My Traeger Grilled Buffalo Chicken Legs are a delicious and more economical way to enjoy buffalo chicken without sacrificing any of the flavors of their buffalo wing relatives. Cooking these over wood fire gives it a hint of smoke too, which amplifies the whole buffalo experience.

Traeger Grilled Buffalo Chicken Legs

Buffalo chicken legs are a smart way to get all the flavor of wings without paying extra for less meat. These hit the grill seasoned and hot, get a generous coating of sauce, and pick up that wood-fired edge from the Traeger. The skin crisps up, the inside stays juicy, and the whole thing eats like a meal instead of just an appetizer.

These are perfect for tailgates, backyard cookouts, or weeknight dinners when you want something with kick. They cook fast, take on smoke well, and can be made with store-bought or homemade Buffalo sauce.

Add ranch or bleu cheese on the side, some celery if you’re into it, and you’re set.

They’re easier to handle than wings, more filling, and a lot harder to mess up.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Great For A Crowd – Easy to double or triple for game day or parties.
Meaty Alternative To Wings – Bigger bites and better value.
Grill And Smoke Combo – The Traeger gives them flavor you won’t get in the oven.
Simple To Season – Just salt, optional rub, and sauce.
Flexible Heat Level – Pick your Buffalo sauce heat and adjust as needed.

More Traeger Chicken Recipes

Recipe 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.

Chicken Legs – Drumsticks are affordable, flavorful, and hold up well on the grill.
Salt – Essential for seasoning and drawing moisture from the skin.
Buffalo Seasoning (Optional) – Adds extra kick before saucing. Use any wing rub or make your own.
Buffalo Sauce – The finishing layer of heat and tang. Frank’s RedHot, Wing Time, or homemade all work.

Buffalo Chicken Bites

How To Make This Recipe

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.

Preheat The Grill – Fire up your Traeger or pellet grill to 325°F. Let it fully heat before adding the chicken.
Season The Legs – Toss the drumsticks in salt and Buffalo seasoning if using. Coat evenly for balanced flavor.
Grill Low And Slow – Place legs on the grill and cook for about 40 minutes, turning once or twice to brown all sides evenly.
Turn Up The Heat – Crank the grill to high and cook an additional 10 minutes to crisp up the skin.
Sauce And Finish – Brush legs with Buffalo sauce and cook 10 minutes more. Check that internal temp hits at least 165°F near the bone. Remove, brush with extra sauce, and serve hot.

Breaded Smoked and Fried Buffalo Wings

FAQ

Does the skin get crispy using this recipe?

Since you are saucing these legs mid-cook, the skin will never get as crispy as it would with a dry cook, but it is a pretty good trade-off if you aren’t going to just go ALL the way in and fry these.

Can I Use A Different Cut Of Chicken?

Yes. Thighs and wings both work, though cooking times will vary. Use a thermometer to be sure they’re done.

How Spicy Is This?

That depends on your sauce. Go mild, medium, or hot depending on your crew. You can also mix in some honey or butter to tone it down.

Do I Have To Use A Traeger?

No. Any pellet grill or indirect heat setup on a charcoal or gas grill works fine. Just aim for consistent temp control.

Can I Make These Ahead?

Grill them fully, refrigerate, then reheat in a hot oven or on the grill with more sauce. They’ll still hold flavor and texture well.

Get my Favorite Easy Traeger Grill Recipes here!

Tips For Buffalo Chicken Legs

Wood-fire cooks are the best! We use a Traeger, there are lots of options available for wood-pellet grills though!
Season well before you cook. Don’t skimp on the pre-grill seasonings. You need to lock those in!
Chicken legs take a while, so be patient! There’s a LOT of bone to contend with here. Temp these to make sure the meat nearest the bone is fully cooked.
Don’t sauce until the last 10-15 minutes of cook time. This will allow the skin to crisp up a little during the initial grill time.

More Chicken Legs Recipes

More Buffalo Recipes

Yield: 6 servings

Traeger Grilled Buffalo Chicken Legs

My Traeger Grilled Buffalo Chicken Legs are a delicious and more economical way to enjoy buffalo chicken without sacrificing any of the flavors of their buffalo wing relatives. Cooking these over wood fire gives it a hint of smoke too, which amplifies the whole buffalo experience.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Grill Time 25 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

12 chicken legs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Buffalo seasoning (optional)
1 cup Buffalo sauce

Instructions

Preheat your grill to 325°.
Toss the chicken legs in the salt and Buffalo seasoning. Place on preheated grill.
Grill for 40 minutes, turning once or twice.
After 40 minutes, crank the heat up to high, cook an additional 10 minutes.
Brush on Buffalo sauce and cook an additional 10 minutes.
Check the internal temperature of the legs near the bone reaches at least 165°.
Remove from the grill, brush with more Buffalo Sauce, and serve hot with ranch, bleu cheese, and celery!

Traeger Grilled Buffalo Chicken Legs