The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Juicy, Tender Turkey Legs

Turkey legs are a delicious and flavorful cut of meat that can make for an easy tasty meal. When properly prepared turkey legs come out wonderfully moist, tender and full of flavor. Follow this guide to learn everything you need to know about selecting, preparing and cooking turkey legs so you can enjoy perfect turkey every time.

Selecting Turkey Legs

Turkey legs are sold either attached to the whole bird or separately. If buying a whole turkey, make sure to get a bird sized appropriately for the number of people you are cooking for. Plan for about 1 pound of turkey per person.

When buying just legs, look for pieces that are evenly sized so they cook evenly. Avoid any legs that are bruised or damaged. The best turkey legs will have creamy white skin and the meat will look moist and pink. Pass on any that appear dry or discolored.

The size of the leg can vary greatly, with some extra large ones weighing over a pound. For even cooking, try to select legs that are around the same size if cooking multiple pieces.

Preparing Turkey Legs for Cooking

Proper prep is key for delicious, juicy turkey legs. Here are some tips:

• Remove any giblets or neck from inside the cavity: Check both the main cavity and the hip joint area. Rinse well.

• Pat the legs dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the skin. This helps the legs get crispy when cooked.

• Season under the skin: Loosen the skin from the meat and rub seasoning directly onto the meat before replacing the skin. Try a simple blend of salt, pepper and herbs.

• Coat the skin: Brush the skin with oil or melted butter then sprinkle with seasoning. The oil helps the seasonings stick and makes the skin crispy.

• Tie the legs: For more even cooking, tie the drumstick end to the thigh using kitchen string.

How to Cook Turkey Legs

Turkey legs can be prepared using a variety of cooking methods. The oven and grill tend to work best, but they can also be cooked on the stovetop.

Oven Roasted

Roasting in the oven is a simple and delicious way to cook turkey legs. Use these tips for perfect oven-roasted turkey legs:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.

• Place legs on a rack in a roasting pan so air can circulate all around.

• Roast for 60-90 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• If the skin browns too quickly, loosely tent foil over the legs.

• Baste occasionally with pan juices or melted butter for extra moisture and flavor.

Grilled

Grilling imparts delicious smoky flavor to turkey legs. Follow these tips for grilling turkey legs:

• Prepare a hot grill for indirect cooking.

• Grill over indirect heat with the lid closed for 60-75 minutes until 165°F.

• Place a drip pan under the legs to prevent flare ups.

• Flip and rotate the legs a few times for even cooking.

• Brush with barbecue sauce during the last 10-15 minutes if desired.

Stovetop Braised

Braising turkey legs on the stovetop is a quick and easy cooking method. Try this simple technique:

• Season legs all over.

• Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven.

• Brown legs well on both sides.

• Add enough liquid like broth or water to come about halfway up the legs.

• Simmer over medium-low heat for 45-60 minutes until tender and 165°F.

Slow Cooker

Let your slow cooker do the work with this simple method:

• Place seasoned legs in slow cooker.

• Add 1 cup broth or water.

• Cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender and 165°F.

• For crispy skin, broil legs for 5 minutes after slow cooking.

Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Turkey Legs

Follow these tips to help ensure your turkey legs turn out super moist and packed with flavor:

• Brine if possible: Soaking legs in a saltwater brine before cooking seasons the meat and helps it retain moisture.

• Cook to proper temperature: Overcooking is the #1 reason for dry turkey. Use a meat thermometer to determine doneness. Legs are perfect at 165°F.

• Let legs rest before carving: Resting finished legs for 10-15 minutes allows juices to redistribute for moister meat.

• Carve properly: Slice perpendicular to the bone to keep juices intact. Cut off drumstick meat in one piece.

• Serve with pan juices: Spoon juices from the bottom of the roasting pan over the carved turkey.

Serving Delicious Turkey Legs

Turkey legs make for a fun, casual meal and pair well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving ideas:

• Pair with classic Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing and cranberry sauce.

• Serve with hearty fall vegetable dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes or butternut squash.

• Top with gravy or cranberry chutney for extra flavor.

• Sandwich sliced meat in biscuits or rolls for turkey leg sliders.

• Dress up simple green salads by topping with sliced turkey meat.

• Shred and use leftover turkey in soups, casseroles, sandwiches and more.

When prepared properly, turkey legs are tender, juicy and packed with robust turkey flavor. Follow the guidance in this article for selecting, seasoning, cooking and carving turkey legs and you will be rewarded with amazing turkey every time you make it.