Chicken thighs cooked on a Traeger pellet grill deliver tender, juicy meat and a distinct wood-fired smokiness you won’t get from other cooking methods. This Traeger Chicken Thighs recipe uses avocado oil and a generous coating of an all-purpose seasoning to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor while producing a crisp, golden skin when finished properly.
Traeger Chicken Thighs
Traeger chicken thighs are a reliable go-to for an easy, flavorful meal. Cooking on a pellet grill gives them a deep, smoky profile while keeping the meat juicy and tender. The skin crisps nicely if you finish the thighs over direct heat or briefly pan-fry them at the end. This recipe is straightforward enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for a barbecue or casual dinner with friends.
Bone-in, skin-on thighs are forgiving and remain moist even when cooked slightly longer than leaner cuts. They are also budget-friendly and versatile — use leftovers in salads, tacos, or to make a rich homemade stock from the bones.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Smoky flavor: The pellet grill infuses the chicken with a pleasant, wood-fired aroma.
- Juicy and tender: Cooking at a moderate temperature helps the meat stay moist.
- Crispy skin option: Finish on higher heat or shallow-fry briefly for extra crunch.
- Simple ingredients: Minimal pantry staples highlight the chicken itself.
- Flexible serving: Great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or summer cookouts.
Get a collection of favorite Traeger recipes to inspire your next cookout.
Recipe Shopping List
Stock up on these few items before you start. For exact quantities, see the ingredients list in the recipe card below.
- Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on recommended)
- Avocado oil (or other high-smoke-point oil)
- All-purpose seasoning or your favorite rub
Try a bright Greek salad on the side for contrast and freshness.
How To Make This Recipe
Follow these clear steps for reliably delicious grilled chicken thighs. Use a digital thermometer for the most consistent results and remove the thighs once the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Preheat the grill: Set your Traeger or pellet grill to 375°F and allow it to stabilize.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat thighs dry, then brush all sides lightly with avocado oil.
- Season: Generously coat each thigh with the rub, ensuring full coverage under and over the skin if possible.
- Grill: Place thighs skin-side down on the preheated grates. Cook for 15–20 minutes, then flip.
- Finish: Continue cooking until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Total cook time varies but plan for roughly 35–45 minutes depending on size.
- Optional crisping: If the skin isn’t as crisp as you like, shallow-fry skin-side down in a non-stick pan with 1/4–1/2 cup oil for 2–3 minutes to render and caramelize the skin.
- Rest: Let the thighs rest for 5 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.
A side of rice pilaf pairs beautifully for a complete meal.
Recipe FAQ
Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through to help maintain texture. A microwave works for a quick option, but may soften the skin.
Yes. Season the thighs up to 24 hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill.
Use a different rub or a simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic, and smoked paprika. Boneless thighs or other chicken cuts will work but will need adjusted cook times.
Traeger roasted garlic mashed potatoes make an excellent side.
Serve This With
- Grilled vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and onions grilled alongside the chicken add color and smoky sweetness.
- Potato salad: A classic, creamy potato salad complements the smoky chicken.
- Coleslaw: Crisp, tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing counterpoint.
- Corn on the cob: Sweet, grilled corn rounds out a barbecue-style plate.
More Chicken Recipes
- Traeger Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
- Sweet Heat Smoked Spicy Chicken Wings
- Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Breasts from Frozen
Traeger Chicken Thighs
These easy chicken thighs are cooked on a pellet grill and make a satisfying, flavorful meal for family and friends.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose or everything rub
Instructions
- Preheat your Traeger or pellet grill to 375°F.
- Brush all sides of the chicken thighs lightly with avocado oil.
- Coat all sides generously with the rub.
- Place the thighs skin-side down on the grill grates.
- Cook 15–20 minutes, then flip and continue until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. If you want extra-crispy skin, shallow-fry skin-side down in a non-stick pan with 1/4–1/2 cup oil for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 538 • Total Fat: 42g • Saturated Fat: 11g • Trans Fat: 0.2g • Unsaturated Fat: 27g • Cholesterol: 222mg • Sodium: 175mg • Carbohydrates: 1g • Protein: 37g