I’m going to share my Gammy’s turkey leg recipe with you, and trust me when I say that this is the easiest meal ever!
After tossing some turkey legs into the slow cooker and covering them with a simple homemade sauce, you’ll have a delicious dinner in a few hours!
Are you looking for a simple and delicious way to cook turkey legs? Look no further than your trusty crock-pot! This versatile appliance can transform tough turkey legs into tender, juicy meat that falls off the bone.
In this article we’ll explore two fantastic crock-pot turkey leg recipes: one with a smoky, barbecue-inspired sauce and another with a savory rotisserie-style seasoning. Both recipes are easy to follow and require minimal prep time, making them perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.
Crock-Pot Turkey Legs with Barbecue Sauce:
This recipe from Dizzy Busy and Hungry is a crowd-pleaser, featuring a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce that complements the rich flavor of the turkey legs.
Ingredients:
- 6 turkey legs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Season the turkey legs generously with salt and pepper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and paprika.
- Place the turkey legs in the bottom of your slow cooker and pour the barbecue sauce over them.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Before serving, you can broil the turkey legs for a few minutes to achieve a crispy skin.
Tips:
- If you’re short on time, you can use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce instead of making your own.
- For extra flavor, add a chopped onion to the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the turkey legs.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Crock-Pot Turkey Legs with Rotisserie Seasoning:
This recipe from Fit Slow Cooker Queen features a simple homemade rotisserie seasoning that creates a flavorful crust on the turkey legs.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized turkey legs (approximately 2-3 pounds total)
- 1 tablespoon oil of your choice
- 1 cup water (for Instant Pot only)
Homemade Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Mix all the seasoning ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Rub the oil evenly over each turkey leg and then generously coat them with the seasoning mixture.
- Place the turkey legs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
- Alternatively, you can cook the turkey legs in your Instant Pot. Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the pot and place the seasoned turkey legs on top. Close the lid, seal the valve, and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.
- For a crispy skin, broil the turkey legs in the oven for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Tips:
- Feel free to adjust the amount of seasoning to your taste.
- You can also use your preferred seasoning blend for this recipe.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Crock-pot turkey legs are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy this versatile cut of meat. Whether you prefer a smoky barbecue flavor or a savory rotisserie seasoning, these recipes offer a simple and satisfying solution for your next meal. So grab your crock-pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy tender, juicy turkey legs that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Substitutions and Variations
You may want a less barbecue-y version of this recipe if you’re looking for a great way to cook your turkey legs instead of cooking a whole turkey for Thanksgiving.
In that case, season your turkey leg with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. After that, put them in the slow cooker and add roughly a cup of chicken stock. Then cook as directed in this recipe, on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
To add even more flavor to the drumsticks, you can also chop a medium onion and place it in the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the drumsticks.
How to Cook Turkey Legs Perfectly Every Time
- Don’t worry, this crock pot turkey recipe is very forgiving! The combination of the barbecue sauce and the slow cooker prevents your turkey legs from drying out too quickly.
- When a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit, the turkey legs are done.
- Before serving, place the slow-cooked turkey legs on a baking sheet and broil for three to five minutes to get that delicious golden brown crispy skin.
- For two to three days, leftovers should be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Don’t forget to add some of the juices for reheating!
- Warm up the leftovers in a covered casserole dish with some of the juices at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 30 minutes. The oven method will produce the best results, but you can also microwave them for one to two minutes at a time while rotating the legs in between.
Store bought smoked Turkey legs in crockpot
How to cook turkey legs in a slow cooker?
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). Slow-cook the turkey legs for 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low (2).
How long to cook turkey legs in crock pot?
Turkey legs typically take 4-5 hours to cook in a crock pot on low, or 2-3 hours on high. What temperature should I cook turkey legs in a crock pot? Turkey legs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. What can I serve with turkey legs in a crock pot?
Are crock pot turkey legs good for Thanksgiving?
These fall-off-the-bone slow cooker turkey legs are perfect for the holiday season. Serve the crock pot turkey drumsticks with a smooth gravy made with pan juices. Slow cooker turkey legs are a great alternative to cooking a whole bird for Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas.
How do you cook turkey legs in a pressure cooker?
Mix seasonings together in a small bowl. Rub oil evenly over each turkey legs and rub mixture generously on each turkey leg. Slow Cooker Add the prepared turkey legs to the bottom of the slow cooker. Cook HIGH 3-4 hours or LOW 6-8. Instant Pot Pour water into the bottom of the pressure cooker. Add the prepared turkey legs on top.