Slow cooker turkey legs is a simple recipe that produces seasoned, tender turkey leg meat. When you cook turkey legs slowly in a crockpot, they can cook low and slow. Instructions to make these turkey legs in the Instant Pot are also included. Switch things up this holiday season and cook your turkey legs in the crockpot!.
Cooking turkey drumsticks in a slow cooker is a fantastic way to make this flavorful cut of meat incredibly moist and tender. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have delicious slow cooker turkey drumsticks ready with very little hands-on time required.
Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker for Turkey Drumsticks
There are several reasons why using a slow cooker is ideal for cooking turkey drumsticks:
-
Tenderizes the Meat The slow cooking process gently breaks down the collagen in the connective tissue over several hours, resulting in drumsticks that are fall-off-the-bone tender.
-
Infuses Flavor The extended cooking time allows spices herbs and other flavorings to thoroughly penetrate into the meat.
-
Retains Moisture: The moist, enclosed environment of the slow cooker keeps the turkey legs from drying out.
-
Frees Up Oven Space: You can cook the drumsticks in the slow cooker while freeing up oven space for side dishes.
-
Minimal Effort: Once you add the ingredients to the slow cooker, it does all the work. Just set it and forget it!
How to Prepare Turkey Drumsticks for the Slow Cooker
Getting the drumsticks ready for the slow cooker only takes a few easy steps:
-
Choose Drumsticks: Look for drumsticks that are approximately 1 1/2 to 2 pounds each. Avoid ones with tears or holes in the skin.
-
Clean and Pat Dry: Rinse the drumsticks under cool water and thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels. Wet skin will make them steam rather than brown.
-
Coat with Oil: Rub a thin layer of olive oil or avocado oil over the skin and meat to help prevent them from drying out.
-
Season Generously: Coat the drumsticks all over with your favorite poultry seasoning or dry rub blend. Get the spices into every crevice.
-
Refrigerate Uncovered: Place the seasoned legs in the refrigerator uncovered for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This helps the skin dry out further so it will get crispy.
How to Cook Turkey Drumsticks in a Slow Cooker
Now comes the super easy part – simply add your seasoned drumsticks to the slow cooker and let it work its magic:
-
Use a Liner: Line your slow cooker with a liner for easy cleanup. If not using one, generously coat the insert with non-stick cooking spray.
-
Arrange Drumsticks: Place the legs down in a single layer, meaty side up. They can overlap a little if needed.
-
Add Liquid (Optional): For extra moist drumsticks, add 1/2 cup of water, broth or wine to the bottom of the slow cooker. This is optional.
-
Cover and Cook: Put on the lid and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours. The meat should reach 165°F internally.
-
Remove and Crisp (Optional): If you want crispy skin, arrange on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes until browned.
-
Let Rest and Serve: Allow the legs to rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into the tender meat. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Turkey Drumsticks
Follow these tips and tricks for perfect drumsticks every time:
-
Choose a size-appropriate slow cooker. A 4-6 quart cooker works well for 4-6 drumsticks.
-
Resist opening the lid, which lets heat escape. Opening extends cook time.
-
Use boneless legs for a shorter 6 hour cook time on LOW. Bone-in takes 7-8 hours.
-
Add root vegetables like potatoes, carrots and parsnips beneath drumsticks to cook in the juices.
-
Use a quick-read thermometer to check doneness. Temperature should reach 165°F.
-
Let legs rest before cutting so juices reabsorb back into the meat.
Flavorful Seasonings and Rubs for Turkey Drumsticks
The key to delicious drumsticks is packing on the flavor with aromatic spices and herbs. Consider using:
-
Poultry seasoning – sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram
-
Herbes de Provence – thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, lavender
-
Jerk seasoning – allspice, thyme, clove, chili pepper
-
BBQ rub – brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard
-
Lemon and herb – lemon zest, garlic, parsley, oregano, thyme
-
Cajun seasoning – cayenne, black pepper, onion, garlic, oregano
Get creative and make your own signature blends too. Endless possibilities!
Marvellous Ways to Use Leftover Turkey Drumsticks
Leftover cooked drumsticks make amazing quick meals and snacks. Reuse them in:
-
Hearty soups – turkey noodle, turkey and rice, turkey chili
-
Turkey sandwiches and wraps with cranberry sauce and stuffing
-
Turkey tacos with shredded meat, salsa and cheese
-
Turkey salad with mayo, celery, apple and nuts
-
Turkey casserole with vegetables and gravy
-
Turkey pot pie with peas, carrots and flaky crust
With the simple guidance above, you’ll be able to make the most flavourful, juicy turkey drumsticks easily in your slow cooker. Enjoy this classic dish even when it’s not the holidays!
Ingredients For Crockpot Turkey Legs
There are only 3 ingredients in this easy turkey slow cooker recipe.
- Turkey Legs
- Seasonings: I like to use a homemade rotisserie inspired seasoning. It’s included in the recipe box. Feel free to use your own seasoning.
- Oil
How To Make Turkey Legs In The Slow Cooker
Prepare The Turkey Legs
- Mix seasonings together in a small bowl.
- Spread the oil evenly over each turkey leg, and then rub a lot of the mixture on each one.
- Put the turkey legs that have been cooked on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Cook HIGH 3-4 hours or LOW 6-8.
- Pour water into the bottom of the pressure cooker. Add the prepared turkey legs on top.
- Close lid and seal valve. Set the pressure to high and cook for 25 minutes. Check the turkey to make sure it’s 165° Fahrenheit inside. Natural release 10 minutes then quick release remaining pressure.
This step is optional, but it’s suggested for both slow cookers On a baking sheet, put the turkey legs. BROIL them in the oven for three to five minutes to make the skin crispy.
CROCK POT TURKEY LEGS
FAQ
Is cooking a turkey in a slow cooker safe?
Are turkey drumsticks the same as turkey legs?
How do you know when turkey drumsticks are cooked?
How do you keep chicken from drying out in a slow cooker?
How do you cook drumsticks in a slow cooker?
Rub the spice mixture all over each of the turkey legs. Make sure to cover both sides. Step 5: Add turkey and water. Place the seasoned turkey legs into the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, pour in the water. Step 6: Cook. Cover the pot and cook the drumsticks for 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low. Step 7: Transfer and garnish.
Can you cook turkey drumsticks in a slow cooker?
Turkey drumsticks are incredibly affordable, so you can enjoy a delicious Christmas meal on a budget. This recipe works just as well with a whole turkey leg (which includes both the drumstick and thigh). The cooking time remains the same, so the meat is fall-apart tender. Just make sure the turkey leg fits snugly in your slow cooker.
How do you cook turkey legs in a slow cooker?
Combine the ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and paprika in a medium bowl and mix well. Place the turkey legs in the bottom of the slow cooker and season with salt and black pepper. Set aside. Pour the sauce over the turkey legs. Cover and cook on low heat. Check the internal temperature to be sure they are cooked. Then enjoy!
Do turkey drumsticks dry out when cooked?
Don’t worry. The turkey drumsticks will release plenty of their juices as they cook, combining with the stock to create a rich, flavourful base for your gravy. Turkey drumsticks are naturally lean and can dry out if not cooked properly.
How long to cook turkey drumsticks in oven?
The safe internal temperature of cooked turkey is 74℃. It is fine for it to be over this temperature, as it is slow-cooked; it will not dry out. Optional* If you like crispy skin, transfer the turkey drumsticks to a baking tray. Place in oven for 15 minutes to crisp off the skin. Cover loosely with foil and allow to rest for at least 20 minutes.
How do you cook turkey legs in a pressure cooker?
Mix seasonings together in a small bowl. Rub oil evenly over each turkey legs and rub mixture generously on each turkey leg. Slow Cooker Add the prepared turkey legs to the bottom of the slow cooker. Cook HIGH 3-4 hours or LOW 6-8. Pour water into the bottom of the pressure cooker. Add the prepared turkey legs on top. Close lid and seal valve.