How Long to Boil Turkey Legs Before Grilling for Juicy, Flavorful Results

Grilling turkey legs yields incredibly moist, juicy, and flavorful results when done right. The key is boiling them first before tossing them on the grill But how long should you boil turkey legs before grilling them to perfection? Let’s find out.

Why Boil Turkey Legs Before Grilling

Boiling turkey legs before grilling allows you to infuse them with extra flavor. It also helps ensure they cook through fully and come out tender and juicy rather than dried out.

Here are some of the benefits of boiling before grilling

• Infuses seasoning and aromatics into the meat for more flavor
• Cooks the turkey legs partially so they finish quicker on the grill
• Keeps the turkey legs juicy rather than drying out from grill heat alone
• Allows you to add ingredients like herbs and spices to the boiling liquid
• Provides an extra layer of flavor from the seasoned boiling broth

How Long Should You Boil Turkey Legs?

The boiling time can vary based on the size and thickness of your turkey legs Some general guidelines

• Smaller turkey legs: 30-45 minutes
• Medium turkey legs: 45 minutes – 1 hour
• Large thick turkey legs: 1-1.5 hours

To be safe, it’s best to boil them for at least 45 minutes to an hour. This ensures they are cooked through and tenderized before grilling.

If you want them extremely fall-off-the-bone tender, boil for 1.5-2 hours. But they may fall apart easily when handling or grilling after such a long boil.

Tips for Boiling Turkey Legs

Follow these tips for properly boiling turkey legs before grilling:

• Use a large pot and add enough cool water to submerge the turkey legs fully.
• Bring the water to a gentle simmer – don’t let it boil rapidly.
• Add your choice of herbs, spices, vegetables and other aromatics to the water.
• Weigh the turkey legs down with a plate if needed to keep submerged.
• Use a thermometer and boil until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Chill the boiled legs in the broth until ready to grill.

How to Tell When Turkey Legs Are Done Boiling

It can be tricky to know when they’re done boiling without cutting into them. Here are some ways to check:

• Use an instant-read thermometer to test the internal temp.
• Poke the thickest part with a skewer – it should slide in easily.
• Try picking up a leg with tongs. If the meat starts to pull away from the bone, they’re done.
• Check that the joints move freely and loosely when wiggled.
• When boiled long enough, the meat may start to pull back from the ends of the bones.

The temperature and tenderness signs are more reliable than visual cues. So use a thermometer for best results.

Seasoning and Flavoring Ideas

One benefit of boiling first is that you can infuse lots of flavor into the turkey legs. Consider adding these ingredients to the boiling liquid:

• Herbs – rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, marjoram
• Spices – garlic, onion, peppercorns, bay leaves, chili flakes
• Vegetables – onion, carrot, celery, garlic
• Fruit – lemon, lime, orange slices
• Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce
• Wine, beer, broth, cider

Get creative and make your own signature boil flavors!

Grilling Process After Boiling

Once boiled to perfection, follow these steps for grilling:

• Pat the turkey legs dry thoroughly with paper towels.
• Apply a dry rub, herbs, and oil or glaze to the exterior.
• Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, until browned and heated through.
• Move to indirect heat if they start to char.
• Brush with glaze or oil to keep moist.
• Grill until internal temp reaches 165°F again.

The boil does most of the cooking, so they’ll need just 10-15 minutes per side on the grill. Enjoy!