crock pot turkey legs recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
crock pot turkey legs recipe
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The Best crock pot turkey legs recipe

I’m so excited to share this crock pot turkey legs recipe with you all. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. There’s something about the tender, fall-apart texture of the turkey legs that just makes you feel like you’re in for a real treat.

And let me tell you, the flavors in this recipe are top-notch – the perfect blend of savory and sweet that will make your taste buds do the happy dance. I’ve served this at family gatherings, holiday meals, and even just a regular Tuesday night dinner, and it’s always been a crowd-pleaser. One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make.

Just throw those turkey legs in the crock pot with some onions, carrots, and your favorite seasonings, and let the magic happen. You can be cooking up a storm while doing other things around the house – like laundry or cleaning – so it’s perfect for busy families like mine. And the best part?

It’s healthy! Turkey is a great source of protein, and when you cook it low and slow like this, it becomes incredibly tender and juicy without needing all sorts of added fats and sugars. My kids love helping me prep the ingredients for this recipe – they get to use their favorite kid-friendly utensils like plastic knives and scoops to chop up those onions and carrots.

And when we sit down to eat together as a family, everyone raves about how delicious it is. I’ve even had guests ask for seconds (and sometimes thirds!) which says a lot about how good it really is.

Crock Pot Turkey Legs

Crock Pot Turkey Legs

4.9 from 1961 votes

Tender and juicy turkey legs slow cooked in a savory herb broth until fall off the bone. This easy crock pot recipe delivers a comforting meal with minimal effort.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time6 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time6 hours 15 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Turkey Legs

4 turkey legs (about 1 pound each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary

For the Broth

2 cups chicken broth
1 cup water
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 bay leaves

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pat the turkey legs dry with paper towels.
2In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
3Rub the spice mixture evenly over all the turkey legs.
4Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering.
5Sear the turkey legs in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
6The browning adds depth of flavor and the skin should look crispy in spots.
7Transfer the seared turkey legs to the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
8In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, water, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
9Pour the broth mixture over the turkey legs and add the bay leaves.
10Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours.
11The turkey legs are done when the meat is very tender and easily pulls away from the bone with a fork.
12The internal temperature should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
13Carefully remove the turkey legs from the slow cooker using tongs.
14Discard the bay leaves.
15If desired, strain the cooking liquid and serve it as a gravy or au jus alongside the turkey legs.
16Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (6 quart or larger)
Large skillet
Tongs
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 180mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 4g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 55g

📝Notes

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

Watch Video Of How Crock Pot Turkey Legs Works

This crock pot turkey legs recipe is truly one of my go-tos when I need something hearty and comforting for my family or guests. It’s perfect for big gatherings or even just a cozy night in with loved ones.

And don’t even get me started on how well it stores! Once cooked through, these turkey legs freeze beautifully for future meals – simply reheat them in the microwave or oven when you’re ready for a quick dinner solution.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Turkey Legs

Q: What kind of turkey legs should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use either bone-in or boneless turkey legs for this recipe – whatever you have on hand will work just fine! If you’re using boneless legs, just be aware that they might cook a bit faster than the bone-in variety.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker if I don’t have a crock pot?

A: Yes! You can definitely make this recipe in a slow cooker if you don’t have a crock pot – just adjust the cooking time as needed based on your specific appliance’s settings. Keep an eye on those turkey legs after 4-5 hours to make sure they’re not overcooking.

Q: Do I need to add any special seasonings or spices to this recipe?

A: Nope! This recipe is all about keeping things simple with basic seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Feel free to customize with your own favorite spices if you want – but honestly, these classic flavors work beautifully together without any additional flair.

Q: Can I use frozen turkey legs for this recipe?

A: Absolutely! If you’re using frozen turkey legs, just thaw them first before adding them to the crock pot with your other ingredients. Make sure they’re completely defrosted before cooking so they cook evenly throughout.

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