This BBQ chicken cooked on a Traeger grill is super juicy and full of flavor. With a perfect smoky touch, it’s a true crowd-pleaser for gatherings or family dinners!
Honestly, every bite is like a juicy hug for your taste buds! I love serving it with some fresh veggies or a nice salad on the side. It makes for a tasty and easy meal! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Chicken: I recommend a whole chicken for juiciness, but you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks if preferred. They stay moist and flavorful on the grill.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps the spices stick. You can swap it for avocado oil or melted butter, which also brings a rich flavor.
Spices: The spice mix is essential for flavor. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika combined with a bit of liquid smoke works well. You can adjust cayenne for less heat.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce or make a simple homemade version. If you prefer less sugar, look for low-sugar or sugar-free sauces.
How Do I Get the Chicken Extra Juicy on the Traeger?
Getting that juicy, tender chicken requires a few special steps. First, spatchcocking helps it cook evenly. Don’t skip drying the chicken—it helps the skin crisp up beautifully. Always use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to eliminate moisture.
- Rub olive oil generously to lock in flavor.
- Monitor the temperature closely—aim for 165°F at the thickest part.
Resting the chicken for 10 minutes after cooking lets the juices redistribute, giving you that juicy bite. Enjoy the deliciousness that comes from proper grilling techniques!
The Best Juicy Traeger BBQ Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs), spatchcocked (butterflied) or split into halves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup Traeger BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- Wood pellets for Traeger grill (hickory or applewood recommended)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and about 2.5 to 3 hours for cooking, including smoking and finishing on the grill. Remember to let the chicken rest for 10 minutes afterward before slicing. It’s a bit of a commitment but totally worth it for that juicy flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your Traeger grill to 225°F. Make sure to fill the hopper with your chosen wood pellets—it adds that delicious smoky flavor to the chicken!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Give your chicken a good pat down with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps achieve crispy skin when grilling.
3. Mix the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it). This spice blend is what gives your chicken that fantastic flavor!
4. Season the Chicken:
Rub olive oil all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin too if possible. Then, coat the entire chicken with the spice mixture, ensuring it’s evenly covered.
5. Smoke the Chicken:
Place the chicken on the grill grates, skin side up. Close the lid and smoke the chicken for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F in the thickest part of the breast. Keep an eye on it—you’ll want it nice and juicy!
6. Increase Heat and Add BBQ Sauce:
Once the chicken has smoked and is beautifully tinted, increase your grill temperature to 350°F. Brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce over the chicken, then flip it so that the skin side is down. Continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes.
7. Finish Cooking:
Flip the chicken back to skin side up, apply more BBQ sauce, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F. This final step adds that yummy, caramelized BBQ flavor!
8. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial for keeping the juices where they belong—inside the chicken!
Serve your mouth-watering BBQ chicken with extra BBQ sauce on the side and your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled veggies. Enjoy every juicy bite!
FAQ for The Best Juicy Traeger BBQ Chicken Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but it’s essential to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. For best results, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method (placing in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water) to speed things up. Be sure to pat it dry before seasoning!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken overnight can infuse even more flavor. Just combine olive oil and the spice mix with your preferred acidity (like lemon juice or vinegar) and let it marinate in the fridge. Just remember to remove it from the fridge an hour before cooking to bring it to room temperature for even cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave to keep it moist. If you have BBQ sauce left, reapply some before reheating for extra flavor!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken?
Yes! Chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even bone-in breasts will work great in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; smaller pieces may cook faster, so use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F.
