Emilie Meyer
Turkey legs are a great alternative to cooking a whole bird, especially if you're cooking for a smaller household. They're incredibly versatile and can be cooked in an oven, air fryer, or instant pot. However, cooking them in a crock pot or slow cooker is a great way to ensure they're juicy and tender. The low and slow cooking process helps break down tough connective tissues, and the results are delicious!
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What You'll Learn
Crock pot turkey legs cooking time and temperature
Slow-cooking turkey legs in a crock pot is a great way to get tender, juicy meat. The low and slow cooking process helps to break down the tough connective tissues in the meat, resulting in a moist and flavourful dish.
There are a few different opinions on the exact cooking time and temperature for turkey legs in a crock pot. Some sources suggest cooking the turkey legs on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Others recommend cooking on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. One source suggests cooking on low for 7-8 hours, while another recommends checking the internal temperature of the meat with a thermometer and cooking until it reaches 165°F/74°C, which usually takes around 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low.
If you are reheating precooked turkey legs, you can slow cook them on high for 1-2 hours or low for 2-4 hours.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the turkey legs, as well as the specific crock pot or slow cooker being used. It is always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the meat with a thermometer to ensure it has reached a safe temperature before serving.
To get a crispy skin on your crock pot turkey legs, you can place them on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes before serving.
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How to season turkey legs for the crock pot
Slow-cooking turkey legs in a crockpot is a great way to ensure they are juicy and tender. There are a few different ways to season turkey legs for the crockpot, depending on the desired flavour profile and the ingredients available.
One option is to use a homemade rotisserie-inspired seasoning. To make this, mix together your chosen seasonings in a small bowl. Then, rub oil evenly over each turkey leg before generously rubbing the seasoning mixture on each leg. Place the seasoned turkey legs in the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
Another option is to make a simple homemade seasoning. To do this, mix together your chosen seasonings in a small bowl. Rub oil evenly over each turkey leg and then rub the seasoning mixture generously onto each leg. Place the seasoned turkey legs in the slow cooker and follow the same cooking instructions as above.
If you're looking for a more buttery flavour, there is another option. Season the turkey legs with salt and pepper to taste and place them in the slow cooker. Sprinkle in chopped onions and celery, followed by minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Pour in some butter and turkey broth, cover, and cook on low for 6 hours.
For a barbecue flavour, season the turkey legs with salt and pepper and place them in the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, combine ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and paprika. Mix well and then pour the sauce over the turkey legs in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Finally, if you're short on time, you can use a premade barbecue sauce or a store-bought option. Season the turkey legs with poultry seasoning and place them in the crockpot. Pour in some chicken broth and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. If desired, broil for 3-5 minutes before serving to achieve a golden brown colour and crispy skin.
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How to make sauce for crock pot turkey legs
Slow-cooking turkey legs in a crockpot is a great way to get tender, juicy meat. It's an easy, low-stress way to cook turkey legs, and you can even make the sauce from scratch!
First, season the turkey legs with salt and pepper and place them in the slow cooker. You can also add other seasonings like paprika, onion powder, and garlic, or use a homemade rotisserie-inspired seasoning.
Next, you'll want to make the sauce. You can use a premade or store-bought barbecue sauce, or make your own by combining ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and paprika. Pour the sauce over the turkey legs, ensuring they are well coated.
At this point, you can add some vegetables to the pot. Onions, celery, and garlic are great options. You can also add some butter and turkey broth for extra flavour.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The turkey legs are done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick registers 165 degrees F.
If you want crispy skin on your turkey legs, place them on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes before serving.
And that's it! You now have delicious, tender crockpot turkey legs with a mouth-watering sauce. Serve them with some baked potatoes, grilled corn salad, or bread to soak up that extra sauce. Enjoy!
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How to store and reheat crock pot turkey legs
Slow-cooked turkey legs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They can also be frozen for two to three months. When storing, make sure to wrap the turkey legs tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. It is also recommended to store some of the juices from the crockpot to be used when reheating.
There are several ways to reheat crockpot turkey legs, including using a slow cooker, an oven, a microwave, or a grill.
To reheat in a slow cooker, place the turkey legs in the cooker with half a cup of turkey broth, water, or wine. Cook on high for three to four hours or low for six to eight hours until heated through (165°F). Alternatively, cook on high for two to three hours or low for four to six hours, and then switch the setting to warm until ready to serve. Baste the turkey legs with cooking liquid periodically to add moisture and flavour.
For an oven reheat, preheat the oven to 325°F-350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and arrange the turkey legs so they are not touching. Cover loosely with foil to retain moisture. Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Check the thickest part of the leg with a food thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F. Remove the foil during the last five minutes if the skin needs browning.
To reheat in a microwave, place the turkey legs in a covered casserole dish and microwave on high power for two to three minutes per leg. The timing will depend on the thickness and size of each leg. Check the internal temperature of the thickest part of each leg with a food thermometer—reheated turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Finally, to reheat on a grill, prepare the grill for medium indirect heat. If using charcoal, spread the coals evenly. This will impart a delicious smoky flavour to the turkey legs.
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What to serve with crock pot turkey legs
Crockpot turkey legs are a great option for a simple, tasty meal that can be served in a variety of ways. The slow-cooking method helps to break down the tough connective tissues in the meat, resulting in a juicy and tender dish.
Side Dishes
There are several side dishes that can be served with crockpot turkey legs. Here are some options:
- Potato and Grilled Corn Salad: This salad adds a crunchy texture and a nice contrast to the juicy turkey legs.
- Baked Russet or Sweet Potato: A classic side dish that can be baked in the oven or air-fried.
- Boston Baked Beans: A delicious and hearty option that pairs well with the turkey.
- Bread: Bread is a must-have to soak up the delicious sauce. Try Slow Cooker Olive and Parmesan Bread or Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Bread for extra flavour.
- Vegetables: Garlic butter mushrooms, parmesan green beans, and cauliflower mashed potatoes are great vegetable sides.
- Ribs: For a blend of sweet and savoury, try Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Ribs as a satisfying side dish.
Dessert
For a sweet finish to your meal, consider serving Lemonade Pie with a Sugar Cone Crust. This dessert is sure to bring smiles to your guests' faces and provide a refreshing contrast to the savoury main course.
Gravy
To enhance the flavour and moisture of your crockpot turkey legs, consider serving them with a smooth gravy made from pan juices. This adds extra flavour and moisture to the dish, especially if you're serving it with bread or potatoes.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook turkey legs in a crock pot on a high setting for 3-4 hours.
It is recommended that you cook turkey legs in a crock pot on a low setting for 6-8 hours.
You can use an instant-read food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the drumstick has reached 165°F/74°C.
Yes, if you are reheating precooked turkey legs, you can slow cook them on a high setting for 1-2 hours or a low setting for 2-4 hours.
