These copycat Disney World Smoked Turkey Legs are easy to make and full of those classic smoky-salty flavors you desire when you crave this fair, or amusement park treat. These turkey legs are juicy and tender from the brine with a perfectly crispy crust from the grill.
Perfect to whip up when longing for this coveted dish or elegant enough to serve at a holiday dinner.
When I was young, trips to Disney World were met with so much excitement. Not only did I get to visit the most amazing place on Earth – I mean who wouldn’t be excited about that?! But it also meant time off of school! And as a kid, I’ll swap working on multiplication times tables for coloring books and games of I Spy, any day thank you very much!
And for me, the dish I could not wait to devour and enjoy was the Smoked Turkey Legs! Deliciously salty and smoked to a rich, dark, and glossy perfection. For me, it was those drumsticks that were the main attraction.
And while we can’t take a trip to Disney every time a Smoked Turkey Leg craving hits, I can whip up a batch of these copycat turkey drumsticks! They are so easy to make and taste just like the real deal, and in my opinion, better if that’s even possible!
Plus, you can make them in a big batch with relative ease, and that is always a win-win in my household!
Smoked turkey legs are a delicious, flavorful treat that can be found at fairs, theme parks, and specialty food stores But if you don’t have access to a smoker, boiling smoked turkey legs is an easy way to recreate that iconic smoky, tender meat at home With the right technique, boiled smoked turkey legs can deliver the same juicy texture and robust flavor you’d expect from the expertly smoked originals. Follow these tips on boil times, seasoning, and serving to get the most out of your store-bought or leftover smoked drumsticks.
Determining Boil Time for Smoked Turkey Legs
Smoked turkey legs only need to be heated through when boiling since they are fully cooked during the smoking process. The ideal internal temperature to reach is 165°F. To achieve this:
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For a 1-2 pound smoked turkey leg boil for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
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For a 2-3 pound jumbo smoked drumstick, boil for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
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Check the internal temp with a meat thermometer after boiling to confirm doneness.
Boiling times can vary based on the size of the drumsticks, how cold they were before boiling, and how rapidly your pot comes to a boil. Keep an eye on your turkey legs and use a thermometer for the most accurate doneness.
Seasoning the Boiling Liquid
Feel free to add herbs, spices, vegetables and other flavorings to the water when boiling smoked turkey legs. Try adding:
- Aromatics like onion, garlic, celery, carrot and bay leaves
- Fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, sage or oregano
- Whole peppercorns or dried chilies for heat
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chicken or turkey stock instead of plain water
This infuses the smoked turkey meat with extra dimensions of flavor as it gently reheats.
Achieving the Best Texture
Proper boiling helps keep smoked turkey legs tender and juicy. Follow these tips:
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Use a large pot and add legs with ample room to move freely. Crowding will cause uneven cooking.
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Keep the temperature at a gentle simmer. Boiling too vigorously can make the meat dry or stringy.
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Turn the drumsticks over halfway through boiling to ensure even exposure to heat.
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Once boiled, let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute.
Serving Suggestions for Boiled Smoked Turkey Legs
Boiled smoked turkey legs make for a fun, hand-held meal with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving with:
- Barbecue sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
- Coleslaw, potato salad or macaroni salad
- Corn on the cob, cornbread or buttermilk biscuits
- Baked beans, collard greens or roasted veggies
- Mashed or baked potatoes
For a hearty soup, dice up any leftover turkey meat and add to chili, gumbo or Rustic Turkey Soup.
Storage and Reheating
Store boiled smoked turkey legs in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a 325°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. They can also be reheated by simmering in broth, salsa or barbecue sauce for 10-15 minutes.
More Smoked Turkey Leg Tips
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If uncooked, brine turkey legs in saltwater for added moisture and flavor before smoking or boiling.
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Wood chips like hickory, apple, cherry and mesquite impart the most authentic smoked flavor.
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Apply a dry rub before smoking for a crusty, spiced exterior.
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Finish boiled legs with extra glazes and sauces to boost flavor.
With the proper boil time and a few flavor-building techniques, boiled smoked turkey legs can be just as mouthwateringly delicious as the barbecue original. Now you can enjoy tender, juicy smoked meat anytime without firing up the smoker.
What ingredients do you need to make Smoked Turkey Drumsticks?
Make easy turkey drumsticks with simple ingredients, many you may already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand or need to grab from the store when you’re ready to brin and grill:
Turkey legs are available year-round in the meat counter, or at the butcher section, of most local grocery stores. If you are unable to locate, most stores will special order at no additional cost.
Feel free to use light or dark brown sugar. I tend to prefer the deeper, richer caramel flavors of dark in this recipe but if you prefer the sweeter taste of light brown, use that instead!
Note that we recommend using kosher salt for this recipe. You may use table salt instead, but you will want to half the amount.
Pink Himalayan Sea Salt
Pink Himalayan Salt is a type of salt, naturally pink in color, and mined hear the Himalayan Mountains in Pakistan. Not only is this salt more flavorful than table salt, resulting in a better-flavored turkey leg, but it is loaded with minerals and provides numerous health benefits.
Pink Himalayan Salt can be found down the baking aisle of most grocery stores, located near the other salts.
- Water
- Smoked Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
How to Prepare Store Bought Smoked Turkey Legs. Quick and Easy Short Cut Jerk BBQ or Any BBQ Sauce
FAQ
How long does it take to boil a turkey leg?
- Place the turkey legs in a large stockpot. …
- Cover the drumsticks with water or chicken broth. …
- Season the water or broth. …
- Boil the turkey legs for about 60 minutes. …
- Drain the turkey legs and let them cool. …
- Remove the skin and pick off the meat.
How long does it take for a smoked turkey leg to get tender?
Preheat your smoker to 250 degrees F, cooking indirectly. Add your favorite wood chips or wood chunks to help develop the smoky flavor. Cook the turkey legs for about 2-2.5 hours or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 175 degrees F.
Are smoked turkey legs already cooked?
- Smoked turkey legs are slowly cooked over hickory wood.
- Some brands cure the turkey legs before smoking.
- You can tell if a turkey leg is cooked by checking that the meat is tender and not pink.
How long to boil smoked turkey legs for greens?
It’s all made in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze, and a lot of the work is hands-off, as the turkey leg has to simmer for about 30 minutes.Oct 4, 2021
How long does it take to cook smoked turkey legs?
As smoked turkey legs are already cooked, you are actually just heating the turkey legs through, not cooking them. While this makes it pretty easy, you do need to watch out for over-cooking, and ending up with dried out, rubbery meat. The rule of thumb is 6-8 minutes of cooking time in a conventional oven for every pound of turkey.
How to cook store bought smoked turkey legs?
Here you can learn how to cook store bought smoked turkey legs it is easy, and possible by a number of methods. Using only a few items, you can cook smoked turkey legs in a conventional oven, in a slow cooker, microwave, an air fryer, or even on the grill.
How long do you cook a pre smoked turkey?
Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey legs and the heat intensity of your stove. Generally, it takes about 15-20 minutes per side on medium heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). How to cook a pre-smoked turkey? Place your smoked turkey on the broiler try rack and tent securely with tin foil.
Can you cook smoked turkey legs ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook smoked turkey legs ahead of time. Simply cook the turkey legs according to the instructions, then let them cool completely. Once the turkey legs are cool, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve the turkey legs, simply reheat them according to the instructions above.
How do you cook smoked turkey legs on a grill?
The barbecue is a natural cooking choice for smoked turkey legs. On a gas or charcoal grill, cook with indirect heat at 325-350°F. Hickory, cherry, apple, and pecan smoking woods complement turkey. Approximate grill/smoker times: Rotate and flip legs periodically. Baste with glaze during last 15-30 minutes if desired.
Can you cook smoked turkey legs in the oven?
Store bought smoked turkey legs can be heated through beautifully in a conventional oven. The oven temperature is set where you would normally set it if you were roasting poultry, at 325 F. Wrap the smoked turkey legs in aluminum foil. This will help to keep the juices in and guard against the meat becoming dry and rubbery.