These Smoked Turkey Legs are an awesome Disney copycat that tastes just like the ones in the theme park. They are large and in charge, coming ‘atcha with tons of smoky flavor. So go ahead and skip the theme park, and make your very own smoked turkey legs at home!
Smoked turkey legs are always a hit at theme parks carnivals and backyard barbecues. Their iconic giant size and irresistible smoky taste make them a crowd-pleasing favorite. But properly cooking smoked turkey legs can be tricky. Undercook them and you’ll end up with rubbery, raw meat. Overcook them and you’ll have dry, stringy drumsticks. So how long should you cook pre-smoked turkey legs to perfection? Let’s break it down.
Choosing High-Quality Turkey Legs
The first important step is selecting top-notch smoked turkey legs to cook. Look for legs that are big evenly colored and free of blemishes. Fresh or frozen pre-smoked drumsticks are widely available at major grocery stores and online retailers. Fresh legs should be cooked ASAP, while frozen ones can be stored longer. Thaw frozen legs thoroughly in the fridge before cooking.
Carefully inspect the legs and rinse if needed. Pat dry completely before seasoning. Turkey legs typically weigh 1.5 to 2.5 pounds each. Their hefty size means they require longer cooking than chicken drumsticks.
Seasoning for Maximum Flavor
Although pre-smoked, turkey legs benefit hugely from extra seasoning. A salt-free poultry or barbecue rub significantly boosts flavor. For bolder flavors, use a spicy Cajun blend. Lightly coat with oil first so the seasoning sticks better.
Glazing the legs while cooking also adds more flavor and moisture. Basting with barbecue sauce is very popular. Apple juice, honey, and teriyaki glazes work great too. Avoid sugary glazes until the end to prevent burning.
Oven Roasting Times for Perfect Results
Oven roasting is a convenient hands-off cooking method for smoked turkey legs. Use a roasting pan with a rack to elevate the legs for even cooking. Here are approximate oven roasting times:
- 1.5 lb leg: 60-75 minutes at 350°F
- 2 lb leg: 75-90 minutes at 350°F
- 2.5 lb leg: 90-120 minutes at 350°F
Rotate the legs halfway through roasting. Check temperature early and extend roasting if needed. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Grill and Smoker Cooking Times
Firing up the barbecue is a natural choice for smoked turkey legs. On a gas or charcoal grill, use indirect heat at 325-350°F. Hickory, cherry, apple, and pecan smoking woods pair great with turkey.
Approximate grill/smoker times:
- 1.5 lb leg: 60-75 minutes
- 2 lb leg: 75-90 minutes
- 2.5 lb leg: 90-120 minutes
Flip and rotate the legs periodically. Baste with glaze during the last 15-30 minutes if desired.
The Foolproof Method
What’s the only surefire way to know when smoked turkey legs are properly cooked? Use a meat thermometer! Turkey should reach 165°F internally. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the leg, avoiding bone.
Correctly cooked legs will be piping hot throughout. The meat will pull back from the bone slightly. Allow to rest 10 minutes before digging in. Now you can enjoy perfect smoked turkey legs anytime.
Top Tips for Smoked Turkey Leg Success
Smoked turkey legs deserve care and patience to unlock their full flavor potential. Don’t give in to any temptation to hurry the cooking process. Long, slow cooking is vital for large, bone-in cuts like legs.
While handy as a guide, approximate cooking times aren’t foolproof. For the best results, always rely on an instant-read thermometer. This removes any risk of undercooked poultry. For safety, turkey legs must hit 165°F minimum internally.
With proper roasting, grilling or smoking time, smoked turkey legs turn out juicy, tender and smoky-sweet. A few trial runs will help you master the technique. Your patience will pay off with theme park-worthy turkey legs perfect for any backyard barbecue or holiday table.
Making Delicious Brined Smoked Turkey Legs at Home
Want to make your own mouthwatering brined smoked turkey legs at home? It’s easier than you think. Let’s go over the simple process step-by-step.
Ingredients Needed
- 4 turkey legs
- 4 cups cold water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1⁄4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp kosher salt
- 1 Tbsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp pink curing salt
Brine the Legs
- Stir the ingredients together in cold water until dissolved to make the brine.
- Place the turkey legs in a large zip-top bag and cover with the brine.
- Refrigerate 1-2 days to cure the meat.
Prepare the Smoker
- Remove legs from the brine. Rinse and pat completely dry.
- Prepare smoker with your favorite wood chips and preheat to 225°F.
Smoke the Legs
- Place legs directly on the grill grates in the smoker.
- Smoke 1.5 hours until internal temperature reaches 175°F.
Finish and Enjoy
- Remove legs from smoker and let rest briefly.
- Dig into the juicy, tender, pink brined smoked turkey legs!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you reheat a pre-cooked smoked turkey leg?
Reheat smoked turkey legs covered in a 350°F oven 45-60 minutes until heated through to 165°F internal temperature.
How long does it take to get smoked turkey legs tender?
Smoke turkey drumsticks 3-4 hours until the meat is very tender and pulls easily from the bone, and reaches an internal temp of 170°F.
How long do you cook pre-smoked turkey legs on the stovetop?
Cook pre-smoked turkey legs on medium heat 15-20 minutes per side, until internal temperature hits 165°F.
How do you cook already smoked turkey legs in the oven?
Place smoked turkey legs on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven. Cook 45-60 minutes until heated through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
What’s the best way to cook smoked turkey legs in a slow cooker?
Place smoked turkey legs in a slow cooker, coat with barbecue sauce, and cook on low 4-6 hours until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How long do you smoke turkey legs in a smoker?
Smoke turkey legs at 250-275°F using your favorite wood chips until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 1.5-2 hours.
What’s the easiest way to cook store-bought smoked turkey legs?
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place legs on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush with oil and seasonings. Bake 45-60 minutes until 165°F.
Conclusion
Perfectly cooked smoked turkey legs are a tasty treat. With the right roasting, smoking, or grilling time, you can achieve juicy, tender, finger-licking results. While approximate cooking times serve as a handy guide, always rely on an instant-read thermometer to guarantee safely cooked poultry. Master this technique, and you can enjoy theme park-quality smoked turkey legs anytime.
Smoked Turkey Leg Brine
The magic step to making these smoked turkey legs comes from the brine. This magically wet curing liquid does 3 things to the turkey legs:
- It helps tenderize the meat.
- The brine gives the turkey that gorgeous signature pink color.
- It gives an even saltiness throughout – talk about a major flavor baby!
This brine combined with the smoke makes for a flavor explosion, with tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.
How Long to Smoke Turkey Legs
It takes approximately an hour and a half to make these smoked turkey legs.
Most poultry needs to be cooked to a final internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Turkey legs are dark meat, so they’re fattier. You want these to fall off the bone without resistance. Smoking them to 175 degrees F will get you that super tender fall-off-the-bone bite. Keep a reliable meat thermometer handy to keep track of the temperature as you’re smoking.