1. What makes Traeger recipes ideal for beginners?

Traeger grills offer digital temperature control and consistent heat, making it easy for beginners to smoke food without constant monitoring or guesswork.

2. What’s the easiest meat to start with on a Traeger?

Chicken thighs and pork shoulder are great beginner options they’re forgiving, juicy, and soak up smoky flavors beautifully.

3. Do I need to preheat my Traeger grill before cooking?

Yes, always preheat your Traeger for 10–15 minutes to ensure even cooking and proper smoke flow from the start.

4. What temperature should I use for most Traeger recipes?

Most smoking recipes start around 225°F. It’s the perfect low-and-slow temp to infuse flavor without drying out your food.

Traeger Recipes for Beginners: Easy Smoky Dishes to Love

Name: Smoked BBQ Chicken Thighs on the Traeger
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite – sweet, spicy, or smoky); Applewood or hickory wood pellets

Description

Juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, these Traeger recipes for BBQ chicken thighs are perfect for anyone just starting with their smoker. Infused with sweet, smoky flavor from applewood pellets and coated in a sticky BBQ glaze, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a backyard cookout, these thighs deliver bold taste with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite – sweet, spicy, or smoky)
Applewood or hickory wood pellets

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up during cooking. Drizzle with olive oil and rub it in evenly.

Step 2: Mix the dry rub
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the dry rub generously over both sides of each thigh, pressing it in gently.

Step 3: Preheat your Traeger grill
Turn your Traeger grill on and set the temperature to 225°F. Allow it to preheat with the lid closed for about 15 minutes. Make sure the hopper is full of applewood or hickory pellets for that delicious smoky flavor.

Step 4: Smoke the chicken
Place the chicken thighs skin side up on the grill grates. Smoke at 225°F for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 5: Glaze and finish
Brush a thick layer of BBQ sauce on the chicken. Increase the grill temperature to 375°F and cook for another 10–15 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and the internal temperature hits 175°F.

Step 6: Rest and serve
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.

Notes

Don’t skip the rest time! It’s crucial for juicy chicken.
You can use boneless thighs, but they cook faster check doneness around 35 minutes total.
For spicier flavor, add cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ glaze.
Try different wood pellets like mesquite or cherry for a flavor twist.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Smoking / Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 320
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 120mg