turkey legs in crockpot recipe

turkey legs in crockpot recipe

The Best turkey legs in crockpot recipe

I’ve been making turkey legs in the crockpot for years, and it’s a staple in our household. My family loves it when I serve it with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal effort. Simply season the turkey legs with your favorite herbs and spices, place them in the crockpot, and let it do the rest.

The long cooking time breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, making it tender and fall-apart easy. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

We often serve it at family gatherings, and everyone always raves about how delicious it is. I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as we do!

The rich flavors of the turkey are elevated by the slow cooking process, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. I’ve tried various seasoning combinations over the years, but I find that a simple blend of salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme and rosemary works wonders.

You can’t go wrong with this classic combination.

Crockpot Turkey Legs

Crockpot Turkey Legs

4.7 from 1785 votes

Tender, fall-off-the-bone turkey legs cooked low and slow in a savory broth. This easy slow cooker recipe delivers juicy meat with minimal effort, perfect for a comforting dinner.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time6 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time6 hours 10 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Turkey Legs

4 turkey legs (about 3-4 pounds total)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Cooking Liquid

1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup apple cider
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 sprig fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pat the turkey legs dry with paper towels.
2In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3Rub the spice mixture evenly over all the turkey legs.
4Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5Sear the turkey legs for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
6This step adds flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
7Place the seared turkey legs in the slow cooker.
8In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
9Pour this mixture over the turkey legs and add the rosemary sprig.
10Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
11The meat should be very tender and pull away easily from the bone when done.
12Carefully remove the turkey legs from the slow cooker using tongs.
13Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
14Optionally, skim fat from the cooking liquid and serve as a light gravy.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
Small bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 180mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 6g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 50g

📝Notes

For extra flavor, add chopped carrots, celery, and onion to the slow cooker. Leftover turkey legs can be shredded and used in soups or sandwiches.

Watch Video Of How Crockpot Turkey Legs Works

This turkey legs in crockpot recipe is always a good idea for family gatherings because it is simple to prepare and feeds a crowd with minimal effort. I love that I can set it and forget it, then serve a delicious meal that everyone enjoys.

Whether it is a holiday dinner or a regular weeknight, this recipe delivers tender, flavorful meat every time. For storage, let the legs cool completely before placing them in a container with some of the cooking liquid.

They keep well in the fridge for a few days and can be reheated gently to maintain moisture. Serve them with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

The leftovers are great for sandwiches or shredded over rice the next day.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Turkey Legs

Q1: Can I use boneless turkey legs for this recipe?

A1: While boneless turkey legs will still turn out delicious, I prefer to use bone-in turkey legs for their richer flavor and juicier texture. If you don’t have access to bone-in turkey legs, you can certainly use boneless ones as a substitute.

Q2: How long do I need to cook the turkey legs in the crockpot?

A2: Cooking time will depend on your personal preference for tenderness and flavor intensity. As a general rule, you can cook the turkey legs on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. Keep an eye on them after 6 hours to ensure they’re not overcooked.

Q3: Can I add other ingredients to the crockpot with the turkey legs?

A3: Absolutely! You can add your favorite vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions to the crockpot along with the turkey legs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the added ingredients’ cooking times.

Q4: How do I store leftover turkey legs?

A4: Let the cooked turkey legs cool completely before refrigerating or freezing them for later use. You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q5: Can I reheat turkey legs in the microwave?

A5: While you can reheat turkey legs in the microwave, I recommend using a conventional oven or toaster oven instead for more even heating and better texture preservation.

Similar Posts