Where Can I Get a Smoked Turkey Leg? A Guide to Finding Delicious Hickory-Smoked Drumsticks

Smoked turkey legs, also known as turkey drumsticks, are a tasty and nostalgic treat for many Their rich, smoky flavor takes you back to childhood trips to theme parks and state fairs where they were a favorite snack If you have been craving a juicy, hickory-smoked turkey leg, you may be wondering where you can find and purchase them. Here is a guide to the best places to get smoked turkey legs.

Grocery Stores Offer Convenient But Limited Options

One of the easiest places to find smoked turkey legs is your local grocery store Many major chains like Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons will carry pre-packaged smoked drumsticks in the poultry or deli section This provides a quick and convenient way to pick some up when doing your regular food shopping.

For example, Kroger’s Simple Truth brand offers smoked turkey drumsticks that contain no antibiotics or added hormones. A 3 oz serving has 140 calories and 18g of protein. The ingredients list contains turkey, water, sea salt, cane sugar, and natural smoke flavoring. While handy for grabbing on a weekly grocery trip, selection is often minimal compared to specialty meat shops.

Online Mail Order Providers Offer More Variety

For a wider selection of smoked turkey legs beyond what your grocery store carries, consider ordering online from a specialty meat company. Mail order providers like Walton’s Meat Market and Goldbelly allow you to choose from different flavors, wood smoking varieties, turkey leg sizes, and quantities. The legs ship frozen right to your door.

On Goldbelly, you can find hickory smoked jumbo turkey legs from legendary BBQ joints around the country. Or get a pack of boneless smoked drumsticks from Walton’s Meat Market, with flavor options like lemon pepper or cowboy cut. While shipping costs apply, the online options provide more choices beyond basic grocery store offerings.

Butcher Shops and Meat Markets Mean Premium Quality

For highest quality smoked turkey legs with the most customization options, visit a local specialty butcher shop or meat market. These stores work directly with meat suppliers and have in-house butchers that hand prep and smoke the legs.

Stores like West Loop Craft Meats in Chicago allow you to select the wood for smoking, choose from maple, brown sugar, or spicy dry rubs, and pick up fresh smoked drumsticks within days. The focus on quality meats means better texture and flavors. The drawback is you may pay a higher per-pound price compared to grocery pre-packed legs.

DIY Smoked Turkey Legs Bring Out Your Inner Pitmaster

If you have a smoker yourself, make smoked turkey legs at home for a fun weekend project. While it takes some time and patience, the payoff of hot-off-the-smoker flavor is worth it. Brining the legs overnight helps keep them juicy. For flavor, coat with a dry rub of brown sugar, chili powder, garlic, salt and pepper before smoking.

Use a milder wood like apple or cherry so the smoke doesn’t overpower the turkey. Maintain a temperature between 225-250°F and smoke for 4-6 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Finish by basting with your favorite BBQ sauce – hickory smoked turkey legs can be on your dinner table today!

Tips for Picking the Best Smoked Turkey Legs

When searching for smoked turkey legs, either in stores or online, keep the following tips in mind:

• Examine the Size – Legs can range from 1lb to over 2lbs. Larger ones are great for sharing while individual portions work for snacking.

• Consider the Wood – Hickory smoked is the classic flavor but apple, mesquite, pecan, and other woods provide nuances.

• Check for Chemicals – Opt for turkey legs without hormones or antibiotics for better quality.

• Read the Ingredients – Simple lists with just turkey, salt, sugar and wood smoke are best.

• Ask About Preparation – Legs smoked in-house typically taste superior to mass pre-packed.

Satisfy Your Smoked Turkey Leg Craving

Smoked turkey legs are the perfect game day food, summertime snack, or hearty appetizer. With multiple purchasing options from grocery stores to online ordering to DIY smoking, you can find and feast on tender, juicy, smoky-flavored drumsticks. Take your pick of the best preparation method and start enjoying this classic roasted turkey treat.