Bright, bold, and full of vibrant flavors, this Traeger Korean Grilled Chicken Legs recipe delivers a crispy, spiced crust with juicy meat underneath. It’s an easy, affordable way to enjoy Korean-style barbecue at home using simple ingredients and a wood-pellet grill.
Traeger Korean Grilled Chicken Legs
Chicken legs are a budget-friendly choice that shine on the grill. The bone keeps the meat moist and flavorful, and a bold dry rub creates a crisp, delicious exterior. This recipe uses a Korean BBQ seasoning that combines sesame, tamari flavors, orange peel, maple sugar and other spices for a striking sweet-savory profile.
If you don’t have that specific rub, you can use any similar Korean-style blend or a homemade dry rub. The key is coating each drumstick well so the seasoning forms a crust while the grill adds smoke and char.
Need more Traeger Chicken Recipes? I’ve got them here!
Why use chicken legs?
Chicken legs are often much cheaper than boneless cuts, making them ideal for feeding a crowd without overspending. Buying in bulk or taking advantage of store deals and freezing extras stretches your grocery budget. When cooked on the bone, legs retain moisture and develop richer flavor than some boneless pieces.
They’re also versatile — season and grill them for a weeknight dinner, or prepare a larger batch for family gatherings. Thaw frozen legs overnight in the fridge before cooking; they’ll finish just as well as fresh.
Try our Butterflied Chicken Legs sometime too!
Hungry for more chicken legs?
- Honey Balsamic Traeger Grilled Chicken Legs
- BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Buffalo Chicken Legs
- Slow Cooker Spicy Orange Chicken Legs
- Brined Fried Chicken Legs
- Asian Glazed Chicken Legs with Snow Pea and Carrot Slaw
How about some Spicy Glazed Butterflied Chicken Legs?
How to Make Perfect Traeger Korean Grilled Chicken Legs
Choose a Korean BBQ seasoning with sesame, chili, citrus, and a touch of sweetness for the best balance. When rubbed generously on the legs, this blend crisps nicely on the grill while infusing each bite with layered flavors—salty, spicy, and slightly sweet.
If you prefer milder results, reduce the amount of rub. For stronger flavor, apply liberally and let the seasoned legs sit refrigerated for a short rest before grilling.
More Easy Traeger Chicken Recipes here!
Grilled Korean Chicken Legs FAQ
How long should you grill chicken legs?
For this method, grill at 350°F for 20–30 minutes, turning once halfway. Then increase the heat to 425°F and grill an additional 10–15 minutes to achieve a crisp, caramelized exterior.
What internal temperature for chicken legs?
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F close to the bone. Use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure safe temperatures and avoid undercooking, whether you’re using a pellet grill, charcoal, or gas.
Where Do You Get Korean BBQ Seasoning?
Many spice makers sell Korean BBQ blends that combine chili flakes, sesame seeds, soy/sesame flavoring, citrus peel, and sweeteners like maple sugar. Any well-balanced Korean-style rub will work—choose one you like and use it generously on the legs.
Try with some Alabama White Sauce for a different contrast!
What Side Dishes Should I Pair With Grilled Chicken Legs?
These chicken legs pair well with many sides. Consider scalloped potatoes, coleslaw, creamy garlic noodles, Greek pasta salad, an Asian vegetable and rice noodle stir-fry, grilled asparagus, or basmati rice. Pick sides your family enjoys—these drumsticks will be the star.
Finish the meal with a simple dessert to round out the dinner.
More awesome Traeger Chicken Recipes to enjoy!
- Traeger Grilled Chicken Breast
- Traeger Beer Can Chicken
- Traeger Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters
- Traeger Grilled Buffalo Chicken Legs
- Honey Balsamic Traeger Grilled Chicken Legs
- Traeger Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
- Traeger Barbecue Chicken Sandwich
- Traeger Chicken Lollipop
- Smoked Buttermilk Fried Chicken
- Smoked Chicken Thighs
- Traeger Jerk Chicken Recipe
- Traeger Spatchcock Chicken
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Grilled Korean BBQ Seasoned Chicken Legs
These chicken legs are tossed in oil, coated with a Korean BBQ seasoning blend, and cooked on a wood-pellet grill for a smoky, flavorful result.
5 minutes
45 minutes
50 minutes
Ingredients
- 8–12 chicken legs
- 1/3 cup oil
- 4–5 tablespoons Korean BBQ seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
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Korean BBQ Seasoning
Instructions
- Toss chicken legs in oil, then sprinkle seasoning and salt evenly over all sides.
- Preheat your Traeger to 350°F and place the legs on the grill.
- Grill for 20 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- Increase heat to 425°F and grill another 10–15 minutes until skin is crisp and internal temperature reaches 165°F near the bone.
- Remove from the grill and serve hot.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 807Total Fat: 45gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 30gCholesterol: 494mgSodium: 604mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 94g
Nutrition data provided here is an estimate. For medical or dietary needs, consult a trusted source.