Slow Cooker Smoked Turkey Legs

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.

two slow cooker crockpot turkey legs on a plate

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Where to Buy Turkey Legs

Some standard grocers will keep brands like Butterball and Jenni-O on hand year-round. Many retailers only carry them seasonally around fall. A local butcher is usually really helpful.

2 raw turkey legs, chicken broth, and spices in separate bowls

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.

2 seasoned raw turkey legs in a Crockpot slow cooker

More Ideas on How to Season Them

Homemade BBQ Seasoning and Rub
Homemade Blackened Seasoning
Homemade Ranch Seasoning
Cajun Seasoning
Lemon Pepper Seasoning

2 cooked turkey legs in a Crockpot slow cooker

How to Make Slow Cooker 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

You will need to use a meat thermometer. Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of one the turkey legs.According to the USDA, Poultry must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees.

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.

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 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

More Turkey Recipes

Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Leftover Turkey Chili
Leftover Turkey Nachos
Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Turkey Bone Broth Recipe
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Turkey and Cheese Sliders

Slow Cooker Turkey Legs

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.

Save this recipe here. Saved!

Course dinner, lunch

Cuisine American

Keyword Crockpot turkey legs, slow cooker turkey legs, turkey legs recipe slow cooker

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes

Servings 2 turkey legs

Calories 512 kcal

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

2 raw turkey legs Mine weighed about 1/2-3/4 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.
1/2 tablespoon Creole Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup broth I used chicken.

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.

You can use turkey wings in this recipe with no adjustment to cook time. Ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degres.

Season the turkey however you wish. Feel free to use your favorite rubs!

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Serving: 1 turkey leg | Calories: 512 kcal | Carbohydrates: 1 g | Protein: 66 g | Fat: 28 g

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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.