I tested 4 ways to cook store bought smoked turkey legs and the results were surprising!
With the holidays approaching, turkey legs are in high demand and quite popular. But what is the best way to prep and cook them? Starting from scratch can be a mess and time consuming so I tested 4 ways to reheat store bought smoked turkey legs to find out which method was the best and why.
In this blog post, I will cover and evaluate the 4 methods I chose: oven baked, air fried, smoked and grilled. I will also explore some frequently asked questions about store bought smoked turkey legs.
Turkey legs are a quintessential part of holiday feasts and theme park fare. Their massive size and juicy flavor make them a favorite. But turkey legs vary greatly in size and weight. So how much does the average turkey leg weigh? Here’s a comprehensive guide to turkey leg weights and how to pick the right size for your meal.
The Average Turkey Leg Weight
Turkey legs are the lower portion of the bird’s leg, composed of the drumstick attached to a portion of thigh meat.Skin-on and bone-in, a full leg typically weighs between one and two and a half pounds
On the smaller side, some turkey legs clock in right around one pound or 16 ounces More commonly, they range from 15-2 pounds. Jumbo legs can reach 2.5 pounds.
Compared to the breast meat, legs contain more fat, connective tissue, and calories per pound. The rich dark meat also costs less per pound than lean white breast meat
Factors Affecting Turkey Leg Weight
Several factors impact the weight of turkey legs:
-
Breed – Heritage turkey breeds like Bourbon Reds tend to have larger legs than commercial broad-breasted turkeys.
-
Sex – Toms (male turkeys) often have bigger, meatier legs than hens (females).
-
Age – Older, more mature turkeys have larger, heavier legs than younger birds.
-
Diet – Turkeys allowed to graze and exercise develop more muscle and fat on their drumsticks and thighs.
-
Cooking method – Frying or roasting can lead to moisture loss, decreasing the weight.
Average Weight by Turkey Type
Turkey legs from different turkey types vary in size:
-
Broad-breasted: 1 – 1.75 lbs
-
Heritage breeds: 1.5 – 2.5 lbs
-
Wild turkey: 0.5 – 1 lb
-
Young turkey (4-8 months): 0.75 – 1.25 lbs
-
Mature turkey (1-2 years): 1.5 – 2.5 lbs
Picking the Right Turkey Leg Size
Choosing the ideal turkey leg size depends on your meal plans:
-
For sandwiches and single servings, opt for legs around 1 pound.
-
Feeding a crowd? Choose big 2-2.5 pound jumbo legs.
-
Match the leg size to your guests’ appetites. Large males may need bigger portions.
-
Allow one leg per person if serving as a main course.
-
Smaller legs work well for appetizers.
Discuss expected weights with your butcher or poultry supplier to source the perfect turkey legs for your needs.
How To Prepare Turkey Legs of Different Sizes
Smaller Legs
- Grill quickly over high heat, 10-15 minutes per side.
- Fry in oil for 12-18 minutes until 165°F internal temp.
Average Legs
- Grill or bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until done.
- Smoke at 225-250°F for 2-3 hours for extra flavor.
Large Legs
- Braise in liquid for 1-2 hours until fall-off-the-bone tender.
- Slow roast at 300°F for 1-2 hours until completely cooked through.
Always use a meat thermometer to verify turkey legs reach a safe 165°F. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Getting Creative with Leftover Turkey Legs
Leftover turkey legs make excellent sandwiches, soups, chili, casseroles, and more. Some delicious options:
-
Dice and add to enchiladas, posole, or pasta dishes.
-
Shred or chop for BBQ pulled turkey sandwiches.
-
Simmer in chicken noodle soup or turkey vegetable soup.
-
Top a turkey leg shepherd’s pie or pot pie.
Don’t let any precious morsels go to waste! Turkey legs add hearty flavor and nutrition to endless leftover recipes.
Choosing and Serving Turkey Legs
Focus on picking turkey legs sized appropriately for your meal plans. Cook them low and slow for a tender, fall-off-the-bone texture. Pair with favorite sides and sauces. Whether roasting a single leg for dinner or grilling up jumbo legs to feed a crowd, understanding ideal turkey leg weights helps ensure delicious results.
Frequency of Entity Mentions
Turkey legs: 21 times
Legs: 16 times
Weight/weigh: 15 times
Pounds: 7 times
Meat: 5 times
Grill: 4 times
Fry: 3 times
Bake: 2 times
Smoke: 2 times
Braise: 2 times
Roast: 2 times
Leftover: 2 times
Sandwich: 2 times
Soup: 2 times
Where can you buy pre-smoked turkey legs?
Pre-smoked turkey legs are readily available at most grocery stores, especially around the holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I was able to find these turkey legs at Walmart for about $7 each. You can also find them at Costco, Kroger’s, Publix and major food chains. You can order from a variety of online retailers and have them shipped right to your front door.
Should you season pre cooked turkey legs?
Turkey legs can be high in sodium already but still lack flavor. To kick it up a notch I like to season with a bbq rub or poultry seasoning that is low in sodium. That way the turkey does not end up too salty, but still has that great bbq flavor that we all love.
I have a great smoked chicken rub that I like to use and just reduce the salt by half. You can also use an all purpose bbq rub of your choice.
Smoked Turkey Legs | Lone Star Grillz Vertical Offset Smoker
FAQ
How many Oz is a turkey drumstick?
What size are turkey legs?
How much do Disneyland turkey legs weigh?
How much does a smoked turkey drumstick weigh?
How much does a turkey leg weigh?
Skin-on and bone-in, a full leg typically weighs between one and two and a half pounds. Like most dark meat, turkey legs are less expensive than white meat turkey breast, which is more popular in the U.S. Turkey legs are delicious and hearty roasted or grilled, but can also benefit from slow-cooking and braising.
What are turkey legs?
Turkey legs consist of the leg of the turkey from the thigh to the meat just below the knee. Aside from Thanksgiving, this dark, flavorful meat is typically served at fairs and amusement parks on-the-bone to be eaten as a handheld meal. But turkey legs can also be a budget-friendly option for everyday meals.
How much does a young turkey weigh?
Young turkeys, also known as poults, typically weigh around 2-3 pounds (0.9-1.4 kilograms). They require several months to reach full maturity. 4.
How much does a turkey weigh in a store?
When a turkey is slaughtered and prepared for sale, parts of the turkey are removed. This is why the live weights are so much higher than the average weight in the store. A turkey which was 41 lbs at slaughter, will be about 24 lbs. in the store. This means a turkey in the store is about 10-15 lbs. less of its live weight.