Tiffany Haney
Turkey drumsticks cooked in a crock pot are a great option for a weeknight meal or Thanksgiving dinner. They are easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients, and can be adapted to your taste. The crock pot is perfect for cooking turkey drumsticks as it helps break down tough connective tissues, resulting in tender and juicy meat. You can also make a delicious homemade barbecue sauce to pour over the drumsticks or use a store-bought option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of meat | Turkey |
| Cut of meat | Drumsticks |
| Number of drumsticks | 4 |
| Weight | 1/2 lb each |
| Total weight | 2 lbs |
| Cooking method | Slow cooker/Crock Pot |
| Ingredients | Oil, seasonings, water |
| Cooking time | 3-4 hours on HIGH, 6-8 hours on LOW |
| Broiling | 3-5 minutes for crispy skin |
| Internal temperature | 165°F |
| Leftovers | Refrigerate for 2-3 days |
| Reheating | Oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Turkey drumstick ingredients
Turkey drumsticks can be cooked in a crock pot with a variety of ingredients to achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful meat. Here are the ingredients you can use to prepare delicious crock pot turkey drumsticks:
Turkey Legs
Start with good quality turkey legs, preferably with the skin on. You can use fresh or frozen turkey legs, and the quantity can vary depending on your needs. Typically, 4 to 6 drumsticks are used, totaling about 2 to 4 pounds of turkey.
Seasonings
Seasonings play a crucial role in adding flavor to the turkey drumsticks. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Garlic
- Poultry seasoning
- Homemade rotisserie-inspired seasoning
- Olive oil or any cooking oil
Feel free to experiment with other seasonings of your choice or create your own unique blend to suit your taste preferences.
Liquid
Adding a small amount of liquid to the crock pot helps create a moist cooking environment and enhances the flavor of the turkey drumsticks. You can use:
- Water
- Broth or chicken broth
- White wine
- Liquid smoke
Barbecue Sauce (Optional)
For an extra boost of flavor, you can make a homemade barbecue sauce or use a store-bought option. Here are the ingredients for a delicious barbecue sauce:
- Ketchup
- Water
- Brown sugar
- Mustard
- Vinegar or maple syrup
- Smoked paprika
Side Ingredients (Optional)
To accompany the turkey drumsticks, you can include some side ingredients in the crock pot:
- Diced onion
- Mushroom
- Garlic
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Crock pot cooking times and temperatures
Cooking times and temperatures for turkey drumsticks in a crock pot can vary depending on the size of the drumsticks, the number of drumsticks being cooked, and the desired level of doneness. Here is a detailed guide to help you cook juicy and tender turkey drumsticks in your crock pot:
Cooking Temperature:
The ideal cooking temperature for turkey drumsticks in a crock pot is between 165°F and 350°F. This temperature range ensures that the meat is cooked thoroughly without drying out. The lower temperature settings on your crock pot, often labelled as "Low", are ideal for slow cooking turkey drumsticks, allowing them to cook low and slow, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
Cooking Time:
The cooking time will depend on the number of drumsticks you are preparing and the desired level of doneness. For a single drumstick, a cooking time of around 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low should be sufficient. If you are cooking multiple drumsticks, you may need to increase the cooking time. For example, for four drumsticks totalling 2 pounds, a cooking time of 9 hours on low was suggested.
Checking for Doneness:
To ensure that your turkey drumsticks are cooked properly, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick. The turkey is done when the thermometer reads an internal temperature of at least 165°F. At this temperature, the meat is safely cooked, and the juices run clear.
Customization:
You can customize the cooking time based on your preference for the texture of the meat. For fall-off-the-bone drumsticks, aim for a longer cooking time at a lower temperature. If you prefer your meat with a bit more bite, cook it for a shorter duration at a higher temperature.
Broiling for Crispy Skin:
If you desire crispy skin on your turkey drumsticks, you can finish them off in the oven after crock pot cooking. Place the cooked drumsticks on a baking sheet and broil for approximately 3-5 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. This step is optional but recommended for a delicious, crispy texture.
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How to get crispy skin
To get crispy skin on your crock pot turkey drumsticks, you can use one of two methods:
Method 1: Broiling
Remove the turkey legs from the crock pot using tongs, as they will be hot. Place the turkey legs on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3–5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they get golden brown and crispy but do not burn.
Method 2: Air frying
Place the cooked turkey legs in an air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3–4 minutes.
Tips
- If you want to keep the skin on during the crock pot cooking process, crumple up some foil and place it in the bottom of the pot, stacking the drumsticks with the meaty part in the middle. This will result in slightly crunchy skin.
- For crispy skin, look for turkey legs with the skin on. The skin locks in moisture and adds texture.
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Making sauce from scratch
A homemade sauce can be made to accompany your crockpot turkey drumsticks. This can be done by combining a variety of ingredients, such as ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and paprika. The quantities of each ingredient can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences, but a sample recipe is provided below:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
Mix these ingredients well in a medium-sized bowl. Season the turkey legs with salt and pepper and place them in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the turkey legs and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Alternatively, you can make a simple gravy by adding flour or cornstarch to the juices that accumulate in the crockpot during cooking. Thicken the juices by whisking in a paste made from cornstarch or flour and a small amount of cold water. You can also use the juices from the cooked turkey to make a mushroom and onion gravy.
If you're short on time, you can also use a premade barbecue sauce or a store-bought alternative. Simply pour the sauce over the turkey legs before placing them in the slow cooker.
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Storing and reheating leftovers
Storing Leftovers:
- Allow the cooked turkey drumsticks to cool down: It is important to let the cooked meat cool down to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent bacterial growth and ensures the meat doesn't continue cooking from residual heat, which can lead to overcooking and dryness.
- Use airtight containers: Place the leftover turkey drumsticks in airtight containers or wrap them tightly with aluminium foil or plastic wrap. This helps prevent the meat from drying out and keeps bacteria at bay.
- Refrigerate or freeze: You can store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you don't plan on eating them within this time frame, it's best to freeze them. Frozen leftover turkey drumsticks can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Leftovers:
- Oven reheating: The best way to reheat leftover turkey drumsticks is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the drumsticks in a covered casserole dish, along with some of the juices from the crock pot or a splash of broth. Reheat for about 20-45 minutes, or until the meat is very warm and juicy.
- Microwave: If you're short on time, you can use a microwave. Place the drumsticks in a microwave-safe dish and cover them. Reheat for 1-2 minutes at a time, rotating the drumsticks in between, until they are warmed through. However, the oven method is recommended for the best results.
- Stovetop: While not specifically mentioned for drumsticks, another option is to reheat the meat on the stovetop. Add the turkey to a skillet or pot, along with a small amount of broth, and heat until warmed through.
Remember, when reheating, always aim for thorough heating to prevent any foodborne illnesses. Enjoy your leftover turkey drumsticks!
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking times vary depending on the number of drumsticks and the crock pot's heat setting. For example, four drumsticks weighing a total of four pounds can be cooked on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
The drumsticks are done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can season the drumsticks with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic, and olive oil. You can also use a homemade rotisserie-inspired seasoning or poultry seasoning.
Turkey drumsticks go well with jellied cranberry sauce, quick stuffing, and gravy. You can use the juices from the crock pot to make mushroom and onion gravy.
