How Long to Cook Turkey Legs in a Crockpot for Perfectly Tender Meat

Cooking turkey legs in a crockpot is a great hands-off way to prepare flavorful tender dark meat. With the right techniques times, and temperatures, you can easily achieve fall-off-the-bone turkey legs from your slow cooker. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook turkey legs in a crockpot, including ideal size, cook times, temperature, seasoning, and more.

Choosing the Right Size Turkey Legs

When cooking turkey legs in a crockpot, it’s important to choose drumsticks that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Look for turkey legs that are around 1 to 1.5 pounds each. Smaller or thinner legs may end up overcooked and dried out. Go for drumsticks that are thick and meaty.

For a standard 6-quart crockpot, allow around 2 pounds of turkey legs per 2 people. You can fit up to 4 medium turkey legs comfortably in a 6-qt slow cooker. Scale up for larger capacities.

Seasoning Your Turkey Legs

One of the best parts about crockpot turkey legs is that the low, moist heat allows seasonings to deeply penetrate the meat. This results in turkey that is bursting with flavor.

Some classic seasoning mixes for turkey legs include:

• Poultry seasoning – A blend of thyme, sage, marjoram, rosemary, and nutmeg
• Onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• Jerk seasoning – Spicy and robust Caribbean flavors
• Cajun seasoning – A zesty blend that’s big on paprika, cayenne, onions, and garlic
• Ranch seasoning – Great for those who love the cool tang of ranch
• Rotisserie seasoning – Heavy on savory herbs and spices like paprika, oregano, and garlic

Generously coat the turkey legs with olive oil or melted butter first, then rub the seasoning mixes all over. This helps the flavors adhere.

Cook Times for Turkey Legs in a Crockpot

The cooking time can vary substantially based on the size and amount of drumsticks, so use these general guidelines:

• 2 turkey legs (1-1.5 lbs each) – Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours.
• 4 turkey legs (1-1.5 lbs each) – Cook on LOW for 7-9 hours or on HIGH for 5-6 hours.
• 6 turkey legs (1-1.5 lbs each) – Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 6-8 hours.

For best results, cook until the meat thermometer reads 165°F and the juices run clear. The meat should be very tender and easy to pull clean off the bone

What Temperature to Cook Turkey Legs?

Crockpots cook between 190°F on LOW and 300°F on HIGH. For tender fall-off-the-bone turkey legs, the ideal internal temperature is 165°F.

Use a digital instant-read thermometer to monitor doneness. Insert it into the thickest part of the drumstick, down near the bone. When it reads 165°F, the turkey legs are cooked through.

Should You Add Liquid?

You don’t need to add any liquid when cooking turkey legs in a crockpot. The drumsticks will release their own juices as they cook low and slow, creating plenty of natural moisture.

Pouring broth, stock or water into the slow cooker can actually dilute flavor and make the turkey taste bland. Just rub on the seasonings and cook until tender.

Can You Cook Frozen Turkey Legs in a Crockpot?

It is safe to cook frozen turkey legs in the crockpot as long as you allow for extra time. Figure an additional 4-6 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH.

For food safety, don’t increase the temperature to speed up the thawing. Keep it on LOW and let them slowly defrost as they cook through. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer.

Tips for Maximizing Flavor

Here are some easy ways to get the most flavor out of your crockpot turkey legs:

• Brine first – Soaking the legs in a saltwater brine imparts moisture and seasons the meat all the way through.
• Use a rub – Coat with spices, herbs, brown sugar, citrus zest, or other dry rubs for tons of flavor.
• Sear first – Quickly browning the legs on the stovetop before slow cooking caramelizes the exterior.
• Finish under the broiler – Place under the broiler for 5 minutes at the end to crisp and brown the skin.
• Make a sauce – Drizzle with barbecue sauce or make a gravy from the juices.

Common Problems and Solutions

Follow these troubleshooting tips if your crockpot turkey legs don’t turn out quite right:

Turkey legs are dry and stringy – Cook longer, use smaller legs, or add more liquid next time.

Turkey legs cook unevenly – Choose legs that are similar in size and arrange in a single layer.

Turkey legs lack flavor – Be generous with seasoning and rubs or brine the meat first.

Skin isn’t crisp – Finish under the broiler or use your air fryer to crisp the skin after.

Meat near bone is pink – Check temperature with a meat thermometer, not color. Cook until 165°F.

The Perfect Crockpot Turkey Leg Recipe

This simple recipe results in flavorful, juicy turkey legs every time. The mixture of savory spices gives a classic flavor profile.

Ingredients:

• 4 turkey legs (1-1.5 lbs each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tsp poultry seasoning
• 1 tsp each salt, onion powder, oregano
• 1/2 tsp each pepper, garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Pat turkey legs dry and coat with olive oil. Mix together poultry seasoning and remaining spices. Generously season legs with spice mix.
2. Place legs in a 6-qt crockpot and cook on LOW for 7-9 hours or HIGH for 5-6 hours.
3. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, cook until 165°F.
4. For crispy skin, broil 5 minutes before serving.

With the proper cook times, temperatures, and seasoning, you can easily achieve tender, flavorful turkey drumsticks from your crockpot. The next time you’re looking for an fuss-free way to prepare dark turkey meat, give crockpot turkey legs a try. Enjoy!