The Adventures of Jae & Trae: Chicken Wings

I recently had the opportunity to get a Traeger Grill for $30. I could not pass it up. Trae came with a hopper full of wood pellets so I figured I should test this new relationship out with my favorite go to: CHICKEN WINGS.

I decided to try out 3 different rubs.

1. Trader Joes Poultry Rub
2. “Monster Rub” – it is just a mix of the leftover rubs all mixed together
3. Kirkland Smokey Sweet Mesquite Rub

I was all set to embark on the delicious adventure but our relationship got off to a rocky start. Trae would not get up to temp or start to smoke. Come to find out, after scooping all the pellets out and into a bowl, that Trae was a little backed up. After clearing it out, Trae was running like a champ.

After about an hour we had created something great.

Here is the verdict:

• Monster Rub. It was sweet and savory.
• Kirkland Rub. It was sweet with some heat.
• TJs Rub. Just ok. Probably a good rub to do sauced wings.

Here was my method:

• The Night Before: Coat wings with a little bit of oil and evenly coat with the rub of your choice.
• To Start: When ready to cook, start the Traeger grill on Smoke with the lid open until the fire is established (4 to 5 minutes).
• Chicken Wings: Set the temperature to 350 degrees F and preheat, lid closed, for 10 to 15 minutes. Arrange the wings on the grill grate. Cook for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink at the bone, turning once halfway through.