Turkey legs aren’t just for the fairgrounds or holidays. I grew up seeing them simmering low and slow in kitchens across the South. With my Louisiana background and a decade of sharing recipes, I’ve nailed down a Crockpot method that makes them fall-off-the-bone tender every time.
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These Slow Cooker Turkey Legs are made in the Crockpot and are perfect for fall-off the bone drumsticks. The drumsticks are tender and juicy. Serve these for Thanksgiving or any weeknight meal.
Crockpot Turkey Legs Ingredients
- Turkey Legs
- Broth
- Olive Oil
- Spices
More Ideas on How to Season Them
- Homemade BBQ Seasoning and Rub
- Homemade Blackened Seasoning
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning
- Cajun Seasoning
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning
How to Make Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Legs
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Prep the Turkey Legs: Pat the turkey legs dry with paper towels, then rub them with olive oil. Season generously with the spice blend, salt, and pepper.
- Layer in the Crockpot: Pour the broth into the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the turkey legs inside, arranging them so they’re nestled into the broth but not fully submerged.
- Slow Cook Until Tender: Cover and cook until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Optional Crisping Step: For crispy skin, transfer the cooked turkey legs to a baking sheet and broil them in the oven.
- Rest and Serve: Let the turkey legs rest for 10 minutes before serving so the juices settle. Spoon some of the flavorful broth over the top or save it for gravy.
How to Add Gravy
Check out my Turkey Gravy from Drippings and Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe. Follow the instructions for how to make the gravy and add it to your turkey legs.
Slow Cooker Turkey Legs
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get my FREE Thanksgiving menu, exactly what I'm cooking, plus my tips for making it a stress-free meal seasoned to perfection. Let me do the planning for you!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3-5 pounds raw turkey legs Mine weighed about ½-3/4 of a pound each. Feel free to cook as many as you like.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½-1 tablespoon Creole Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup broth I used chicken.
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke Optional for smoked flavor.
Optional If You Want to Make Gravy
- ½ cup sliced onions I use white onions
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers I use red and green bell peppers
Instructions
- Pat the turkey legs dry and rub both sides with olive oil and liquid smoke. Sprinkle the spices throughout. Rub the spices into both sides of the legs. Ensure the spices completely cover both sides of the drumsticks. Add more spices if necessary.
- Pour the broth into the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the seasoned turkey legs over the broth.
- Cook on High for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.
- Remove the turkey legs from the slow cooker. (Be careful! They will be tender and may fall off the bone.)
- I like crispy skin. For crispy skin, you can use either the air fryer (3-4 minutes on 400 degrees) or Broil in the oven for about 3-5 minutes.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Frequently Asked Questions and Recipe Pro Tips
Cooked turkey legs can be stored in the fridge tightly covered for 3-4 days.
You will need one cup of liquid. You can use water or broth. I like to use broth because it has more flavor.
You’ll know Crockpot turkey legs are done when the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender and the internal temperature hits 165°F in the thickest part. The slow cooker does all the work, so don’t stress, just let them go low and slow until the meat pulls away easily with a fork. If the juices run clear and the meat is juicy instead of pink, you’re good to go.
The trick to keeping turkey legs juicy in the Crockpot is all about liquid and timing. Make sure you’ve got enough broth or cooking liquid in the pot so the meat can braise while it cooks, this keeps it moist instead of drying out.
Stick to low heat if you can, because cooking too hot or too long will pull the moisture right out. And don’t skip the rest at the end, letting the turkey legs sit for about 10 minutes before serving helps those juices settle back in, so every bite stays tender.
My favorite ways are to use the air fryer (350 degrees until warm) or the oven (350 degrees until warm). You can microwave them if you wish.
You can freeze leftover drumsticks tightly covered and sealed. For best taste, they will last up to 3 months. Defrost the legs overnight in the fridge and reheat.
I have made turkey legs several ways. You have so many options. Air fryer, baked, slow cooker, etc. For this recipe you are going to want a turkey leg that literally falls off the bone. That will make it much easier to eat your toppings and turkey at the same time!
My favorite method for tender turkey is using a slow-cooker or Crockpot.
Pair With These Recipes
Southern Soul Food Mac and Cheese
Baked Crab Legs
Seafood Mac and Cheese
Southern Cornbread Dressing
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Southern Mustard Greens
Southern Baked Beans
Southern Turnip Greens
Southern Black Eyed Peas
Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas
Seafood Mac and Cheese
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar
Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas
More Turkey Leg and Turkey Wing Recipes
Air Fryer Turkey Wings
Air Fryer Turkey Legs
Smothered Turkey Wings
Baked Turkey Wings
Stuffed Turkey Legs
Baked Turkey Legs
More Turkey Recipes
Slow Cooker Crockpot Boneless Turkey Breast
Traeger Smoked Turkey
Leftover Turkey Chili
Leftover Turkey Nachos
Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Turkey Bone Broth Recipe
Turkey and Cheese Sliders
Smoked Turkey Necks
Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Necks
Pair these with our Turkey Graving From Drippings recipe.
Susan says
This is the second time making your recipe.The turkey legs were delicious,falling off the bone,the seasonings were just right.I just wish I had come across your recipe sooner.Thank you.
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Anthony C. Murabito says
Great recipe, I used four drumsticks, 4 lb total and used white wine not broth and added rosemary. Came out fantastic, skipped the broil step at end, not necessary. Cook low.
staysnatched says
Yum!