How To Smoke Chicken Leg On Traeger

Smoking Chicken Legs on a Traeger Grill

Welcome to the wonderful world of smoking chicken legs on a Traeger grill! If you’re new to smoking meats or just looking for a new recipe to try, you’re in the right place. Smoking chicken legs on a Traeger grill is a delicious and relatively simple way to prepare a flavorful and juicy dish that will have your friends and family coming back for more.

Why Choose Chicken Legs?

Chicken legs are a popular choice for smoking because they are affordable, flavorful, and forgiving when it comes to cooking times. The dark meat of the legs stays moist and juicy during the smoking process, and the bones add extra flavor to the meat. Plus, they are perfect for feeding a crowd at your next backyard barbecue.

Preparing the Chicken Legs

Before you start smoking the chicken legs, it’s important to prepare them properly. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get your chicken legs ready for the smoker:

1. Start by rinsing the chicken legs under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels.
2. Remove any excess fat or skin from the legs.
3. Season the chicken legs with your favorite dry rub or marinade. This is where you can get creative and customize the flavor to your liking.

Setting Up Your Traeger Grill

Now that the chicken legs are prepped and ready to go, it’s time to fire up the Traeger grill. Follow these simple steps to get your grill ready for smoking:

1. Fill the hopper with your choice of wood pellets. For chicken legs, fruit woods like apple or cherry are popular choices.
2. Turn the grill on and set the temperature to 225°F. Preheat with the lid closed for 10-15 minutes.

Smoking the Chicken Legs

Once your Traeger grill is preheated and ready to go, it’s time to start smoking the chicken legs. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Place the seasoned chicken legs directly on the grill grates.
2. Close the lid and let the chicken legs smoke for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. For an extra layer of flavor, you can baste the chicken legs with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.

Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor

Once the chicken legs are fully cooked and have developed a beautiful smoky flavor, it’s time to take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Then, all that’s left to do is dig in and enjoy the delicious, tender, and juicy smoked chicken legs that you’ve prepared on your Traeger grill.

So, there you have it – a simple and tasty way to smoke chicken legs on a Traeger grill. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your next cookout. So, fire up your Traeger grill, grab some chicken legs, and get ready to impress your guests with your newfound smoking skills!