Bright, bold, and packed with vibrant flavor, this Traeger Korean Grilled Chicken Legs recipe delivers a crispy, spiced exterior and juicy, tender meat inside. Using Korean BBQ seasoning gives these chicken legs an addictive savory-sweet profile with hints of sesame, tamari, orange peel, and maple sugar. The recipe is straightforward, uses basic ingredients, and is perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
Traeger Korean Grilled Chicken Legs
Chicken legs are an economical cut that yields great flavor because the bone helps retain moisture while cooking. They’re ideal for weeknight dinners, backyard parties, or anytime you want a satisfying grilled meal on a budget.
This recipe uses a Korean BBQ rub that blends sesame, tamari-like soy flavor, orange peel, maple sugar, and warming spices for a well-rounded, layered taste. If you don’t have a dedicated Korean rub, any robust BBQ dry rub will work—or make a simple homemade dry rub to suit your preferences.
Looking for more Traeger chicken recipes? Explore a variety of simple, flavorful options.
Why use chicken legs?
Chicken legs are often much less expensive than boneless cuts, making them a smart choice when you want to stretch a grocery budget without sacrificing flavor. Buying in bulk or taking advantage of store specials and freezing portions can save you even more. When cooked well, leg quarters and drumsticks stay moist and flavorful thanks to the bone and connective tissues that release flavor during cooking.
They’re also great for feeding groups—simple seasoning and a good grilling technique turn a tray of drumsticks into a crowd-pleasing main dish.
Try slow-cooker or oven variations if you need a hands-off approach, but grilling on a pellet or wood-fired grill adds a smoky note that pairs especially well with Korean-style spices.
Try our Butterflied Chicken Legs for a different take on leg meat.
Hungry for more chicken leg recipes?
- Honey Balsamic Traeger Grilled Chicken Legs
- BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Buffalo Chicken Legs
- Slow Cooker Spicy Orange Chicken Drumsticks
- Brined Fried Chicken Legs
- Asian Glazed Chicken Legs with Snow Pea and Carrot Slaw
Also delicious: Spicy Glazed Butterflied Chicken Legs.
How to Make Perfect Traeger Korean Grilled Chicken Legs
A good Korean BBQ seasoning brings together savory, sweet, nutty, and spicy notes. Look for blends that include sesame seeds, chili, a touch of sugar, and citrus peel for brightness. When rubbing the chicken, coat generously if you want bold flavor; reduce the amount if you prefer a milder taste.
The goal is a flavorful crust on the outside and juicy meat inside. Using oil to help the seasoning adhere and a two-stage grilling method—moderate heat to cook through, then higher heat to crisp—gives excellent results.
More easy Traeger chicken recipes are available to try.
Grilled Korean Chicken Legs FAQ
How long should you grill chicken legs?
For this method: grill at 350°F for 20–30 minutes to cook through, then increase the heat to 425–450°F and grill 10–15 more minutes to develop a crispy exterior. Times vary by grill and leg size, so use visual cues and a thermometer.
What internal temperature for chicken legs?
Cook chicken legs to a safe internal temperature of 165°F near the bone. A reliable meat thermometer is the best way to confirm doneness and avoid undercooking or overcooking.
Grills that maintain steady temperatures—like Traeger pellet grills—make it easier to follow time-and-temperature guidance, but a thermometer is useful with any cooking method.
Where Do You Get Korean BBQ Seasoning?
Specialty spice brands sell Korean BBQ blends that include chili flakes, sesame, rice or soy flavoring, maple sugar, and citrus peel. These blends simplify seasoning and add an authentic profile. If you prefer, create your own mix from pantry staples to control heat and sweetness.
Try serving with a creamy Alabama white sauce or other favorite condiments.
What Side Dishes Should I Pair With Grilled Chicken Legs?
Grilled chicken legs are versatile and pair well with many sides. Here are some great options to round out the plate:
- Scalloped potatoes
- Coleslaw
- Creamy garlic noodles
- Greek pasta salad
- Asian vegetable and rice noodle stir-fry
- Grilled asparagus
- Basmati rice
Pick a couple of sides that complement the bold, slightly sweet, and savory flavors of the Korean seasoning—something cool and crunchy like coleslaw or bright and acidic like a simple salad works especially well.
More Traeger Chicken Recipes to Enjoy
- Traeger Grilled Chicken Breast
- Traeger Beer Can Chicken
- Traeger Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters
- Traeger Grilled Buffalo Chicken Legs
- Honey Balsamic Traeger Grilled Chicken Legs
- Traeger Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
- Traeger Barbecue Chicken Sandwich
- Traeger Chicken Lollipop
- Smoked Buttermilk Fried Chicken
- Smoked Chicken Thighs
Grilled Korean BBQ Seasoned Chicken Legs
These chicken legs are tossed in oil, coated with Korean BBQ seasoning and salt, and grilled on a wood-pellet or other grill until crisp and juicy.
Ingredients
- 8–12 chicken legs
- 1/3 cup oil
- 4–5 tablespoons Korean BBQ seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Toss the chicken legs in oil to coat evenly. Sprinkle the Korean BBQ seasoning and kosher salt generously over all sides.
- Preheat your Traeger or pellet grill to 350°F. Arrange the legs on the grill grate with space between pieces.
- Grill for about 20 minutes, turning once halfway through to promote even cooking.
- Increase the grill temperature to 425–450°F and continue grilling 10–15 minutes to crisp the skin and build a deep color.
- Remove from the grill and let rest briefly, then serve hot.
Nutrition Information (per serving, estimate)
Calories: 807 • Total Fat: 45g • Saturated Fat: 10g • Cholesterol: 494mg • Sodium: 604mg • Carbohydrates: 0g • Protein: 94g
Nutrition data is an estimate. Consult a trusted source if tracking for medical reasons.