Smoked turkey legs are a classic barbecue staple that never fail to impress. When slowly cooked, the meat becomes fall-off-the-bone tender and infused with a delicious smoky flavor. But constantly monitoring and rotating the legs over a grill or smoker can be a hassle. Luckily, there’s an easier way to achieve the same mouthwatering results – using a slow cooker!
Cooking smoked turkey legs in a slow cooker delivers unbeatable convenience and consistency. The enclosed environment traps in moisture while the low, steady heat gently breaks down connective tissues. After hours of hands-off simmering, you’re left with irresistibly succulent smoked turkey legs every time.
I’ve perfected a simple technique to transform basic turkey legs into a show-stopping centerpiece worthy of any cookout or holiday feast Follow my easy tutorial to learn how to make extraordinarily juicy and tender smoked turkey legs using only your trusty slow cooker
Benefits of Slow Cooker Smoked Turkey Legs
Choosing to prepare your smoked turkey legs in a slow cooker offers several advantages over traditional smoking methods
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Set it and forget it – Once the ingredients are added, no further monitoring or rotation is needed. The slow cooker does all the work for you!
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Intensified smoky flavors – The closed environment traps and concentrates the aromatic smoke rather than letting it dissipate.
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Tender meat – The gentle heat steadily softens collagen and connective tissues over time.
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Moist and juicy – Slow cooking retains moisture and natural juices better than high dry heat.
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Consistent results – The regulated temperature ensures evenly cooked meat without hot spots.
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Food safety – Maintaining a stable low temperature destroys bacteria more effectively.
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Effortless cleanup – With no ash or charcoal remnants, cleanup is quick and easy.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Smoked Turkey Legs
Follow these helpful tips and tricks to achieve the best possible results:
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Pick legs 1 1⁄2 – 3 lbs – Smaller legs risk drying out while larger may not fully cook through.
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Pat dry and coat in rub – Drying the skin allows seasonings to properly adhere to the meat.
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Pre-sear for crispiness – Quickly browning adds appetizing caramelized flavors.
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Use indirect smoking – Wrapping wood chips in foil prevents burnt plastic smells.
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Include flavorful liquids – Chicken stock, apple juice, beer, wine all add moisture and flavor.
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Allow resting time – Letting legs sit for 10-15 minutes allows juices to absorb back into the meat.
Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Smoked Turkey Leg Recipe
Ready to get smoking? Follow my simple instructions to make superb smoked turkey legs in your slow cooker:
Ingredients:
- 4 turkey legs (1 1⁄2 – 3 lbs each)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1⁄4 cup barbecue seasoning rub
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups hickory wood chips
Directions:
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Pat turkey legs dry and coat with olive oil. Generously apply rub all over.
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In a skillet, quickly brown legs on all sides over medium-high heat.
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Place wood chips in a foil pouch and poke holes for ventilation.
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Add chicken broth and foil pouch to a 6-qt slow cooker. Add legs.
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Cook on LOW heat for 6-8 hours until fork tender.
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Carefully remove legs and tent with foil. Let rest 10-15 minutes.
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Optionally broil 3-5 minutes to crisp skin.
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Serve smoked turkey legs with your favorite barbecue sides!
Handy Serving Suggestions
Smoked turkey legs make for a hearty stand-alone meal but also pair well with a variety of sides:
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Hearty sandwiches – Sliced or pulled meat piled high on rolls with stuffing and cranberry sauce.
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Game day platters – The perfect no-utensil-required finger food with various dipping sauces.
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Down home dinners – Serve with classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes, cornbread, and collard greens.
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Salads – Dice and add to main-dish salads for a protein boost.
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Wraps – Shred meat and combine with veggies, cheese, and ranch dressing.
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Charcuterie – Arrange slices alongside cured meats, cheeses, fruits and nuts.
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Breakfast bundles – Stuff in biscuits or breakfast sandwiches with eggs and cheese.
However you choose to serve them, smoked turkey legs never fail to satisfy!
FAQs
Get answers to some commonly asked questions about making smoked turkey legs in a slow cooker:
How long does it take?
- Plan for 6-8 hours on LOW or 4-6 hours on HIGH, depending on size. Always check internal temperature.
What temperature should they reach?
- For safety and proper doneness, turkey should hit 165°F at a minimum.
Can you get crispy skin?
- Unfortunately slow cookers won’t crisp the skin. Broil after cooking instead.
What wood chips work best?
- For classic barbecue flavor, hickory and apple wood chips are ideal.
Do you need extra liquid?
- Yes, 1-2 cups of broth, juice or beer should be added to prevent drying out.
Can you add other ingredients?
- Absolutely! Vegetables, potatoes, beans and more can be tossed in to create a whole meal.
What size slow cooker is needed?
- A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is best to ensure the legs cook evenly.
Now there’s no excuse not to enjoy tender, juicy smoked turkey legs anytime! Simply toss the ingredients in your slow cooker, press start and wait for the mouthwatering aroma of smoky perfection. Impress your family with this tasty crowd-pleaser at your next cookout or holiday feast.
Crock Pot Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey Leg
Dried black eyed peas Salt Smoked turkey leg
Place the turkey leg and dried peas into your slow cooker. Tip: “Sort” your beans before adding them to the crockpot
Add salt. It takes a good bit of salt to make beans.
Add enough water to cover everything. Put your lid on and turn on low for 8 to 10 hours.