I’ll give you my Gammy’s turkey leg recipe; believe me when I say that this is the most straightforward dinner you’ve ever made!
In a few hours, you’ll have a delicious dinner after tossing some turkey legs into the slow cooker and covering them with a simple homemade sauce!
Turkey legs are a delicious and budget-friendly alternative to a whole turkey perfect for a weeknight meal or a festive Thanksgiving feast. But how long should you cook them in a crockpot to achieve perfect tenderness and juicy flavor?
This guide will explore the world of slow-cooked turkey legs and give you all the knowledge required to become an expert in this cooking method. We’ll analyze two popular recipes, one from Food. to extract the greatest advice and methods for reaching crockpot perfection from two sources: com and another from Dizzy Busy and Hungry.
Crockpot Cooking Time for Turkey Legs:
The ideal cooking time for turkey legs in a crockpot depends on several factors, including the size of the legs, the heat setting, and your desired level of doneness.
- Food.com Recipe: This recipe recommends cooking turkey legs on low for 9-10 hours. However, reviewers suggest that this might be too long, resulting in dry meat. Cooking for 5-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high is generally recommended for optimal results.
- Dizzy Busy and Hungry Recipe: This recipe suggests cooking turkey legs on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This aligns with the general recommendations for crockpot turkey legs.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Turkey Legs:
- Seasoning: Both recipes emphasize the importance of seasoning the turkey legs before cooking. Use your favorite spices or a pre-made seasoning blend for added flavor.
- Liquid: Adding a small amount of liquid to the crockpot helps keep the turkey legs moist and prevents them from drying out. Water, broth, or even a simple sauce can be used.
- Temperature Check: The best way to ensure your turkey legs are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the meat.
- Broiling (Optional): For a crispy skin and golden brown color, you can broil the turkey legs for a few minutes before serving.
Additional Resources:
- Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Legs (With Homemade Sauce) – Dizzy Busy and Hungry! (https://dizzybusyandhungry.com/gammys-crock-pot-turkey-legs/)
- Turkey Drumsticks in the Crock Pot Recipe – Food.com (https://www.food.com/recipe/turkey-drumsticks-in-the-crock-pot-157595)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Q: Can I cook frozen turkey legs in the crockpot?
- A: Yes, you can cook frozen turkey legs in the crockpot, but it will take longer. Add an additional 2-3 hours to the cooking time.
- Q: What can I serve with crockpot turkey legs?
- A: Crockpot turkey legs pair well with various side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or stuffing.
- Q: Can I use leftover turkey legs in other recipes?
- A: Yes, leftover turkey legs can be used in sandwiches, salads, soups, or stews.
Cooking turkey legs in a crockpot is a simple and convenient way to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this guide, you can achieve perfectly cooked turkey legs that are sure to impress your family and friends. Remember, the key is to adjust the cooking time based on the size of the legs and your desired level of doneness.
Happy crockpot cooking!
How to Cook Turkey Legs Perfectly Every Time
- Rest assured, this recipe for crock pot turkey is incredibly forgiving! The slow cooker and barbecue sauce work together to keep your turkey legs from drying out too soon.
- The turkey legs are done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick reads 165 degrees.
- To achieve that delectable golden brown crispy skin, put the slow-cooked turkey legs on a baking sheet and broil for three to five minutes before serving.
- Remaining food should be refrigerated in an airtight container for two to three days. Don’t forget to add some of the juices for reheating!.
- Reheat the leftovers for 20 to 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit in a covered casserole dish with some of the juices. The best results will come from using the oven method, but you can also microwave them for one to two minutes at a time, turning the legs halfway through.
Can you eat undercooked turkey?
Definitely not! Invest in a good quality instant read meat thermometer. They arent that expensive and youll know your meal is ready to serve to your family.