result is a tender, juicy rotisserie-style chicken infused with aromatic goodness.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, olive oil, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
4. Place the chicken in the Traeger’s rotisserie basket or a foil-lined baking sheet.
5. Close the lid and set the timer for 2 hours.
6. After 1 hour, baste the chicken with the chicken broth.
7. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Traeger Smoked Chicken Fajitas with Peppers and Onions
Transform traditional fajitas into a mouthwatering, smoky masterpiece with this easy recipe. Your taste buds will dance with the tender chicken, caramelized peppers, and onions, all infused with the rich flavor of Traeger smoke.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 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 chili powder, cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add chicken; marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from marinade; place on Traeger grill grates. Smoke for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, toss peppers and onions with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place on Traeger grill grates alongside chicken. Smoke for an additional 15-20 minutes or until tender.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping in foil and heating on the Traeger for 2-3 minutes.
6. Assemble fajitas by slicing cooked chicken, peppers, and onions onto tortillas. Serve with desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Traeger Chicken Kebabs with Pineapple Teriyaki Glaze
Elevate your outdoor cooking game with this sweet and savory Traeger recipe, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner or weekend BBQ. Marinated chicken, tender pineapple, and a sticky teriyaki glaze come together in a mouthwatering combination that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color)
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– Teriyaki glaze (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Thread chicken, bell peppers, and pineapple onto skewers.
4. Place kebabs on Traeger grill grates and cook for 10-12 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
5. Brush with teriyaki glaze during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Smoked Traeger Chicken Sandwich with Coleslaw
Elevate your sandwich game with this mouthwatering combination of tender smoked chicken, crispy coleslaw, and soft buns. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup wood chips (hickory or apple work well)
– 1/4 cup Traeger Chicken Rub
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw ingredients: 1 head of cabbage, 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp vinegar, salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger grill to 225°F.
2. Season chicken breasts with Traeger Chicken Rub and brown sugar.
3. Place wood chips on the Traeger and cook chicken for 4 hours, or until tender.
4. Mix coleslaw ingredients in a bowl.
5. Assemble sandwiches by placing cooked chicken on buns and topping with coleslaw.
Cooking Time: 4 hours (Traeger) + 15 minutes (assembly)
Traeger Whole Chicken Stuffed with Apples and Onions
Add a sweet and savory twist to your Traeger cooking experience with this delicious whole chicken recipe, stuffed with tender apples and caramelized onions. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 (3-4 lb) whole chicken
– 2 large apples, peeled and chopped
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 375°F.
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix together apples, onions, butter, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the apple-onion mixture into the chicken cavity.
5. Place the chicken in the Traeger grill basket or directly on the grill grates.
6. Close the lid and cook for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Let the chicken rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 to 3 hours
Traeger Smoked Chicken Pot Pie with Flaky Crust
Elevate your comfort food game with this creamy, smoky chicken pot pie recipe, featuring a flaky homemade crust and tender Traeger-smoked chicken.
Ingredients:
For the filling:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the crust:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook chicken, onion, and garlic until browned. Add heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper; simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Roll out crust dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
4. Place filling in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with crust, crimping edges to seal.
5. Smoke chicken pot pie for 30-40 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Traeger Chicken Tacos with Avocado Lime Crema
Elevate your taco game with this mouthwatering recipe that combines the rich flavor of Traeger-smoked chicken with the freshness of avocado lime crema. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these tacos are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Avocado Lime Crema (recipe below)
– Sliced radishes, cilantro, and lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the chicken breasts.
4. Place the chicken on the Traeger grill mat and cook for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos with sliced chicken, Avocado Lime Crema, radishes, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Avocado Lime Crema:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 minced garlic clove
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Traeger Smoked Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
A twist on the classic Louisiana dish, this Traeger-smoked gumbo combines tender chicken and sausage with a rich, smoky flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 lb smoked sausage (such as Andouille or kielbasa), sliced
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 stalks celery, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Traeger Smoked Gumbo Mix
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Traeger to 275°F (135°C).
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Smoke the chicken for 2 hours or until tender.
4. Add the sliced sausage to the smoker and cook for an additional hour.
5. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onions, celery, and garlic in a little oil until softened.
6. Add the Traeger Smoked Gumbo Mix, chicken broth, smoked chicken, and sausage to the pot.
7. Simmer for 30 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
8. Serve hot over rice.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours total (including smoking time)
Traeger Chicken Pizza with Smoked BBQ Sauce
Elevate your pizza game with this unique fusion of flavors, featuring tender chicken cooked to perfection on the Traeger, topped with savory smoked BBQ sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1/2 cup Smoked BBQ Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 pre-made pizza crust or homemade dough
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Traeger to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken with your favorite spices and cook on the Traeger for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
3. Roll out the pizza crust to desired thickness.
4. Spread the Smoked BBQ Sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
6. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and arrange on top of the pizza.
7. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro (if using).
8. Cook the pizza in the Traeger for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: approximately 30-40 minutes
Traeger Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup with Crispy Strips
Elevate your soup game with this rich and flavorful recipe, perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of tender chicken, smoky bacon, and crunchy tortilla strips will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 4 slices of bacon
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 6-8 corn tortillas, cut into strips
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger to 275°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken.
4. Smoke the chicken for 2-3 hours or until tender.
5. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then chop into pieces.
6. In a large pot, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened.
7. Add the smoked chicken, diced tomatoes, red kidney beans, and chicken broth to the pot.
8. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
9. Meanwhile, cook the tortilla strips in a skillet with a little oil until crispy.
10. Serve the soup hot, topped with crispy tortilla strips and chopped cilantro (if desired).
Cooking Time: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes (including smoking time)
Summary
Get ready to elevate your chicken game with these mouth-watering Traeger recipes! From classic smoky flavors to sweet and savory glazes, this collection of 20 recipes has something for every palate. Whether you’re in the mood for tender whole chickens, crispy wings, or juicy thighs, these smoked delights are sure to impress. With options ranging from BBQ dry rubs to citrus brines and chipotle marinades, there’s no shortage of flavor profiles to explore. So grab your Traeger and get cooking with this ultimate guide to smoky chicken!
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