Fall-Off-The-Bone Smoked Turkey Legs: The Secret To Cooking Them Perfectly in a Crockpot

Smoked turkey legs are a classic appetizer or main dish that is always a crowd-pleaser. When cooked properly, the meat becomes incredibly tender and flavorful with a lovely smoky aroma. But achieving that ideal texture and taste can be tricky when cooking the legs in a crockpot. Don’t worry we’ve got you covered! In this comprehensive guide, we will reveal the secrets to cooking foolproof, fall-off-the-bone smoked turkey legs in a crockpot.

Why Cook Smoked Turkey Legs in a Crockpot?

Using a crockpot to prepare smoked turkey legs offers some great benefits:

• It’s convenient – just throw in the ingredients and let the crockpot do the work over several hours No need for constant monitoring!

• The low, slow cooking tenderizes the meat and allows the smoky flavors to really penetrate.

• You’ll end up with juicy, pull-apart turkey legs every time.

• A crockpot uses less energy than baking in the oven for hours.

• The house will fill with the amazing aroma as they cook away.

• It frees up your oven for cooking other dishes if you’re preparing a large meal.

Picking the Right Smoked Turkey Legs

You can find pre-smoked turkey legs in the poultry or deli section of most supermarkets. Look for legs that are high quality with a nice size, around 1 lb – 1.5 lbs each. Inspect them to make sure the skin looks fresh, not dried out. Meat that is overly dry before cooking will only get drier. For ideal flavor and texture, choose legs with some visible fat marbling through the meat.

Helpful Tips for Cooking Smoked Turkey Legs in a Crockpot

Follow these tips for the very best results:

• Use a liner – Putting the turkey legs in a crockpot liner prevents any burnt bits from sticking to the interior. This also helps capture all the flavorful juices for making gravy or sauce.

• Don’t overcrowd – Lay the legs flat in a single layer, or just lightly touching. Crowding will prevent even cooking.

• Add liquid – About 1 cup of broth, beer or water in the bottom helps keep the turkey legs moist as they cook low and slow.

• Season generously – A salty dry rub really boosts the flavor. Use spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, sage and plenty of black pepper and salt.

• Brown them first – Searing the legs in a skillet before the crockpot gives them nice color and caramelized flavor.

• Longer time is better – Plan on at least 6 hours on low, but the texture gets even more tender and succulent after 8-10 hours.

• Finish with broiling – A few minutes under the broiler at the end will crispen up the skin.

Step-By-Step Crockpot Smoked Turkey Leg Recipe

Now let’s walk through a foolproof recipe step-by-step so you can enjoy perfect smoked drumsticks anytime.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 smoked turkey legs (about 1 lb each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1⁄4 cup chicken broth or beer
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Onion powder, sage, thyme (optional)

Instructions:

1. Pat the turkey legs dry thoroughly with paper towels. Rub them all over with olive oil.

2. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder and generous amounts of salt and pepper. Coat the legs all over with the spice mixture. Add any other desired seasonings.

3. Heat a large skillet with a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey legs for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned.

4. Transfer the seared legs to the crockpot and add the chicken broth to the bottom. Lay them in a single layer, meaty side up.

5. Cover and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, until the meat is very tender and easily pulls away from the bone.

6. Carefully remove the cooked legs from the crock. Let any juices drip back into the crock.

7. Set the oven to broil. Arrange the legs on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes to crispen the skin. Watch closely to avoid burning.

8. Serve the smoked turkey legs warm, with the accumulated juices for gravy. Enjoy!

Cooking Time Guidelines

The exact cooking time can vary a bit based on your crockpot model and the size of the legs. Here are general time ranges to follow:

• Smaller legs, under 1 lb – 6-8 hours on low

• Medium legs, 1 – 1.5 lbs – 8 hours on low

• Larger legs over 1.5 lbs – 9-10 hours on low

• High setting – Reduce times above by 2-3 hours

As a rule of thumb, it’s very difficult to overcook smoked turkey legs in a crockpot. The longer they cook, the more tender and succulent they become.

Handy Serving Ideas for Smoked Turkey Legs

Smoked turkey legs pair beautifully with all sorts of side dishes. Here are some tasty serving suggestions:

• Coleslaw or potato salad
• Mac and cheese or baked beans
• Mashed, roasted or fried potatoes
• Collard greens, kale or roasted vegetables
• Corn on the cob, corn bread or hush puppies
• Pasta or potato salad
• Baked apples, cranberry sauce or cornbread

For an extra layer of flavor, serve your carved turkey legs coated in your favorite barbecue sauce or gravy. Smoked turkey also works fantastically in soups, sandwiches, salads and more. Get creative with the leftover meat!

Expert Tips to Take Your Turkey Legs to the Next Level

• For extra smoky flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of liquid smoke to the crockpot.

• Mix some cranberry sauce or chopped dried fruit into the bottom of the crock.

• Nestle some quartered onions or halved garlic cloves around the legs while cooking.

• Use apple juice, ginger ale or beer instead of broth for the moisture.

• Infuse herbs by adding sprigs of rosemary or thyme to the pot.

• Coat legs with a flavorful dry rub before searing for amazing crusty exterior.

• Glaze the fully cooked legs with your favorite barbecue sauce before broiling.

Common Questions about Crockpot Smoked Turkey Legs

How long does it take to cook frozen smoked turkey legs in a crockpot?

Frozen legs will need quite a bit more time to cook through. Plan on at least 10 hours on low, or 6 hours on high. Always thaw first for the shortest cooking time.

Should I remove the skin before cooking?

This is personal preference. Keeping the skin on will help retain moisture, but you can remove it if you don’t want the extra fat.

Do I need to add extra liquid during cooking?

Typically 1 cup of broth, juice or water in the crockpot is sufficient. But you can add a splash more if the pot seems dry partway through.

Can I cook other ingredients along with the turkey legs?

Absolutely! Vegetables like potatoes, carrots, onions or cabbage pair nicely. Just ensure they get fully cooked.

How can I get the skin crispy in the crockpot?

Unfortunately the moist crockpot environment prevents the skin from crisping. Finish under the broiler or on the grill if you want crispy skin.

What temperature should smoked turkey legs reach when done?

The safe minimum internal temperature for smoked turkey legs is 165°F. Use an instant read thermometer to check doneness.

Enjoy Restaurant-Quality Smoked Turkey Legs at Home

With the insights in this guide for how to prepare smoked turkey legs in a crockpot, you can now rival any barbecue joint with juicy, fork-tender drumsticks and robust smoky flavor.

Be sure to allow plenty of time for the low, slow cooking process to work its magic. Patience will be rewarded with amazing turkey legs your whole family will devour.

For parties, holidays, game day and anytime you get a craving, look no further than your trusty crockpot for the secret to perfect smoked turkey legs. Now get cooking and savor the delicious aromas!