If you’re searching for a standout grilled chicken recipe this season, try Traeger Butterflied Chicken Legs. This method yields tender, juicy meat with crisp, browned skin and concentrated flavor from a simple homemade rub. Butterflying the legs makes them cook evenly and allows you to season both the surface and the interior for deeper flavor—perfect for backyard barbecues, family dinners, or any grilling night.
Traeger Butterflied Chicken Legs Recipe
This recipe walks you through butterflying chicken legs, blending a straightforward rub, and grilling on a Traeger pellet grill for the perfect balance of a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. It’s adaptable to other grills or even an oven, and it scales easily for a crowd. Below you’ll find a shopping list, step-by-step overview, detailed instructions, FAQ, and nutrition information to make this recipe simple and reliable.
Why butterfly chicken legs?
Butterflying chicken legs flattens them so the meat cooks uniformly and the skin crisps nicely. Because the flesh around the bone finishes at the same time as the outer meat, there’s less risk of overcooking or drying out. Butterflying also exposes more surface area so your rub or seasoning can penetrate deeper, delivering more flavor in every bite.
How to butterfly chicken legs like a pro
- Use a sharp knife for clean, safe cuts.
- Slice lengthwise down the leg toward the bone.
- Separate the meat from each side of the bone by slicing carefully along both sides of the bone, then open the leg so it lays flat.
- Gently press the meat flat, taking care not to tear the skin—now it’s ready for seasoning and grilling.
Recipe Shopping List
Before you start, pick up these basics. For exact amounts, see the recipe details below.
- Chicken legs
- Avocado oil (or another neutral oil)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Try our Grilled Butterflied Chicken Legs with Spicy Glaze for another bold option.
How to make this recipe (overview)
This overview summarizes the process. Use the full instructions and ingredient amounts in the recipe card below while you cook.
- Preheat — Heat your Traeger or pellet grill to 400°F so it’s hot and ready.
- Prep — Butterfly the chicken legs, brush lightly with oil, then apply the rub evenly on both sides.
- Grill — Place the legs skin-side down and cook 8–10 minutes, then flip and cook another 8–10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is crisp.
- Rest — Remove from the grill and let the legs rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Serve — Pair with your favorite sauces such as Alabama White Sauce or a cherry Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce for a flavorful finish.
Our Grilled Asparagus makes a great side for this dish.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use a different rub? Yes. This recipe is flexible—use any chicken rub you like. Adjust spices to match your taste.
Can I use a different grill? Absolutely. These work well on a stick burner, charcoal, or gas grill. You can also bake them in the oven or use an air fryer if needed.
What sauces pair well? Try Old Bay Buffalo Sauce with Bleu Cheese, a sweet chili sauce, Alabama White Sauce, or a fruity BBQ sauce—there are many great options depending on the flavor profile you want.
Reader Reviews
“Tried these last night. These were great!”
– Pam (via email)
More Chicken Recipes
- 0-400 Chicken Wings
- Smoked Chicken Salad Sandwich
- Traeger Chicken Teriyaki
- Sweet Chili Chicken Leg Quarters
- Traeger Chicken Lollipop
- Smoked Buttermilk Fried Chicken
- Smoked Chicken Thighs
- Traeger Jerk Chicken
- Grilled Spatchcock Chicken
- Traeger Cornish Game Hens
- Buffalo Chicken Flatbread
Traeger Butterflied Chicken Legs
Easy to make and packed with flavor, these butterflied chicken legs are an economical way to enjoy wing-like texture and crunch without the price tag.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken legs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Avocado oil or neutral oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat your Traeger or pellet grill to 400°F.
- Butterfly each chicken leg: lay skin-side down, cut along the length toward the bone, work the knife along both sides of the bone, and open the leg so it lies flat.
- Gently press the meat flat and brush both sides with oil.
- Mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub both sides of each leg with the seasoning.
- Place legs skin-side down on the grill and cook for 8–10 minutes.
- Flip so skin side is up and cook another 8–10 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 165°F.
- Remove from the grill and let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 314 | Total Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Unsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 216mg | Sodium: 431mg | Carbohydrates: 0g | Protein: 41g
Nutrition data is an estimate.