Are you looking for a delicious and easy meal to make for your next get-together? Look no further than chicken […]
Tag: Ingredients Chicken Thighs On Traeger Grill
Grilling chicken thighs on a Traeger grill can result in flavorful and juicy meat with a smoky twist. Here are the basic ingredients you’ll need to prepare delicious chicken thighs on a Traeger grill:
Chicken Thighs: You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful result, but boneless, skinless thighs work well too.
Traeger Wood Pellets: The type of wood pellets you choose will influence the flavor of your chicken. Common choices include hickory, mesquite, applewood, or cherry wood pellets, depending on your taste preferences.
Dry Rub or Marinade: You can use a dry rub or marinade to season your chicken thighs. A dry rub might include ingredients like salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and other seasonings. A marinade can be made with ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and spices. The choice of rub or marinade depends on the flavor profile you desire.
Cooking Oil: To prevent sticking and to help the dry rub or marinade adhere to the chicken, you’ll need a small amount of cooking oil. Olive oil or vegetable oil works well.
Optional Ingredients: Depending on your preferences, you can add some optional ingredients like minced garlic, fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or cilantro), and lemon zest to enhance the flavor.
BBQ Sauce (Optional): If you like your chicken thighs saucy, consider using a barbecue sauce to baste the chicken during the grilling process or as a finishing touch.
Instructions for Grilling Chicken Thighs on a Traeger:
Preheat the Traeger Grill: Preheat your Traeger grill to the desired temperature. For chicken thighs, a temperature between 350°F to 375°F (177°C to 190°C) works well.
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. If using a dry rub, generously season both sides of the thighs with the rub, gently pressing it into the meat. If using a marinade, place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a container, pour the marinade over them, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Oil the Grill Grates: To prevent sticking, lightly oil the grill grates using a grill brush or a paper towel dipped in cooking oil.
Grill the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs directly on the preheated grill grates. Close the grill lid and cook for about 20-25 minutes, flipping the thighs once halfway through the cooking time. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Optional Basting: If using barbecue sauce, you can baste the chicken thighs during the last 5-10 minutes of grilling. Brush on the sauce, close the lid, and let it caramelize.
Rest and Serve: Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature and has a beautiful grill mark and smoky flavor, remove it from the grill. Let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Grilling chicken thighs on a Traeger grill is a wonderful way to enjoy smoky, tender, and flavorful chicken. Adjust the seasonings and wood pellets to match your taste preferences, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve.
