Get ready to elevate your grilling game with these mouthwatering Traeger Grilled Buffalo Chicken Legs! Perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these legs are slathered in a spicy buffalo sauce that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a flavorful meal, this recipe is sure to impress. With just a handful of ingredients and a Traeger grill, you can create a dish that's not only easy to make but also packed with bold flavors. Are you ready to dive into the ultimate comfort food experience? Let’s get grilling!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 chicken legs
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken legs by patting them dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin and better sauce adherence.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken legs and season generously with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating on all sides.
- Preheat your Traeger grill to 375°F (190°C), using a classic wood pellet blend like hickory or applewood for enhanced smoky flavor.
- Place chicken legs directly on the grill grates, ensuring they are not touching each other for even cooking and smoke circulation.
- Grill the chicken legs for approximately 25-30 minutes, turning them every 10 minutes to promote even cooking and prevent burning.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the leg.
- During the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, brush the buffalo sauce generously over the chicken legs, rotating them to create a nice glaze.
- Remove chicken legs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped fresh parsley or green onions, and accompanied by additional buffalo sauce for dipping.
Tips
- Dry the Chicken: For the crispiest skin, pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the skin crisp up nicely on the grill.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! A good seasoning will enhance the flavor of the chicken and complement the buffalo sauce perfectly.
- Preheat Your Grill: Make sure to preheat your Traeger grill to 375°F (190°C) before placing the chicken legs on the grates. This ensures they cook evenly and develop that delicious smoky flavor.
- Use Quality Wood Pellets: Opt for a classic wood pellet blend like hickory or applewood. The right pellets will infuse your chicken with a rich, smoky taste that pairs beautifully with the buffalo sauce.
- Rotate for Even Cooking: Turn the chicken legs every 10 minutes to ensure they cook evenly and avoid burning. This also allows the smoke to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken legs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part to be safe for consumption.
- Glaze at the End: Brush on the buffalo sauce during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to create a sticky, flavorful glaze without burning the sauce.
- Let Them Rest: After grilling, let the chicken legs rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Garnish for Presentation: For an extra touch, garnish your chicken legs with chopped fresh parsley or green onions before serving, and don’t forget extra buffalo sauce for dipping!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 140mg
