Smoking chicken legs on a Traeger pellet grill is easy. Preheat the grill to 350°F. Place your seasoned chicken legs in the smoker and allow them to smoke for 40 to 45 minutes until they reach an internal temperature between 165°F to 180°F. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes and serve!
Is it Easy to Smoke Chicken Legs on a Traeger?
Yes! Smoked chicken drumsticks are an American staple and they are simple to do on a pellet grill. When you combine chicken, smoke, and a Traeger, you get a juicy, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside masterpiece. The following recipe will show you just how easy it is to get perfect chicken legs!
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Traeger Chicken Legs Pellet Grill Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Description
This smoky-sweet chicken leg recipe will be your new favorite way to cook chicken legs. The secret ingredient? Traeger pellets. Smoky, spicy, and crispy, these chicken legs are perfect for your next game-day party or just an easy weeknight meal. It’s bursting with smoke flavor, and the sauce takes it to the next level.
Ingredients
Equipment:
- Plastic bowl
- Plastic wrap
- Probe thermometer
- Traeger pellet grill/pellet smoker
- Wood pellets (cherry or hickory)
Ingredients for Chicken:
- 6 whole chicken legs (thigh and drumstick)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Ingredients for Jalapeno Salsa:
- 6 Medium jalapeños
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 6 Sprig fresh cilantro
- 2 green onions
- 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
Instructions
Chicken Instructions
- Mix the dry rub ingredients in a large bowl.
- Pat the chicken legs dry using a paper towel.
- Coat the chicken pieces with olive oil and place them into the bowl with the chicken rub. Once all your chicken has been added to the bowl, stir and coat the chicken evenly. Sprinkle the chicken with lemon juice.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken legs marinate for a minimum of 1 hour and up to 4 hours.
- Preheat your Traeger grill to 350°F.
- Place the chicken wings on the grill grates with the skin side up.
- Insert the meat thermometer in the center of one of the legs
- Let the chicken legs smoke until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F – about 40 to 45 minutes.
Jalapeno Salsa Instructions
- While the chicken is smoking, place jalapenos on the grill grates and let them sit for about 25-30 minutes.
- Take the jalapenos off the grill and remove their stems and seeds. Combine the jalapenos and the rest of the salsa ingredients in a blender. Pulse until the mixture resembles a chunky salsa. You can store the salsa in an air-tight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Serve your smoked chicken legs with a side of smoky jalapeno salsa and warm corn tortillas. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 ounces
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 0.1g
- Sodium: 144.9mg
- Fat: 25.3g
- Saturated Fat: 7.1g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 0.3g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 32.8
- Cholesterol: 154mg
How Long Does it Take to Cook Chicken Legs on a Traeger Grill?
The amount of time your chicken legs will smoke depends on many factors – some of them include the thickness of the meat, the external temperature, your grill, and the temperature you’re cooking them at. All of these variables are important.
As an estimate, it usually takes about 40 to 45 minutes to smoke chicken legs at 350°F.
How to Know When Chicken Legs are Done Smoking
Chicken legs will finish cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (and about 180 -185°F if you want to sear the chicken for a crispy exterior).
The best way to know when chicken legs are done is when they reach a safe internal temperature. For chicken meat, the minimum temperature recommended by the USDA for chicken legs is 165°F.
What Temperature Should You Cook Chicken Legs on a Pellet Grill?
The ideal smoking temperature for chicken legs is 350°F – 400°F. At this temperature, the legs cook through without drying out and achieve crispy skin.
What Temperature Should You Cook Chicken Thighs on a Pellet Grill?
Chicken thighs are best when they’re smoked at a temperature of 350°F to 400°F. This is the same as for chicken legs. While other types of meats benefit from low and slow cooking methods, chicken thighs need a medium temperature that will also ensure the outside will crisp up!
How Long Do You Smoke Chicken Legs on a Pellet Grill?
It will take 40 to 45 minutes for your chicken legs to finish smoking at the ideal temperature of 350°F. If you smoke at 400°F, it will take between 35 and 40 minutes to smoke them.