How to Reheat Smoked Turkey Legs to Perfection in a Slow Cooker

Smoked turkey legs are a classic treat that can be enjoyed any time of year With their delicious smoky flavor and juicy meat, it’s no wonder they are a staple at theme parks, fairs, and backyard barbecues But when you have leftover smoked turkey legs from a previous feast, properly reheating them is key to preserving that signature taste and texture. Using a slow cooker is one of the best methods for reheating smoked turkey legs. The low, gradual heat tenderizes the meat and infuses it with even more smoky intensity. Follow this guide to reheat your smoked turkey legs in a slow cooker to absolute perfection.

Benefits of Reheating in a Slow Cooker

There are several advantages to using a slow cooker rather than a microwave or oven when reheating smoked turkey legs:

• Preserves moisture – The gentle, surrounding heat of the slow cooker warms the turkey legs evenly while retaining their natural juices and preventing them from drying out.

• Enhances flavor – The lengthy cooking time allows the smoky notes to thoroughly permeate the meat, taking the flavor to new heights.

• Makes meat tender – Slow cooking gently breaks down the tough connective tissues in smoked turkey legs, leaving the meat fall-off-the-bone tender.

• Adds convenience – Simply throw in the ingredients, and hours later you’ll have piping hot smoked turkey legs ready to devour. No need for constant monitoring.

• Limits mess – There’s no need for closely watching things in the oven or flipping in a pan. Just set it and forget it!

Tips for Best Results

Follow these handy tips to take your reheated smoked turkey legs from great to spectacular:

• Allow refrigerated turkey legs to come to room temperature before slow cooking for more even heating

• Trim away any hardened outer areas after reheating for the most tender meat.

• Use flavorful liquids like turkey broth or apple cider instead of plain water.

• Resist removing the lid during cooking to keep moisture inside.

• Shred leftovers for sandwiches, soups, casseroles, and other creative dishes.

How to Reheat Smoked Turkey Legs Step-by-Step

Reheating smoked turkey legs in a slow cooker is easy. Just 6 simple steps will have you biting into tender, flavorful turkey legs in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 lbs smoked turkey legs
• 1⁄2 – 1 cup turkey broth, apple cider, beer, or water
• 1⁄2 onion, diced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the turkey legs: Pat off excess moisture with paper towels. Cut away any tough outer skin or sections.

2. Grease the slow cooker: Coat the insert with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.

3. Add cooking liquid: Pour in enough turkey broth, cider, beer, or water to come 1 inch up the sides.

4. Include aromatics (optional): Add onion, garlic, bay leaf, and any other desired herbs or spices.

5. Put in legs and season: Place legs in a single layer if possible. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

6. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours until fork-tender and 165°F internally.

Once smoking hot and fall-off-the-bone tender, your turkey legs are ready to serve and savor!

Serving Reheated Smoked Turkey Legs

After slow cooking, consider these serving suggestions:

• Pair with classic barbecue sides like baked beans, coleslaw, or potato salad.

• Offer dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch or barbecue sauce.

• Pile smoked turkey on rolls for hearty sandwiches.

• Top nachos, pizzas, salads or baked potatoes with shredded turkey.

• For a complete meal, serve with roasted veggies and mashed potatoes.

No matter how you enjoy your reheated smoked turkey legs, their amazing flavor will have you cherishing every tender, juicy bite. So put your slow cooker to work and rediscover just how delicious leftover turkey legs can be!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a crockpot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can use a crockpot to reheat smoked turkey legs with the same delicious results. Simply follow the same instructions using your crockpot instead of a slow cooker.

How long should I reheat turkey legs in a slow cooker?

Plan on reheating the smoked turkey legs for 6-8 hours on the low setting until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The extended time allows them to become very tender.

Should I add liquid when reheating in a slow cooker?

It’s best to add some liquid like broth or cider when reheating turkey legs in a slow cooker. The liquid creates steam to prevent the meat from drying out. Use enough to cover the bottom without submerging the legs completely.

Can I reheat from frozen?

You can reheat frozen smoked turkey legs in a slow cooker. Just add 1-2 hours onto the reheating time to account for them being frozen initially. They may take 8-10 hours total to become fully tender.

Can I crisp up the skin after slow cooker reheating?

For crispy skin, broil the turkey legs on a baking sheet for a few minutes after slow cooking. The high heat will crisp and brown the skin nicely.

What temperature should smoked turkey legs reach?

Always use a meat thermometer to confirm smoked turkey legs reach an internal temperature of 165°F after reheating. This ensures they are completely hot and safe to consume.

How should I season the turkey legs?

Feel free to add any desired seasonings into the slow cooker to add flavor. Garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, parsley, and pepper work nicely. You can also brush on sauce.

What sides go well with smoked turkey legs?

Some delicious sides to serve with your reheated smoked turkey legs include mashed potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, roasted veggies, mac and cheese, rolls, and potato salad.

Reheating smoked turkey legs in a slow cooker locks in moisture and infuses them incredible smoky flavor. Follow the tips and instructions in this guide for tender, juicy turkey legs your whole family will love. Your slow cooker makes it easy to rediscover just how tasty leftover turkey legs can be. Now you can reheat those remaining legs to smoked perfection.