Where to Get a Delicious Turkey Leg

Turkey legs are a beloved food for many reasons Their convenient drumstick shape makes them easy to eat, while the generous portion of meat provides a hearty, satisfying meal Though turkey legs were once relegated to theme parks and state fairs, more restaurants and grocery stores now offer this tasty treat. Read on to discover the best places to find juicy, flavorful turkey legs.

Grocery Stores and Butcher Shops

The easiest way to get turkey legs is to buy them uncooked at a grocery store or butcher shop. Most stores with a fresh meat counter carry turkey legs, drumsticks or other turkey parts. Prices and availability vary by location and time of year.

When to Buy

Turkey legs are most plentiful and affordable around the holidays, especially Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Stock up during these times, then freeze extras to enjoy later. The summer grilling season also sees an uptick in turkey legs for sale. Prices tend to rise outside of the holidays.

Where to Look

Check both the fresh poultry section and the frozen aisle for turkey legs. The meat counter typically stocks fresh, never-frozen drumsticks, while pre-packaged frozen ones live in the freezer section. Frozen drumsticks allow longer storage but need thawing before cooking.

What to Pay

Expect to spend $2-$4 per pound for turkey legs from the grocery store. Bulk savings sometimes apply for multiple pounds purchased. Organic and free-range options cost more, generally $4-$6 per pound. For budget buys, watch for holiday sales and club store deals.

Restaurants and Fast Food

In addition to cooking turkey legs at home, you can also order them at an increasing number of restaurants and fast food establishments. Most locations flame grill or smoke the turkey legs for maximum flavor.

Casual Dining

Chain restaurants like BJ’s and Famous Dave’s include smoked turkey legs on their menus. Look for turkey legs as a standalone appetizer or paired with sides like mac and cheese or cornbread. Prices range from $8-$12 for one large leg.

Theme Parks

Amusement parks lead the way in turkey leg offerings and preparation styles. Disney World’s iconic giant turkey legs cost around $12. Other parks like Universal Studios, Six Flags, and state fairs also serve jumbo seasoned turkey legs that make a perfect snack while walking around all day.

Fast Food Options

A few quick-service restaurants now sell turkey legs too. KFC rolled out Smoked Turkey Legs nationally in 2019 after a popular test market. Arby’s and Boston Market also list turkey legs among their sandwich proteins and prepared meals.

Ordering Turkey Legs Online

Online shopping and delivery provide even more turkey leg purchasing possibilities, including ordering pre-cooked ones ready to heat and eat. Check the selection and shipping costs from these sites:

• Instacart: Add turkey drumsticks from local grocery stores to your delivery order. Browse available inventory by entering your zip code.

• Goldbelly: This service ships smoked turkey legs and drumettes overnight from famous eateries countrywide. The jumbo legs cost about $89 for a four-pack.

• Schwan’s: Drumsticks and smoked legs are part of Schwan’s prepared meal delivery plans. Individual legs cost $7 with meal plan purchase.

• Omaha Steaks: Pre-cooked turkey legs seasoned with rosemary and brown sugar get shipped refrigerated. A pair of legs runs around $30.

• Harry & David: For holiday meals, this gifting site provides fully-cooked turkey legs infused with citrus and herbs. Four legs cost approximately $60.

Best Practices for Cooking Turkey Legs

Once you secure some quality turkey legs, proper preparation and cooking helps them reach their full juicy, flavorful potential. Here are some tips:

• Thaw completely: Ensure frozen legs thaw in the refrigerator over 24-48 hours before cooking. Cold running water also speeds thawing.

• Season well: Rub turkey legs all over with olive oil then coat liberally with salt, pepper and other spices. Garlic, paprika, rosemary, and cayenne suit turkey nicely.

• Cook thoroughly: Grill or bake legs at 350°F until the internal temperature hits 165°F, about 1-1.5 hours. Turning halfway through helps them cook evenly.

• Keep moist: Baste legs with extra virgin olive oil or turkey stock every 20 minutes while cooking to prevent drying out. Foil tents also trap moisture.

• Rest before eating: Let roasted or grilled legs rest 10-15 minutes after cooking for the juices to reabsorb. Slice into the thicker upper portion for serving.

With so many ways to procure turkey legs these days, there’s no reason to miss out on this finger-lickin’ favorite. Follow the tips above to pick, prep, and cook turkey legs just the way you like them. Then sit back, dive in, and enjoy gnawing on these meaty, savory treats!