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.
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Table of Contents
Brandi's Key Ingredients
- Turkey Legs
- Broth
- Olive Oil
- Spices
Where to Buy Turkey Legs and How to Shop For Them
Some standard grocers will keep brands like Butterball and Jenni-O on hand year-round. Major supermarkets like Walmart, Kroger, Publix, or Safeway carry turkey legs, especially around holidays like Thanksgiving. Check the poultry section, and they might have fresh or frozen options.
Your local butcher shop often has higher-quality cuts, including fresh turkey legs. You may also be able to request organic or free-range options.
Look for turkey legs with the skin on for a crispier result. The skin locks in moisture and adds texture. Turkey legs can vary in size. If you're serving multiple people, ensure the legs are large enough to meet your needs. Typically, one large turkey leg serves one person generously.
The meat should have a pinkish hue, and the skin should look moist, not dry or discolored. Avoid any legs that look gray or have a slimy texture, as these can indicate spoilage. Ensure that the packaging is intact and free from tears or leaks. Check the sell-by date or expiration date to ensure you're getting the freshest product possible.
How Much Liquid To Add
You will need one cup of liquid. You can use water or broth. I like to use broth because it has more flavor.
The Best Way to Cook Fall Off the Bone Turkey
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.
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.
- Pat the turkey legs dry and rub both sides with oil and spices.
- Pour broth into the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the seasoned turkey legs over the broth.
- Slow cook.
How to Add Gravy
Check out my Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe. Follow the instructions for how to make the gravy and add it to your turkey legs.
How to Tell When the Turkey is Done
- Internal Temperature: You will need to use a meat thermometer. Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of one the turkey legs without touching the bone. According to the USDA, Poultry must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Golden, Crispy Skin: The skin should be golden brown and crispy.
- Juices Run Clear: When you cut into the turkey leg, the juices should run clear. If they are still pink or reddish, the turkey leg needs more time in the air fryer.
- Tender Meat: The meat should be tender and pull away easily from the bone. If it is still tough or rubbery, it hasn’t cooked long enough.
How Do You Keep Them From Drying Out
Cooking the drumsticks low and slow does the trick. You will add a little bit of broth to the pot which helps facilitate moisture.
Can You Make Them Ahead/How to Store Them
Cooked turkey legs can be stored in the fridge tightly covered for 3-4 days.
How to Reheat
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.
Freezer Tips
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.
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 Okra and Tomatoes
Southern Style Green Beans
Southern Baked Beans
Southern Turnip Greens
Southern Black Eyed Peas
Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas
Seafood Mac and Cheese
Air Fryer Spatchcock Chicken
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
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Slow Cooker Crockpot Boneless Turkey Breast
Traeger Smoked Turkey
Leftover Turkey Chili
Leftover Turkey Nachos
Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Turkey Bone Broth Recipe
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Turkey and Cheese Sliders
Smoked Turkey Necks
Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Necks
Pair these with our Turkey Graving From Drippings recipe.
Slow Cooker Turkey Legs
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 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
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke Optional for smoked flavor.
- ½ tablespoon Creole Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup broth I used chicken.
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.
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 our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
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!