🔥 Best Traeger Recipes | Easy & Flavorful Ideas for Smoking, Grilling & BBQ

Last updated: September 23, 2025 at 5:15 am by Admin

If you’ve got a Traeger grill sitting in your backyard, then you already know it’s not just a grill — it’s a flavor machine. 

Traeger recipes bring out that deep, smoky taste you simply can’t get from a stovetop or oven. Whether you’re cooking juicy chicken, tender ribs, or even smoky veggies, 

Traeger recipes are easy, beginner-friendly, and perfect for families or busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
  
• Cook Time: 1 hour (varies by recipe)
  
• Perfect For: Families, BBQ lovers, weekend gatherings, or anyone who wants effortless wood-fired flavor.
  

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Smoky, juicy flavor every time
  
• Hands-off cooking — Traeger does the work for you
  
• Beginner-friendly, no pitmaster experience needed
  
• Flexible: works for chicken, beef, pork, or veggies
  
• Crowd-pleasing meals perfect for parties or family dinners
  

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Ingredients Needed

Here’s a simple base recipe for Traeger Smoked Chicken Thighs (one of the most popular Traeger recipes):

• 6 bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on for best flavor)
  
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
• 2 tbsp BBQ dry rub (or make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper)
  
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  

Substitutions:

• Swap thighs with chicken breasts, drumsticks, or even wings.
  
• Olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil or melted butter.
  
• Use teriyaki sauce instead of BBQ sauce for an Asian twist.
  

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How to Make Traeger Recipes (Smoked Chicken Thighs)

1. Preheat your Traeger grill to 225°F with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
   
2. Prepare chicken thighs: Pat dry with paper towels, drizzle with olive oil, and rub with your BBQ seasoning.
   
3. Place chicken on the grill, skin-side up, and smoke for about 45 minutes.
   
4. Increase heat to 350°F, brush chicken with BBQ sauce, and cook for another 15–20 minutes until internal temp reaches 175°F.
   
5. Rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices lock in.
   

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Recipe Tips & Variations

• Crispier skin: Cook at 375°F instead of 225°F after the smoking stage.
  
• Flavor twist: Swap BBQ rub for Cajun seasoning or lemon-pepper.
  
• Mistake to avoid: Don’t keep opening the lid — it lowers the temp and messes with cooking time.
  
• Meat swap: Try the same recipe with pork chops, salmon, or turkey breasts.
  

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What to Serve It With

Pair your Traeger chicken with:

• Creamy coleslaw
  
• Garlic mashed potatoes
  
• Cornbread
  
• Grilled veggies
  
• Rice pilaf
  

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Storage & Reheating Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
  
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F or air fryer for 10 minutes to keep the skin crispy.
  

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Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~320
  
• Protein: 25g
  
• Carbs: 8g
  
• Fat: 18g
  

(Nutrition varies depending on BBQ sauce and rub used.)

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Printable Recipe Card

Traeger Smoked Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

• 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
• 2 tbsp BBQ dry rub
  
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
  

Instructions

1. Preheat Traeger grill to 225°F.
   
2. Coat chicken with olive oil and BBQ rub.
   
3. Smoke chicken for 45 minutes.
   
4. Raise temp to 350°F, brush with BBQ sauce, and cook 15–20 minutes until 175°F inside.
   
5. Rest 5 minutes, then serve.
   

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FAQs About Traeger Recipes

1. Can I cook frozen chicken on a Traeger?
It’s best to thaw first for even cooking, but you can cook frozen chicken — just add extra time.

2. What wood pellets are best for chicken?
Hickory, apple, and cherry pellets give chicken the best smoky flavor.

3. Can I cook more than one type of meat at once?
Yes! Just keep in mind different meats need different cook times and internal temps.

4. Do I need to flip chicken on a Traeger?
No — the convection heat circulates evenly, so flipping isn’t required.

5. Can I make this recipe without BBQ sauce?
Absolutely. Just season well and finish with a squeeze of lemon or hot sauce for flavor.

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Conclusion

Traeger recipes are the ultimate way to bring restaurant-quality smoky flavor to your own backyard. With just a few simple ingredients and the power of wood pellets, you can serve juicy, flavorful meals that everyone will love. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ, your Traeger will become your new favorite cooking tool.