Crock Pot Turkey Legs

This Crock Pot Turkey Legs recipe is tender and well-seasoned, which uses a homemade spice rub and simple ingredients. It’s a straightforward recipe, ready in about 8 hours and 10 minutes.

Crock Pot Turkey Legs Ingredients

• 4 medium-size turkey legs (approximately 2–3 pounds total)
• 1 tablespoon oil of your choice

Homemade Seasoning:

• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne

How To Make Crock Pot Turkey Legs

1. Make the seasoning rub: In a small bowl, combine paprika, salt, onion powder, oregano, garlic powder, pepper, and cayenne.
2. Season the turkey legs: Rub oil over each turkey leg, then generously coat with the seasoning mix.
3. Arrange in slow cooker: Place the seasoned turkey legs into the bottom of your crock pot.
4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the turkey reaches 165°F and is fork-tender.

Recipe Tips

• How do I get crispy skin on turkey legs?
  After slow cooking, broil the legs for 3–5 minutes to crisp up the skin.
• Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
  Yes, add 1 cup of water to the pot and pressure cook on high for 25–30 minutes with a natural release.
• Is it okay to use frozen turkey legs?
  Thaw completely before adding to the slow cooker for even cooking.
• How spicy is this recipe?
  It has a mild kick. For less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
• Do I need to sear the legs before slow cooking?
  Not required, but searing in a pan before adding to the crock pot adds extra flavor.

What To Serve With Crock Pot Turkey Legs

These juicy turkey legs pair well with hearty, comforting sides:

• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables
• Cornbread
• Rice pilaf
• Green beans or collard greens

How To Store Turkey Legs

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave in short intervals, rotating as needed.

Turkey Legs Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 189
• Protein: 16.1g
• Fat: 12.6g
• Saturated Fat: 2.7g
• Carbohydrates: 3.4g
• Sugar: 0.3g
• Fiber: 1.2g
• Cholesterol: 55.9mg
• Sodium: 642.5mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I cook more than 4 turkey legs at once?
Yes, just make sure they fit in a single layer or are tightly packed to cook evenly.

Why are my turkey legs tough?
They may need more cooking time. Turkey legs become tender when cooked low and slow.

Can I use store-bought seasoning instead?
Definitely. Any poultry seasoning or BBQ rub can work in place of the homemade mix.

Do I need to add water to the slow cooker?
No water is needed for the slow cooker version, just the seasoned turkey legs.

What if my turkey legs are too salty?
Cut back on the added salt next time, especially if your spice mix or brine contains salt.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Turkey Gravy
• Crock Pot Turkey Dinner
• Crock Pot Turkey Cutlets