Our Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe is an easy, flavor-packed dinner that works for weeknights or entertaining. We use the OWYD Roasted Chicken Rub to highlight the chicken’s savory notes, and cooking on a pellet grill helps keep the meat tender and juicy. The most important thing is to avoid overcooking—follow the temperature guidelines below for consistently great results.
Grilled Chicken Thighs
Grilled chicken thighs are an excellent choice when you want juicy meat with crispy, flavorful skin. This straightforward recipe requires minimal hands-on time and works well for cooks of all skill levels. Thighs are forgiving compared to breasts, making them a reliable option for a satisfying meal.
Chicken thighs are budget-friendly and versatile. A large package usually serves several people and adapts to many flavor profiles. In this recipe, we highlight the OWYD Roasted Chicken Rub — a balanced blend of spices designed to bring out the best in roasted and grilled poultry.
The rub works beautifully on both bone-in and boneless thighs and can be used on whole chickens or other cuts if you want to experiment. For extra crispiness, finish the thighs briefly in a hot skillet with a little oil after grilling.
Why You’ll Love This Dish…
Flavorful: The OWYD Roasted Chicken Rub delivers a savory, rounded seasoning.
Juicy: The pellet grill’s even heat helps retain moisture.
Easy Preparation: Few ingredients and simple steps make this fast to prepare.
Crispy Skin: Finish in a skillet for an optional crunchy exterior.
Versatile: Great for family dinners, meal prep, or guests.
Get all of my Traeger Recipes here!
Recipe Shopping List
Before you start, check the pantry and fridge. The items below are all you need to prepare this dish. Exact quantities are included in the printable recipe card further down.
- Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on recommended)
- OWYD Roasted Chicken Rub
- Neutral oil (optional, for extra-crispy skin)
Traeger Chicken Vermicelli Bowls
How To Make This Recipe
Below is an overview of the cooking process. Refer to the step-by-step recipe card for exact measurements and timing while you cook.
- Preheat the pellet grill to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken by coating all sides of the thighs evenly with the OWYD Roasted Chicken Rub.
- Grill skin-side down on the preheated grill. Cook 20–25 minutes until the fat starts to render and the skin begins to brown.
- Flip and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve — remove the thighs and let them rest for 10 minutes. For extra-crispy skin, sear them skin-side down in a hot skillet with a few tablespoons of oil for 2–3 minutes after grilling.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Recipe FAQ
Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve juiciness.
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10–15 minutes. You can also reheat briefly in the microwave if needed.
Yes. You can season the chicken and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before grilling. This allows the rub to penetrate and enhances flavor.
Use any favorite chicken rub or seasoning if you don’t have the OWYD Roasted Chicken Rub. Boneless thighs or chicken breasts may be substituted — adjust cooking time accordingly.
Grilled Blackened Chicken Breasts
Serve This With…
- Smoked Scalloped Potatoes
- Grilled Asparagus
- Caesar Salad
For a lighter side, try a fresh pea salad or a crisp green salad to balance the rich flavors of the chicken.
Eat More Chicken Thighs!
- Fried Chicken Thighs
- BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Traeger Marry Me Chicken Thighs
More Recipes With Our Roasted Chicken Rub
- Chicken and Gravy
- Traeger Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Traeger Grilled Basil Chicken Sandwich
- Traeger Chicken Breast and Pasta
- Traeger Grilled Chicken Sandwich
- Smoked Spatchcock Chicken
Pin For Later
Grilled Chicken Thighs
Perfectly cooked chicken thighs are easy on a pellet grill. The Roasted Chicken Rub adds depth and savory balance—finish in a hot skillet if you prefer extra-crispy skin.
15 minutes
45 minutes
1 hour
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons OWYD Roasted Chicken Rub
- Optional: a few tablespoons neutral oil for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat your pellet grill to 375°F (190°C).
- Evenly coat all sides of the chicken thighs with the rub.
- Place the thighs skin-side down on the preheated grill.
- Cook for 20–25 minutes, until fat has rendered and the skin is browned.
- Flip and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the grill and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Optional: For extra-crispy skin, heat a few tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the thighs skin-side down for 2–3 minutes after grilling.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 497 • Total Fat: 38g • Saturated Fat: 10g • Trans Fat: 0.2g • Unsaturated Fat: 24g • Cholesterol: 222mg • Sodium: 175mg • Carbohydrates: 1g • Protein: 37g
Love this recipe? Tell your friends!
Follow on Instagram for more recipes and tips.