I tested 4 ways to cook store bought smoked turkey legs and the results were surprising!
With the holidays approaching, turkey legs are in high demand and quite popular. But how should they be prepared and cooked? Since making them from scratch can be messy and time-consuming, I tested four different ways to reheat smoked turkey legs from the store and determined which worked best and why.
I’ll discuss and assess the four techniques I used in this blog post: oven baking, air frying, smoking, and grilling. I will also explore some frequently asked questions about store bought smoked turkey legs.
Craving juicy fall-off-the-bone smoked turkey legs? Look no further! This guide will show you how to reheat pre-cooked smoked turkey legs using two methods: oven and crockpot. Both methods are simple and require minimal effort leaving you with delicious, tender turkey perfect for any meal.
Tenderizing the Turkey:
The key to achieving fall-off-the-bone tenderness is slow-baking. This process dissolves the tough tendons, making the meat melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F.
- Place the turkey legs in a baking pan or covered casserole dish. Ensure they’re not touching.
- Pour 2-3 cups of water per 2 drumsticks into the pan. The water should completely cover the legs. Use more water for larger pans.
- Tightly cover the pan with aluminum foil or a lid. Ensure there are no leaks or vents.
- Bake for 2 hours.
- Turn the legs over and bake for another 2 hours. The longer they bake, the more tender they become.
- Optional: Add peeled carrots for an easy side dish.
- Enjoy your fall-off-the-bone turkey legs! You can serve them as-is or use the meat in soups, stews, or pot pies.
Crockpot Method:
- Place the turkey legs in your crockpot.
- Pour enough water to cover the legs.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours. Longer cooking times result in even more tender meat.
- Optional: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or crumbled sage for extra flavor.
- Enjoy your fall-off-the-bone turkey legs! You can serve them as-is or use the meat in various dishes.
Bonus Tip:
Both methods yield a flavorful bonus – smoked turkey broth! Refrigerate this broth and use it to enhance your favorite recipes.
Additional Notes:
- If you’re short on time, you can wrap the turkey legs in foil and bake them at 350°F for 1-2 hours.
- For a smoky flavor boost, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the water before baking or slow-cooking.
- Leftover turkey legs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Enjoy your delicious, fall-off-the-bone smoked turkey legs! This easy reheating guide will help you achieve restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own home.
Should you season pre cooked turkey legs?
Turkey legs can be high in sodium already but still lack flavor. I like to season with low-sodium poultry seasoning or barbecue rub to take it up a notch. In this manner, the turkey retains its delicious barbecue flavor without becoming overly salted.
I like to use a fantastic rub for smoked chicken and cut the salt in half. You can also use an all purpose bbq rub of your choice.
How to cook store bought smoked turkey legs.
Since store-bought smoked turkey legs are already pre cooked, we are essentially warming them back up to temperature. I find that the method in which you do that makes all the difference. Avoid the microwave as it will dry out the turkey and make the skin rubbery.