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"Pellet grill in a backyard setting with smoke rising as brisket, ribs, and chicken wings cook to perfection, accompanied by BBQ tools and wood pellets."

pellet grill recipe

Angela
"Master the ultimate pellet grill recipe! Enjoy smoky, tender meats with pro tips, versatile flavors, and easy steps perfect for any BBQ lover."
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Main dish
Cuisine American, American BBQ
Servings 6 People
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Main Ingredients:
  • Protein of Choice:
  • Brisket: Ideal for slow smoking with rich bold flavor.
  • Ribs: Perfect for tender fall-off-the-bone goodness.
  • Chicken Thighs or Wings: Great for absorbing that smoky flavor quickly.
  • Seasoning Blend: Use a mix of paprika garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a touch of brown sugar for a sweet and savory kick.
  • BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite variety or make your own for a personal touch.
  • Wood Pellets: Hickory mesquite, or applewood work best for adding deep, smoky notes.

Optional Add-ons:

  • Dry Rub: Enhance the flavor with a pre-made rub or your custom mix.
  • Spritzing Liquid: Apple cider vinegar or a mix of apple juice and water keeps the meat moist while cooking.
  • Basting Brush: Perfect for applying sauce evenly and adding that final glaze.

Instructions
 

Preheat Your Pellet Grill

  • Begin by setting your pellet grill to the appropriate temperature:
  • Low and Slow Smoking: 225°F for meats like brisket and ribs.
  • Faster Cooking: 300°F for chicken, pork chops, or vegetables.
  • Load the hopper with your preferred wood pellets. For a bold flavor, try mesquite or hickory. For something milder, go with applewood or cherry.

Prepare Your Meat

  • Start with fresh, high-quality cuts of your chosen protein.
  • Pat the meat dry using paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better.
  • Generously coat the meat with your seasoning blend or dry rub. Be sure to cover all sides evenly for maximum flavor.

Get Smoking

  • Place the meat directly on the grill grates, ensuring there’s enough space for the smoke to circulate.
  • If your pellet grill has a meat probe, insert it into the thickest part of the meat for accurate temperature tracking.

Enhance with Spritzing and Glazing

  • Every hour, spritz the meat with apple cider vinegar or a mix of apple juice and water. This keeps the meat moist and adds subtle flavor.
  • For a beautiful caramelized finish, brush on BBQ sauce during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Monitor the Internal Temperature

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure your food is cooked to perfection:
  • Chicken: 165°F
  • Ribs: 190°F for tender meat.
  • Brisket: 200°F for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Rest the Meat

  • Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 600mg
Keyword BBQ Recipe, Pellet Grill Recipe, Smoked Brisket, Smoked Ribs