Traeger Chicken Thighs
Smoky, juicy, and full of flavor, these smoked chicken thighs are an easy crowd favorite! Enjoy this tender chicken as a main dish with sides or load in sandwiches and salads for quick meals.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut off the fat
- 6-8 Tbsp favorite spice rub, we used Traeger Whiskey Dust Rub - or make your own!
- Avocado spray
For Homemade Rub (Optional):
- 4 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Cut the fat off the chicken thighs and set aside. If you are not using a pre-made rub, make your own and whisk together in a bowl.
- Heavily sprinkle both sides of the chicken thighs with the rub. Allow to sit for about 10 minutes.
- Preheat the smoker to 200 degrees F.
- Smoke the chicken thighs for 20 minutes. TIP: You do not want to smoke any longer as poultry really takes on the “smokey” flavor!
- Increase the temp to 500 degrees F and cook the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side. Since the chicken is laying pretty flat, it doesn’t take much time. TIP: If you choose to roll the thighs, then it will take a few minutes longer to cook (about 15-20 minutes).
- Cook the chicken to 165 degrees F. Remove from the grill and allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving!
Notes
Use your favorite wood chips for smoking (maple, cherry, apple, etc:)
Don’t smoke the chicken too long as it takes on too much of the “smokey” flavor.