Crockpot turkey legs are a slow cookers dream with juicy, fall off the bone tender turkey legs with the perfect blend of spices in every bite.
What’s better than the turkey legs at the fair? They are a reason some of us go in the first place. But, turkey legs are great in general not just smoked.
Crockpot turkey legs are juicy, tender and spiced to perfection with hints of sweetness in the mix. They are a set it and forget it recipe that requires little work for great turkey legs.
Slow cooking the turkey legs with a little liquid helps maintain moisture throughout the recipe for turkey legs that do not dry out. Let me show you step by step how to do it.
How To Make Crockpot Turkey Legs
Ingredients needed
- Turkey legs
- Water
- Spice blend (salt, brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, chili powder and cayenne pepper)
Helpful tips before starting the recipe
- Mentioned, it only takes a little water for this recipe. Submerging the turkey legs in water won’t hurt but what will happen is all the seasoning will fall off into the water. They’ll come out taste great but that extra kick of flavor will be missing. I recommend filling the water no more than halfway up the turkey legs.
- Broil the turkey legs for a bit when done. This will add an extra step of caramelization to the turkey legs adding extra flavor. You can skip this step but it’ll only take about 10 minutes.
Making the turkey legs in the crockpot
- First, remove the turkey legs from the package and pat them dry if needed. You will not need oil for the seasoning to stick.
- In a small bowl mix all the spices together.
- Next, over a plate sprinkle the spice mix over each turkey leg. Coat them heavy and save the spices that fall back into the plate.
- Now, place the seasoned turkey legs in the slow cooker. Fill with water no more than halfway up the turkey legs. Then, with the leftover spices toss them into the water.
- Cover the lid of the crockpot and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7.
- When the turkey legs are done serve them with sides.
Leftovers & storage
Crockpot turkey legs will keep in the refrigerator about 4 days. But, this is a great recipe to freeze for later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you overcook turkey legs?
Yes you can but it’s harder to do when there is liquid involved. A safe temperature* is 165F but with dark meat pushing it a little past that will result in more tender, fall off the bone meat.
Can I use an Instant Pot or any slow cooker?
Yes, the same rules and recipe will apply to any slow cooker and even with the Instant Pot.
What to serve with crockpot turkey legs?
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Crockpot Turkey Legs
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 3 turkey legs
- 1.5 cup water
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- First, remove the turkey legs from the package and pat them dry if needed. You will not need oil for the seasoning to stick.
- In a small bowl mix all the spices together.
- Next, over a plate sprinkle the spice mix over each turkey leg. Coat them heavy and save the spices that fall back into the plate.
- Now, place the seasoned turkey legs in the slow cooker. Fill with water no more than halfway up the turkey legs. Then, with the leftover spices toss them into the water.
- Cover the lid of the crockpot and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7.
- When the turkey legs are done serve them with sides.