Easy Traeger Whole Chicken Recipe with Herbed Butter

Roasting a whole chicken is a fantastic way to prepare high-protein meals for the entire week. This smoke-roasted chicken, enhanced with herbed butter, is perfect for family dinners or weekly meal prep. The combination of mesquite smoke and a flavorful herb blend creates a delicious and aromatic dish.

Ingredients

Herbed Butter:

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 scallion, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, sage, or parsley)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Traeger Chicken Rub
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Main:

• Traeger Chicken Rub, to taste
• 1 whole chicken (about 4 lb; 2 kg), giblets removed and patted dry

Instructions

1. Prepare Herbed Butter:

   • In a small bowl, mix butter, scallions, garlic, fresh herbs, Traeger Chicken Rub, and lemon juice until well blended.

2. Season the Chicken:

   • Sprinkle a generous amount of Traeger Chicken Rub into the cavity of the chicken.
   • Gently loosen the skin around the chicken breast and insert a few tablespoons of herb butter, spreading it evenly.
   • Smear the remaining herb butter over the outside of the chicken.

3. Truss the Chicken:

   • Tuck the chicken wings behind the back and tie the legs together with butcher’s twine.
   • Sprinkle more Traeger Chicken Rub over the outside of the chicken and optionally insert fresh herb sprigs into the cavity.

4. Preheat the Grill:

   • Preheat the Traeger grill with the lid closed to 400°F, which takes about 15 minutes.
   • Insert a leave-in meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, avoiding the bone.

5. Cook the Chicken:

   • Place the chicken directly on the grill grate, breast side up.
   • Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Adjust cooking time based on the size of the chicken and grill conditions. If the chicken browns too quickly, cover the breast and legs with foil.

6. Rest and Serve:

   • Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Tips from the Pros

• For additional tips on smoking a whole chicken, including buying, prepping, brining, and more, visit the guide on "How to Smoke a Whole Chicken."

1. Flavor Variations: Experiment with different wood pellets like apple or cherry for a sweeter smoke flavor.
2. Serving Suggestions: Pair the smoked chicken with roasted vegetables and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
3. Storage Tips: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers for meal prep, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful throughout the week.

Enjoy your flavorful and aromatic smoke-roasted chicken with herbed butter, perfect for any occasion!