Competition Style BBQ Chicken Thighs | Traeger Grills
Ingredients
- bone-in chicken thighs
- bottle Italian dressing
16 oz
- salted butter
- water
- Salt
- Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub
- Traeger 'Que BBQ Sauce
- Traeger Apricot BBQ Sauce or Apricot Jam
- apple cider vinegar
- honey
- soy sauce
Directions
- 1
Trim chicken thighs as desired. Place chicken and Italian dressing in a large resealable bag. Refrigerate for 3 hours.
- 2
When ready to cook, start the Traeger grill on Smoke with the lid open until the fire is established (4 to 5 minutes).
- 3
Place a large dutch oven on the grill grate and fill the bottom with the butter, water, and salt. Increase the temperature to 350 and allow the grill and dutch oven to pre-heat, lid closed, for 10 - 15 minutes.
- 4
Remove the chicken thighs from the dressing marinade and place in the dutch oven, skin-side down.
- 5
Season the top of each thigh with Traeger's Pork & Poultry Rub. Cover the dutch oven with the lid, close the lid of the Traeger and cook for 45 minutes.
- 6
Remove the entire dutch oven from the grill and let the chicken rest for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, decrease the grill's temperature to 300.
- 7
Remove the thighs from the dutch oven to a large workspace; pat dry with paper towels.
- 8
Season liberally with more Pork & Poultry Rub. Pull the skin taut around the thighs and place back on the grill, skin side up, for 45 more minutes.
- 9
In a large mixing bowl, combine the BBQ Sauce, Apricot Sauce, vinegar, honey and soy sauce. Whisk to combine.
- 10
Gently dip each of the chicken thighs into the sauce mixture and turn to coat evenly. Be sure the skin is tucked under and return to the grill for 30 minutes to set the sauce.
- 11
Transfer the thighs to a prepared platter and serve immediately.
Competition Style BBQ Chicken Thighs | Traeger Grills
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About this Recipe
Prepare for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for your secret: these Competition Style BBQ Chicken Thighs, perfected on a Traeger grill, deliver an irresistible wood-fired aroma and taste. One bite and you'll understand why this dish rises above the rest, ready to delight your whole 'crew'.
The magic of these competition-worthy chicken thighs lies in their unique blend of robust flavors. Starting with a classic Italian dressing, they're layered with the savory notes of Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub, and finished with a rich glaze. This glaze is a masterclass in balance, combining the smoky sweetness of Traeger 'Que BBQ Sauce, the fruitiness of Traeger Apricot BBQ Sauce (or apricot jam), and the tang of apple cider vinegar, all rounded out with honey and soy sauce.
You can anticipate succulent, bone-in chicken thighs bursting with layers of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. The inherent juiciness of the chicken thigh, combined with this sophisticated flavor profile, ensures each bite is tender and memorable. The wood-fired preparation, hinted at by the Traeger name, imparts a distinct aroma and depth that truly sets this BBQ chicken apart, making it feel like a championship meal.
While the specified Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub and sauces create an award-winning profile, feel free to experiment. You could swap the apricot components for a different fruit jam like peach or cherry for a varied sweetness. Consider different rubs for a change in initial seasoning, or try your favorite brand of BBQ sauce if Traeger's are unavailable.
Perfect for backyard gatherings, game day, or when you just want to treat your 'crew' to some seriously good BBQ, these thighs pair wonderfully with classic picnic sides.