turkey drumstick slow cooker recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best turkey drumstick slow cooker recipe

I’m so excited to share this delicious turkey drumstick slow cooker recipe with you all. As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for easy and healthy meal ideas that my family will love. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special event or just a regular Tuesday. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort from me. I simply throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do its magic while I attend to other things. The result is tender, juicy turkey drumsticks that are packed with flavor and nutrients. My kids can’t get enough of them, and I love that they’re getting a healthy dose of protein and vegetables in every bite.

I first discovered this recipe when I was looking for a way to cook up some turkey drumsticks for a family gathering. I was struggling to find a recipe that didn’t involve hours of oven time or complicated prep work. That’s when I stumbled upon this slow cooker recipe, and it’s been a game-changer ever since. The slow cooker does all the work for you, so you can focus on other things while the food cooks.

It’s also a great way to cook up large quantities of food without having to spend all day in the kitchen. One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables. It’s also a great way to use up leftover vegetables or other ingredients you might have on hand.

And because it’s made in the slow cooker, you can cook it up ahead of time and reheat it as needed. This is perfect for busy families like mine who often have different schedules and needs. Now, let’s talk about the health benefits of this recipe. As you know, turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building strong muscles and keeping us full and satisfied throughout the day.

The vegetables in this recipe add fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for maintaining good health. And because we’re cooking everything in the slow cooker, we’re minimizing the risk of overcooking or burning the food, which can be detrimental to our health.

Slow Cooker Turkey Drumsticks

4.8 from 1122 votes

These turkey drumsticks are cooked low and slow in a savory broth until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender. The slow cooker does all the work, making this an easy and flavorful main dish for any night of the week.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time6 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time6 hours 10 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Turkey

4 turkey drumsticks (about 3 pounds total)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Cooking Liquid

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine or additional broth
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 bay leaves

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pat the turkey drumsticks dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt and pepper.
2Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear the drumsticks for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deep golden brown.
3Transfer the seared drumsticks to the slow cooker.
4In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, white wine, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and smoked paprika until combined.
5Pour the broth mixture over the drumsticks and add the bay leaves, tucking them into the liquid.
6Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or until the meat is very tender and pulls away from the bone easily with a fork.
7Carefully remove the drumsticks from the slow cooker and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
8Discard the bay leaves and, if desired, skim the fat from the cooking liquid to use as a light gravy.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
Large skillet
Tongs
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 130mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 3g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 55g

📝Notes

For extra flavor, add chopped carrots, celery, and onion to the slow cooker with the drumsticks. You can substitute apple cider for the white wine for a slightly sweeter taste.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Turkey Drumsticks Works

These turkey drumsticks store really well in the fridge for up to four days in an airtight container. To reheat I put them back in the slow cooker on low with a little broth or in the oven at 325 degrees until warmed through.

The meat stays moist and flavorful so leftovers never feel dry. For serving I like to shred the meat off the bone and pile it onto soft rolls for sandwiches or serve it over a bed of creamy polenta.

This recipe is always a good idea for any occasion and works perfectly for family gatherings because it is easy to scale up and everyone loves the rich, comforting flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Turkey Drumsticks

Q: Can I use boneless turkey drumsticks instead of bone-in?

No, you should use bone-in turkey drumsticks for this recipe. The bones add flavor and moisture to the meat as it cooks.

Q: Can I substitute chicken drumsticks for turkey?

No, chicken drumsticks are not suitable for this recipe. You’ll need to use turkey drumsticks specifically.

Q: How long do I need to cook the turkey drumsticks?

Cooking time will depend on your slow cooker model and personal preference for doneness. As a general rule, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Q: Can I add potatoes or other root vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes, feel free to add your favorite root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or sweet potatoes to the slow cooker along with the turkey drumsticks.

Q: How do I store leftover cooked turkey drumsticks?

You can store leftover cooked turkey drumsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

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