Traeger Smoked Chicken Thighs

Indulging in Traeger Smoked Chicken Thighs is truly a delightful experience. Imagine juicy, tender chicken with a smoky flavor that dances on your taste buds. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend get-together or simply treating yourself on a cozy weeknight, this recipe is a winner! Smoky, crispy, and oh-so-satisfying, these chicken thighs make every bite worth savoring. Plus, they’re easy to make, allowing you to relax and enjoy time with family and friends while dinner cooks.

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As you gather your ingredients and start marinating, you’ll soon realize how simple yet rewarding this process can be. The warm, inviting aroma wafting from your grill will have everyone rushing to the table. So, grab your Traeger, and let’s embark on a flavor-filled journey that will elevate your next meal!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a favorite because of its incredible smoky flavor profile. The Traeger grill infuses the chicken with that signature smokiness that is simply irresistible. When you combine that with the marinade, you create a depth of flavor that’s not easily matched.

Marinating the chicken thighs is essential. It brings tenderness and ensures that the flavors penetrate deep into the meat. The olive oil in the marinade helps keep the chicken moist, while the acids from the lemon and orange juice work their magic in flavor infusion. Using the Traeger for optimal cooking conditions guarantees perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time.

Why You’ll Love This Traeger Smoked Chicken Thighs

You’re going to fall in love with this dish for a number of reasons. First, those deliciously crispy skin and juicy, succulent meat make a perfect pairing. It’s like a party in your mouth!

Also, the preparation and cooking time is quick, especially for the satisfying results you’ll achieve. Just marinate, smoke, and enjoy.

Lastly, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can serve it anytime—at family dinners, summer gatherings, or even on a busy weeknight. It fits any occasion!

Ingredients for Traeger Smoked Chicken Thighs

• 5 lbs. bone-in chicken thighs (approximately 12 pieces)
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 large lemon, juiced and zested (about 3 tablespoons)
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 6 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tablespoon dried or fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chipotle pepper (or smoked paprika)
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Preparing the Marinade

Combine All Marinade Ingredients

Start by taking a large bowl, and whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and zest. Next, pour in the orange juice, add in the crushed garlic, and sprinkle in the rosemary, sea salt, black pepper, chipotle pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until everything is well combined, creating a fantastic marinade to really enhance those chicken thighs.

Marinating the Chicken

Coat and Refrigerate the Chicken

Now it’s time to give those chicken thighs some love! Dip each one individually into the marinade. As you do this, get them coated nicely. Then, transfer them into a large gallon-sized resealable bag. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-covered.

Before sealing the bag, remember to squeeze out excess air. This ensures even marination. Once sealed, pop the bag into the fridge and let those flavors mingle for at least a few hours. Preferably, they should marinate overnight for the best results.

Preparing the Traeger Grill

Preheat the Grill

While the chicken takes a flavor bath in the fridge, it’s a good moment to prepare your Traeger grill. Preheat it to 200°F and let it warm up for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial to ensure your chicken smokes evenly and properly.

Smoking the Chicken

Initial Smoking Phase

When the grill reaches the desired temperature, it’s time to get smoking. Place the marinated chicken thighs directly on the grill grate, skin-side up. For the first 20 minutes, utilize the super smoke setting. This will help develop that rich, smoky flavor you’ll love.

Increasing the Temperature

Smoke at Higher Heat

After 20 minutes, it’s time to turn up the heat. Increase your grill’s temperature to 375°F and keep smoking the chicken for another 30 minutes. This step helps render some of that fat from the skin and gets it crispy.

Final Basting and Crisping

Baste and Finish

Here comes the fun part—let’s finish up! Increase the temperature to 400°F. Grab that remaining marinade and baste the chicken skin. To ensure even crispiness, flip the thighs skin-side down. Smoke them for another 5 minutes, or until the skin becomes wonderfully crispy and the internal temperature hits between 165°F to 180°F.

Serving Suggestions

When your Traeger Smoked Chicken Thighs are ready, consider serving them with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or over rice for a complete meal. Each of these side dishes complements the smoky flavors perfectly, allowing the chicken to shine on your plate.

Tips for Success

For the best results, ensure even marination by flipping the bag frequently while it’s in the fridge. This allows the marinade to coat every piece uniformly. Also, using a meat thermometer is key to checking for doneness; it ensures you get that perfect juicy chicken every time.

Variations

Feel like mixing it up? Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano to give it a fresh twist. For those who crave a bit of heat, adding a splash of hot sauce to the marinade can enhance the flavors beautifully.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers—lucky you! Store those smoked chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for longer storage. Just remember to wrap them well to maintain that delicious flavor.

Pairing Ideas

To top it off, pair your Traeger Smoked Chicken Thighs with a citrus-based dipping sauce or a tangy coleslaw. Together, they provide a refreshing contrast to the smoky chicken, making every bite a treat.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

2. Yes, boneless thighs will cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

3. What wood pellets work best for smoking?

4. Fruit woods like apple or cherry enhance the flavor, but any high-quality wood pellets will do the trick.

5. Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

6. Absolutely! Marinating overnight intensifies the flavors even more.

7. What if the chicken isn’t reaching the correct temperature?

8. Double-check your grill settings and give it additional time if needed.

9. How do I achieve crispier skin?

10. Increasing the grill temperature and ensuring a good basting will help create that perfect crispy skin.

Try making these Traeger Smoked Chicken Thighs, and experience the joy of sharing this amazing flavor with your loved ones! You might just find it becomes a staple in your cooking repertoire.

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