Grilled Turkey Legs are a fun take on Thanksgiving dinner! These Caveman Pops are moist and flavorful with a simple brine and so easy to cook on the grill!
It’ll just be G and me at home for Thanksgiving this year so we’re not even going to bother with a full-on roasted turkey for our holiday dinner. Instead, we’re getting our turkey fix from grilled turkey legs which we took on a couple of sample runs this week and absolutely loved!
We experimented with a variety of marinades in our recipe testings but a basic brine of salt and brown sugar was the clear winner for us. The meat came out moist and flavorful and the lack of additional trappings really allowed the smokey taste to shine through.
Grilled turkey drumsticks make for a tasty fun meal to enjoy anytime of the year. Their dark meat takes well to the smoky flavors from the grill. With a few simple steps you can have moist, flavorful grilled turkey drumsticks coming off your grill.
Getting Started
The first step is to get your hands on some fresh turkey drumsticks. These are the lower portions of the leg with the bone in. Look for drumsticks that are 1 1/2 to 2 pounds each, as these will cook the most evenly. When ready to cook, pull the drumsticks out of the fridge and let them come closer to room temperature before grilling.
Brining is Key
To ensure your grilled turkey legs stay juicy, brining is a must. You can either do a wet brine by submerging the drumsticks in a saltwater solution, or dry brine by coating the legs with salt and letting rest. The salt will help the meat better retain moisture. Aim for 12-24 hours of brining time. Rinse off the brine and pat the drumsticks completely dry before the next step.
Seasoning
A flavorful dry rub or marinade will really make those turkey drumsticks pop. A simple dry rub combines salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and other spices Mix the ingredients well then liberally coat the drumsticks For a wet marinade, combine olive oil, vinegar, and dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Let the drumsticks marinate for at least an hour.
Perfect the Grill Prep
Before grilling, make sure your grill is cleaned off and well oiled to prevent sticking. Use a wire brush on charcoal or cast iron grates. For gas grills, turn them on high for 15 minutes then brush clean. With the grill preheated to a medium heat around 350°F, place the drumsticks directly over the heat to get grill marks, about 3 minutes per side
Grill Them Up
For even cooking, use indirect heat to finish grilling the turkey drumsticks. On a charcoal grill, bank the coals to one side. For gas, turn off one side. Place the drumsticks on the cooler side skin side up and close the grill lid. This traps heat to cook the meat through without burning.
Monitor the Progress
Aim to grill the drumsticks for 40-60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check. Baste the drumsticks every 30 minutes with any leftover rub or marinade to keep moist. If the skin isn’t getting crispy enough, move them directly over the heat for the last 5-10 minutes.
Let Them Rest
Once the turkey drumsticks are finished grilling, let them rest for 10 minutes before eating. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat for a juicier bite. Lightly tent some foil over them as they rest to keep warm.
Serve and Store
Slice through between the two bones on each drumstick so they are easier to eat. Pair them with classic BBQ sides or enjoy on their own. Refrigerate any leftovers within two hours and use within four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Grilled Turkey Drumstick Tips and Tricks
Follow these tips for finger-licking good grilled turkey drumsticks every time:
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Choose drumsticks that are about 1 1⁄2 pounds each. Avoid much larger or smaller ones.
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Brine is vital! Either wet or dry brine ensures seasoned, moist meat.
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Pat drumsticks very dry after brining before seasoning.
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Use indirect heat on a medium grill around 350°F to cook through without burning.
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Baste every 30 minutes while grilling for added flavor and moisture.
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Let drumsticks rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Brining for Best Results
As mentioned above, brining is a crucial step to keep those grilled turkey drumsticks from drying out. Here are more details on the wet and dry brining methods:
Wet Brining
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Make a saltwater solution of 1 cup salt per gallon of water.
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Submerge drumsticks and brine 12-24 hours.
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Rinse drumsticks, pat very dry before next steps.
Dry Brining
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Liberally coat drumsticks with salt.
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Place in tray and refrigerate 12-24 hours.
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Rinse off salt and pat dry before seasoning.
Either technique will work wonders at helping the turkey meat retain moisture and take on flavor. The wet brine may make the meat a bit more juicy, while dry brine guarantees the crispiest skin.
Seasoning Options
Don’t be afraid to get creative with the flavor profile for your grilled turkey drumsticks. Consider these seasoning ideas:
Dry Spice Rubs
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Smoky – Paprika, chipotle chili powder, cumin, garlic
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Herbed – Rosemary, oregano, thyme, sage
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Tex-Mex – Chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, garlic
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Jerk – Allspice, thyme, garlic, cayenne
Wet Marinades
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Italian – Olive oil, balsamic, garlic, oregano, basil
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Asian – Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic
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Caribbean – Lime juice, cilantro, jalapeño
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Greek – Lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, parsley
Experiment to find your favorites, and adjust spice levels to your tastes. Meaty turkey drumsticks can handle assertive seasoning.
Step-By-Step Grilling Process
Follow this detailed process for grilling turkey drumsticks just right:
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Prepare grill – Clean grates, preheat, and oil well.
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Sear drumsticks – Grill about 3 minutes per side over direct high heat.
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Arrange for indirect cooking – Bank coals or turn off one side.
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Grill indirectly – Cook drumsticks skin side up with grill lid closed 40-60 minutes, rotating occasionally.
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Check temperature – Cook until 165°F internally.
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Crisp the skin – Move over direct heat last 5-10 minutes if needed.
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Let rest – Lightly tent with foil for 10 minutes before serving.
Sticking to these steps will mean you get crispy skin, tender meat, and no burnt exterior or raw centers. Just be sure to keep a close eye on their progress and use a meat thermometer.
Grilled Turkey Drumstick Meal Ideas
Grilled turkey drumsticks pair well with many classic barbecue side dishes. Consider these full meal ideas:
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Coleslaw and cornbread
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Baked beans and collard greens
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Grilled corn on the cob and potato salad
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Mac and cheese and garlic bread
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Caprese salad and grilled asparagus
For easy weeknight meals, enjoy grilled turkey drumsticks on their own with just a simple salad on the side. The naturally juicy dark meat doesn’t require much to complete the meal.
Get creative with your own favorite combinations to complement the smoky, savory grilled turkey. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
With a few easy tips, you can have incredibly moist and flavorful grilled turkey drumsticks any night of the week. Be sure to brine, season well, use indirect heat on the grill, and don’t forget to let them rest. Grilled turkey legs deserve a place in your regular dinner rotation.
How to Add Flavor to Grilled Turkey
- Use the simple brine as a great starting point and customize it with herbs and aromatics as you like. Garlic cloves, peppercorns, bay leaves, sage, thyme, rosemary, and allspice berries are but a few of the savory choices you can play with.
- If you like to spice up the turkey further with your choice of dry rubs, rinse the brined turkey well under cold running water, pat dry, and then season before grilling. Just remember the meat has already sat in a salt solution so I suggest adding salt sparingly if even.
- If you want to glaze the turkey legs with BBQ or your favorite sauce, start basting during the last minutes of grilling so the outside doesn’t burn before the inside is sufficiently cooked.
Tips for Making Grilled Turkey Legs
- For food safety, use cool water and store the turkey and the brine in the refrigerator. Monitor the temperature of the liquid to make sure it’s below 40 F.
- Use a deep, non-reactive pot or container and enough brine to keep the turkey completely submerged during the brining process. You can weigh down the meat with a heavy plate or bowl to prevent from floating around.
- The turkey meat will have a tinge of pink as the result of the curing process so use a meat thermometer to properly gauge doneness. Just insert the thermometer into the thickest part, making sure the probe doesn’t touch the bone. If the internal temperature is 165 F, your drumsticks are ready to enjoy!
These turkey drumsticks are county fair favorites for good reason. They’re mammoth, portable and so much fun to eat! Give them a try for Thanksgiving and have a more relaxed and enjoyable holiday dinner. They’ll be just amazing with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and your other favorite Thanksgiving side dishes as a regular roast turkey!
Turkey Legs On The Grill For Thanksgiving
FAQ
How long does it take to grill turkey pieces?
Are turkey drumsticks the same as turkey legs?
How to cook turkey legs on Weber grill?
What temp should turkey drumsticks be cooked to?
How do you cook turkey drumsticks on a grill?
Cover the Grill: Close the grill lid and baste the turkey drumsticks with your wet rub or olive oil mixed with your dry rub every 30 minutes. Keep basting and flipping every 30 minutes until the drumsticks reach an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part. You can verify the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
How to cook turkey drumsticks?
Roasting turkey drumsticks is a simple and straightforward way to cook them. To roast turkey drumsticks, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet and season them with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
How do you cook a turkey leg on a grill?
Lightly oil your grill. Preheat to med-high heat. Lightly coat each turkey leg with the oil, season with salt & pepper, then place them on your grill. Allow the legs to cook on the grill 4-5 minutes per side or until they get a few char marks.
How do you fry turkey drumsticks?
To fry turkey drumsticks, heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the drumsticks in the skillet and cook them for about 5 minutes per side, or until they are browned and cooked through. Turn the drumsticks halfway through cooking. Serve the drumsticks with your favorite dipping sauce.