Are Smoked Turkey Legs Already Cooked? How to Heat Them Oven or Grill for Maximum Flavor

Each Thanksgiving, I sit down with a set of gleaming, smoked turkey legs that could make a vegetarian cringe.

Last year, I discovered that reheating these babies is an art in itself. See, my very first attempt to revive smoked turkey legs ended up being much more of a medieval weapon than a feast. So, I embarked on a culinary quest to master the reheating process, and, dear reader, I have emerged victorious.

And let us face it: simply thinking about those smokey, tender legs makes your mouth water, right?

But the road to perfection isn’t without its risks, and it can end in dry, chewy disappointments. Fear not! I cracked the code and am here to show you the easy steps to making your smoked turkey legs as tender and flavorful as they were out of the smoker.

I’ve learned my trade and am currently sharing my secrets, so grab an apron and get those taste buds dancing!

Smoked turkey legs are a popular snack or meal at theme parks, carnivals fairs and backyard barbecues. Their iconic look and smoky salty flavor make them an irresistible treat. But one question many people have is – are smoked turkey legs already cooked when you buy them?

The short answer is yes smoked turkey legs are fully cooked during the smoking process. However, for food safety and the best texture you’ll want to reheat them properly before eating. Read on to learn more about how smoked turkey legs are prepared, if they’re precooked, food safety guidance, and the best ways to reheat them at home for maximum flavor.

How Are Smoked Turkey Legs Prepared?

Smoked turkey legs go through a lengthy process before they end up deliciously charred at your local fair or barbecue joint. First the leg quarters are brined which helps infuse flavor and keeps them moist during cooking. The brining liquid typically contains salt, sugar, spices and sometimes nitrites.

After brining, the turkey legs are smoked slowly over a wood fire. Hickory and mesquite are common woods used to impart that iconic smoke flavor. Smoking times can range from 4-8 hours at low temperatures between 180-250°F. This low and slow smoking tenderizes the meat and infuses it with smoky flavor while fully cooking the turkey legs.

The smoked turkey legs may then be chilled, frozen and distributed to vendors. Right before serving, they are quickly grilled or charred to add flavor and give that appealing blackened exterior.

Are Smoked Turkey Legs Safe to Eat Without Reheating?

While smoked turkey legs are precooked, the USDA recommends reheating them to 165°F for food safety. The low-temperature smoking method could allow bacteria to survive, and reheating ensures any pathogens are killed.

Reheating to 165°F also improves the texture, making the meat more tender and moist. Cold smoked turkey meat can become dry and chewy.

So for the safest and most appetizing smoked turkey legs, it’s best to reheat them thoroughly to 165°F before enjoying.

How to Reheat Smoked Turkey Legs in the Oven

One of the easiest ways to reheat smoked turkey legs is in the oven. Simply preheat your oven to 325-350°F and arrange the turkey legs on a sheet pan. Reheat for 15-20 minutes until the thickest part of the meat reaches 165°F. For extra moisture, you can coat them with olive oil or brush with barbecue sauce before reheating.

Here are a few more oven reheating tips:

Let frozen smoked turkey legs thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Increase oven time to 30-40 minutes for frozen.
Wrap legs in foil to help retain moisture. Avoid tightly wrapping to allow steam to escape.
Elevate legs on a cooling rack over the sheet pan so hot air circulates all around.
Bake at 350°F for best results. Higher temperatures may dry out the exterior before the center is hot.
Brush with barbecue sauce or other glazes the last 5 minutes only to avoid burning.

Reheating in the oven is quick and easy while still yielding juicy, tender smoked turkey legs.

How to Reheat Smoked Turkey Legs on the Grill

For the best texture and flavor, reheating smoked turkey legs on a hot grill or barbecue is ideal. The high heat helps recreate that crispy, charred exterior while cooking the interior safely to temperature.

Here is a simple grilling method:

Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F.
Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Place legs directly over heat and grill for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating occasionally for even cooking.
Brush with barbecue sauce during last few minutes if desired.
Grill until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

The hot grill sears the outside while heating the interior to a safe temperature. Always use a meat thermometer to verify doneness.

How to Reheat Smoked Turkey Legs in a Slow Cooker

Using a slow cooker is another hands-off reheating method. Simply add smoked turkey legs to the slow cooker, cover with barbecue sauce, and cook on low for 3-4 hours until heated through.

The relatively low temperature and moist environment will gently reheat the turkey legs without drying them out. Wrap each leg in foil to further seal in moisture.

Smoked Turkey Leg Storage and Food Safety Tips

To safely enjoy smoked turkey legs:

Store uncooked turkey legs for no more than 1-2 days in the refrigerator. Freeze for longer storage.
Consume reheated smoked turkey legs within 3-4 days. Discard if they have an off smell or appearance.
Refrigerate any uneaten portions promptly and reheat to 165°F before consuming again.
Discard after 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Do not consume if spoiled.

By following these simple guidelines, you can safely reheat and enjoy smoked turkey legs to the fullest!

Satisfy Your Craving for Smoked Turkey Legs

Smoked turkey legs hold a special place in many people’s hearts. Now that you know they’re fully cooked during smoking, and how to properly reheat them at home, you can satisfy your fair food craving any time!

Reheating them in the oven, on the grill or in the slow cooker ensures they are hot and safe to eat while delivering the same delicious flavor you’d get from your favorite fair or barbecue joint. Brush with sauce right at the end for extra flavor.

So go ahead and enjoy this smokehouse classic in your own kitchen! Just remember to reheat thoroughly to 165°F. Now who’s ready for a tasty smoked turkey leg?

are smoked turkey legs already cooked

Side Dishes that Complement Smoked Turkey Legs.

I make a huge pot of mashed potatoes or corn salad as a side dish for the turkey legs. I like sides that don’t overpower the smoky taste of the turkey.

Do smoked turkey legs need to be thawed before being cooked?

Yes, you can thaw smoked turkey legs overnight in the fridge. Thawing helps with even reheating and maintains the texture.

How to Prepare Store Bought Smoked Turkey Legs. Quick and Easy Short Cut Jerk BBQ or Any BBQ Sauce

FAQ

Is smoked turkey considered fully cooked?

Butterball Smoked Whole Turkeys are fully cooked and ready to eat. They can be used in recipes calling for cooked turkey without prior heating. The pink color of the meat comes from smoking and curing and is not a sign of undercooked meat.

How long do I heat up an already smoked turkey leg?

Reheating – To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with a loosely fitted piece of foil. Place in a 350°F oven and warm for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until heated through. Turkey legs are cooked when an instant read thermometer registers to 165°F.

How long does it take for a smoked turkey leg to get tender?

How Long to Smoke Turkey Legs? Smoke turkey drumsticks until the meat browns and becomes very tender – typically about three to four hours. Smoked turkey legs are done when the internal temperature registers 170 F. Be sure that your meat thermometer is not touching drumstick bones when measuring.

Is smoked turkey leg supposed to be pink?

Turkey, fresh pork, ground beef or veal can remain pink even after cooking to temperatures of 160°F. and higher. The meat of smoked turkey is always pink. To understand some of the causes of “pinking” or “pinkening” in fresh turkey, it is important to know first what gives meat its natural color.