The Traeger Chicken Challenge is the first thing that they recommend you make after buying your first Traeger, and after tasting it, I can totally see why. I’ve never had a whole chicken that retained so much moisture or had so much flavor. It is easy, consistent, doesn’t take forever to make, and can be used for so many different dishes.

Traeger Grilled Chicken

Just when I thought I’d acquired enough kitchen gadgets to last a lifetime, my husband bought a Traeger Grill.

These are like a gas grill, but without the inconsistent temperatures, and you know – the GAS. It is an easy-to-use smoker that takes all of the mystery and learning curves out of smoking meat. It isn’t just for meat either. Over the last few years we’ve made hundreds of recipes on the pellet grill, including appetizers, desserts, vegetables, and so much more.

You can see my whole collection of Trager Recipes here, and don’t miss out on our new Pellet Grill Hub! Most of these recipes could work on a gas grill too, you just won’t have as much of the smoky flavor and you’ll need to keep a closer eye on cook times and temps.

This chicken was SO moist and juicy. I would take these a million times over the grocery store rotisserie chicken. Like, alll day every day.

Rotisserie chicken has its place, especially when you need to throw together a quick meal, but if you want an experience and not just something to fill a belly – this is definitely the way to go.

Speaking of the way to go – you’ll want to make this loaded baked potato salad, coleslaw, and our Smoked Chicken and Gorgonzola Pasta Salad to go along with this!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Hands-Off Cooking – Once it’s on the grill, minimal effort is needed.
• Smoky Flavor – Cooking on a Traeger adds a subtle wood-fired taste.
• Crispy Skin – The high heat crisps the outside while keeping the inside tender.
• Juicy and Tender – Even cooking at a consistent temperature results in moist meat.
• Versatile Leftovers – Use leftovers for sandwiches, salads, or soups.

Get our 75 ESSENTIAL Traeger Recipes here!

Traeger Grilled Chicken shopping list

Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Whole Chicken (5 Pounds)
• Oil (Such as Avocado or Olive Oil)
• OWYD Roasted Chicken Rub (Or Your Favorite Seasoning Blend)

Try our Traeger Spatchcock Chicken too!

How to make Roasted Chicken on the Traeger

This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

1. Preheat the Grill – Set your Traeger to 400-450°F, following manufacturer instructions.
2. Prepare the Chicken – Tie the legs together with baker’s twine. Coat the entire bird with oil, then season generously with chicken rub.
3. Grill Without Opening – Place the chicken breast-side up on the grill grates. Close the lid and cook for 70 minutes without opening the grill.
4. Check Internal Temperature – Use a meat thermometer to confirm the thickest part of the chicken has reached 165°F. If it’s not quite there, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
5. Rest and Serve – Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

More Easy Traeger Chicken Recipes here!

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

If you don’t have the OWYD Roasted Chicken Rub yet, you can use your favorite BBQ rub in place of it! We are big fans of the Traeger Chicken Rub, but there are a ton of amazing brands out there, and chances are you probably have something in your pantry already that’ll work great.

If you don’t have avocado oil around, I’d recommend butter as a substitute.

Make a Traeger Smoked Turkey too!

Traeger Chicken Challenge Tips

• DRY THE SKIN – Make sure the skin is as dry as possible before starting. It’ll give you much crispier results. The best way to do this is to salt the exterior of the chicken and then place on a pan with a wire rack, uncovered, in the fridge overnight. The salt will draw out the moisture in the skin. Then just pat it dry with paper towels before adding the oil and rub.
• RUB LIBERALLY – This is a lot of meat, so don’t be shy with that rub. It may seem like a lot that’s called for, but when you bite into this it’ll all be worth it.

Serve This With…

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Grilled Corn on the Cob
• Coleslaw
• Dinner Rolls

Make this into our Smoked Chicken Salad Sandwich!

 “Very simple a bit of avocado oil garlic rub, heat the Traeger on high until the thermometer reads 165 (F) 74(C), around 70 min. Chicken was very juicy with crispy skin.”

– Orangezim on Reddit

Some of my favorites on the Traeger

Smoked Beef Roast – This one was a game-changer with my relationship with the Traeger. It takes a LONG time, but it is seriously worth every single second. Every one. And then some. Make thissssss.

Traeger Smoked Salmon – If you are a salmon fan this maple glazed smoked salmon is going to be your new favorite thing in life. Make this for someone you love, or someone that you would like to love you.

Traeger Grilled Shrimp Scampi – Like whoa. I love all of the Traeger shrimp I’ve ever had, but this one is near and dear to my heart. Make it. MAAAAAKKKKKEEEEE IT.

Traeger Grilled Scallops – Seafood on the grill is delicious, and these scallops are no exception. Simple, and totally delicious, with JUST enough smoke to make it interesting.

More recipes to enjoy!

• Grilled Teriyaki Salmon
• Hanger Steak
• Fried Wontons
• Bolognese Sauce
• Poor Man’s Burnt Ends
• Tonkotsu Ramen
• Country-Style Pork Ribs
• London Broil
• Recipes using Smoked Chicken
• Grape Jelly Meatballs
• Smoked Prime Rib
• Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole