How to Cook Turkey Drumsticks in a Slow Cooker: Two Delicious Recipes

Slow cooker turkey legs is a simple recipe that produces seasoned, tender turkey leg meat. Turkey legs can be cooked on low heat by slowly cooking them in a crockpot. Instructions to make these turkey legs in the Instant Pot are also included. Switch things up this holiday season and cook your turkey legs in the crockpot!.

Are you looking for an easy and delicious way to cook turkey drumsticks? Look no further than your slow cooker! This versatile appliance can help you create juicy, flavorful turkey drumsticks that are perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

In this article, we’ll explore two different slow cooker turkey drumstick recipes: a classic barbecue-flavored recipe and a Thanksgiving-inspired variation. Both recipes are simple to follow and require minimal prep time, making them ideal for busy cooks.

Classic Barbecue Turkey Drumsticks

This recipe features a tangy and smoky barbecue sauce that coats the turkey drumsticks in delicious flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, ensuring that the meat is cooked to perfection.

Ingredients:

  • 6 turkey drumsticks
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 3 tablespoons vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Season the turkey drumsticks with salt and pepper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and paprika.
  3. Place the turkey drumsticks in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  5. Before serving, you can broil the turkey drumsticks for a few minutes to get a crispy skin.

Thanksgiving Turkey Drumsticks

This variation on the classic recipe is perfect for those who want a more traditional Thanksgiving flavor The poultry seasoning and chicken broth create a savory and flavorful dish that is sure to please everyone at the table

Ingredients:

  • 6 turkey drumsticks
  • 3 tablespoons poultry seasoning
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Rub the poultry seasoning all over the turkey drumsticks.
  2. Place the turkey drumsticks in the slow cooker and pour in the chicken broth.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  4. Before serving, you can broil the turkey drumsticks for a few minutes to get a crispy skin.

Tips:

  • For extra flavor, add a chopped onion to the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the turkey drumsticks.
  • Serve the turkey drumsticks with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Additional Resources:

  • For more information on cooking turkey drumsticks in the slow cooker, check out these helpful resources:
    • Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Legs (With Homemade Sauce) – Dizzy Busy and Hungry!
    • Turkey Drumsticks in the Crock Pot Recipe – Food.com

Cooking turkey drumsticks in the slow cooker is a simple and delicious way to prepare this versatile meat. Whether you choose the classic barbecue flavor or the Thanksgiving-inspired variation, you’re sure to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal. So grab your slow cooker and get started today!

How To Make Turkey Legs In The Slow Cooker

Prepare The Turkey Legs

  • Mix seasonings together in a small bowl.
  • Apply a thin layer of oil and generously massage the mixture onto each turkey leg.
  • Place the cooked turkey legs in the slow cooker’s bottom.
  • Cook HIGH 3-4 hours or LOW 6-8.
  • Pour water into the bottom of the pressure cooker. Add the prepared turkey legs on top.
  • Close lid and seal valve. Make sure the turkey’s internal temperature reaches 165°F by setting the pressure to high and cooking it for 25 minutes. Natural release 10 minutes then quick release remaining pressure.

A suggested but optional step for both slow cookers To crisp the skin, place the turkey legs on a baking sheet and BROIL them in the oven for about three to five minutes.

how to cook turkey drumsticks in a slow cooker

how to cook turkey drumsticks in a slow cooker

how to cook turkey drumsticks in a slow cooker

how to cook turkey drumsticks in a slow cooker

Ingredients For Crockpot Turkey Legs

There are only 3 ingredients in this easy turkey slow cooker recipe.

  • Turkey Legs
  • Seasonings: I like to use a homemade rotisserie inspired seasoning. It’s included in the recipe box. Feel free to use your own seasoning.
  • Oil

how to cook turkey drumsticks in a slow cooker

how to cook turkey drumsticks in a slow cooker

CROCK POT TURKEY LEGS

FAQ

Is cooking a turkey in a slow cooker safe?

Many slow cookers cannot accommodate large turkeys, so USDA recommended cutting-up a whole turkey into smaller pieces, or using store bought turkey parts. The parts should always be thawed before placing them into a slow cooker. DON’T start cooking foods from the frozen state.

Are turkey drumsticks the same as turkey legs?

A turkey leg is technically comprised of the bird’s thigh and the drumstick (the part of the leg below the knee joint), though in many recipes the term is used to refer to just the drumstick. Skin-on and bone-in, a full leg typically weighs between one and two and a half pounds.

Do turkey legs take longer to cook than breast?

When cut away from the bird, the legs and thighs cook more quickly while the whole breast, which is much larger, takes a bit longer to cook. Choose one herb mixture or rub and use that on all of the turkey parts.

Can you overcook turkey legs?

A roasted turkey leg can overcook. And, fair enough, so can a braised turkey leg. But it’s much much harder to overcook a braise. Braises come with gravy.

How do you cook drumsticks in a slow cooker?

Place drumsticks or turkey legs in the skillet and brown on all sides. Place the potatoes, carrots, onions and garlic in an oval 5-6 quart slow cooker. Place drumsticks on top of the vegetables. Combine the broth, Worcestershire sauce and salt in a small bowl and pour over the drumsticks. Sprinkle the drumsticks with the poultry seasoning.

How do you cook a turkey drumstick in a crock pot?

You will need to use a meat thermometer. Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of one the turkey legs. According to the USDA, Poultry must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees. Cooking the drumsticks low and slow does the trick. You will add a little bit of broth to the pot which helps facilitate moisture.

How long do you cook turkey legs in a slow cooker?

Cook: Pour the stock into the bottom of the slow cooker and place drumsticks over it (1). Slow-cook the turkey legs for 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low (2). Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should be 165°F/ 74°C. Broil on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for 3-4 minutes on each side.

How to cook turkey legs in a crockpot?

Crockpot turkey legs: Season: Mix the spices in a small bowl. Dry the turkey drumsticks with paper towels, rub them with the oil, and sprinkle them with the mixed spices. Rub them well all over. Cook: Pour the stock into the bottom of the slow cooker and place drumsticks over it (1).

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